Neurontin, which is the brand name of the generic drug Gabapentin, is used to treat patients with epilepsy. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1994. Since that time, it also as been frequently used “off-label” to treat migraines and bipolar disorder. Some studies have shown that it is more effect than typical bipolar treatments, such as lithium. As a result of its frequent off-label usage, the sales of Neurontin surpass a billion dollars each year.

Despite the popularity of the drug for its varying uses, the drug has the potential for serious side effects. While it is not illegal for a doctor to prescribe drugs for reasons other than they were intended, it can be dangerous. The reason for this is that the Food and Drug Administration only approved the drug for epilepsy, and the drug manufacturer did not properly study the drug for these other uses. This may have a role in the reason that Neurontin has led to so many adverse side effects.

The varying side effects include kidney problems, tremors, drowsiness and lack of alertness, dizziness, fatigue, swelling of hands and feet, joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, children who take the drug have experienced behavioral side effects such as aggression, hostility, anger, hyperactivity, and anxiety, in addition to the side effects mentioned above. These side effects occur with varying levels of frequency, and some patients experience several of the side effects at once.

Some of the most serious side effects reported are depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts by people on the drug. This is ironic given that the off-label use to treat bipolar disease would suggest that the drug should prevent this type of disturbance, rather than create it. However, patient deaths from suicide while taking Neurontin have been reported and have led to lawsuits against the drug manufacturer. What makes this side effect even more alarming is that suicidal thoughts have been reported in both adults and children taking the drug. Considering that the drug is approved for use in children as young as three years old, this is very troubling.

If you, or perhaps your child, have taken Neurontin and suffered from one or more of these side effects, you should contact an attorney. There are certain personal injury attorneys who specialize in these types of cases involving lawsuits against drug companies. Although it may seem daunting to fight against a big corporation when you are just one person, know that your attorney will be behind you the entire way to give you the support you need. The attorney has been through this before and can help you every step of the way.

When you first speak with an attorney, they will need to look at all of your medical records and learn about your history with Neurontin and the side effects that you have experienced. Through all of this information, the attorney will get a good sense about what type of case you have and how successful you might be in a lawsuit against the drug company. Because the attorney has experience in these types of cases, he will be able to advise you regarding what types of damages you may be able to ask for and what amount of money you may be able to recover.

You will not know if you can recover your monetary losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, from the drug company until you speak with an attorney. It is for that reason that you should contact an attorney today.