Neurontin allegedly causing Suicidal Behavior

Ever 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.