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Neurontin allegedly causing Suicidal Behavior

Neurontin suicide side effects lawsuitsEver since Neurontin has been on the market, there have been reports of suicidal behavior and death in those taking the drug. Neurontin (generic name: gabapentin) has been approved by the FDA and prescribed by millions of physicians for two different ailments: controlling seizures and reducing pain caused by shingles. While the FDA and the drug company continue to receive reports of suicidal behaviours on patients taking Neurontin, Pfizer continues to promote the dangerous drug which brought in over $2 billion in 2004.

In 1993, the FDA approved Neurontin for use as an anti-convulsant for people suffering from partial seizures associated with epilepsy. This treatment is currently prescribed to children and adults suffering from simple and complex seizures and often used in conjunction with another treatment.

Neurontin has also been FDA-approved for the management of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is common for those with herpes or shingles, typically those over 60 years of age. It is recognized as a burning or stabbing persistent pain which occurs before or after a herpes skin rash outbreak.

Neurontin Side Effects

Suicidal behavior/attempted suicide, paranoia, memory loss, hostility, unsteadiness, severe mania, depression, abnormal thinking, lack of coordination, dizziness, drowsiness, water retention, nausea and/or vomiting, ataxia (inability to control muscles), fatigue, and/or viral infection.

In 2004, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Neurontin (previously Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert), pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful activity by Warner-Lambert in the promotion and marketing of Neurontin for unapproved uses and agreed to a $430 million settlement. Before this settlement, thousands of patients were prescribed Neurontin for non-approved uses such as:
• bipolar disorder;
• pain syndromes, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy ;
• treatment of epilepsy alone (monotherapy);
• reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD);
• attention deficit disorder (ADD);
• restless leg syndrome (RLS);
• trigeminal neuralgia;
• essential tremor;
• migraines ;
• chronic pain; and
• drug and alcohol withdrawal seizures.
A leading law firm is investigating the association of Neurontin and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.



Neurontin In the News

May-26-06: Off-label usage of Neurontin increases risk of suicidal behaviors. [SIERRA TIMES]

May-04-06: Drugs that are prescribed for "off label" use can cause untold trauma and damage. [COURIER POST]

Apr-20-05: The U.S. FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has requested all 14 epilepsy drug makers to review their company data on correlation to suicidal behavior and thoughts. Approximately 2.7 million Americans suffer from epilepsy. Pfizer's Neurontin is the No. 1 seller of anti-seizure medications but it is also prescribed for pain. [USA TODAY]

May-01-05: Neurontin is an epilepsy drug that is being prescribed off label for treating pain because it is not a use approved by the Food and Drug Administration. There are thousands of families across the U.S. who claim Pfizer is responsible for their loved ones committing or attempting suicide. [SAN FRANSISCO CHRONICLE]

Apr-29-05: Pfizer Inc. voluntarily recalled 40,000 bottles of 100 mg capsules of Neurontin. A manufacturing mechanical failure resulted in empty or partially filled capsules. Neurontin is taken to control epilepsy and patients could experience seizures from missed doses. [ FRONTLINE SOLUTIONS ]

Register your Neurontin Complaint

If you or a loved one have attempted suicide, or a loved one has committed suicide, while taking Neurontin, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible Neurontin lawsuit. Please click the link below to send your Neurontin complaint to a Neurontin lawyer for a free case evaluation.

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READER COMMENTS

Posted by

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Thought was helping wanted to die hurt so bad can't not take now or can't slp can't breath barrly walking o need help with my case

Posted by

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My son committed suicide in 2015. He had high levels of this drug in his system. This drug was only the only drug in his system. I blame this drug for his death because he was not suicidal before.

Posted by

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800 mg neurontin for a year for back pain . I can’t stop taking this drug because I became suicidal every time . I don’t know what to do

Posted by

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My dad was on this medicine and just committed suicide 2 weeks ago. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated

Posted by

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Not long afterwards I was fired from my job. My son was nearby when it happened and may have been traumatized by the event. The whole event caused me great worry and aggravated my depression and may have helped contribute towards my decline from then on into drug use and crime.

Posted by

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I overdosed on pills with three of my children, two of my grandchildren and my husband home. I have never been suicidal in my life. I was put on it after an injury I suffered while in the Army. It has taken a toll on my family as they had to witness my lifeless body being carried to an ambulance.

Posted by

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I can no longer be gainfully employed. I have lost all my friends. I am extremely withdrawn. There are periods of time that I don't know what day or month it is. I don't sleep at night any more.

Posted by

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I have intense suicidal ideations. I have not been able to work for three weeks and it has interfered with my work for 6 months, probably $20,000 in lost wages, not to mention the emotional pain.

Posted by

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I suffered through intense depression during my time on Neurontin, and didn't understand what was happening to me. I felt foggy-headed and suffered from strange pains. I sought help for my depression several times between 2005 and 2006 for my depression that only worsened. In 2007 I overdosed and was in ICU. The depression and the resultant medical bills led to my divorce in 2008.

Posted by

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My husband committed suicide 8/3/07. He was prescribed on 7/20/07 for a possible nerve problem in his left shoulder and arm areas. I lost my husband!

Posted by

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Severe guilt & anxiety knowing my son's death might have been prevented. My son will never come back, but want to do anything I can to help prevent someone this from happening to anyone else. Had not heard of Neurontin/suicide connection until someone mentioned it after my son's death.

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