The following exerpts come from the web:

OVERVIEW:

Pain Differentiation Tool: Different kinds of pain originate from different sources. Use this tool to help you talk with your doctor about the type of pain you are experiencing. LINK.

Pain Assessment Tool: Use this simple tool to measure your level of pain. Use this tool to talk to your doctor about the level of pain you are experiencing. LINK

NEURONTIN is manufactured by Pfizer Inc.

Available for more than a decade, NEURONTIN has helped millions of patients who suffer from epilepsy and more recently, the often severe and debilitating pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

 LINK

NEURONTIN is an FDA-approved oral medication for management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is the pain that lasts one to three months after shingles has healed. In studies of PHN, NEURONTIN greatly reduced patients' pain.

NEURONTIN may begin to work as early as 1 week after you start treatment. For some people, it may take longer to work. For others, the pain may not get better.

DOSE:
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Dosing:

NEURONTIN comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid. Your doctor will tell you how to take NEURONTIN. He or she will also tell you how much you need to take. Your doctor will probably start you at a lower dose. He or she may then increase to a higher dose. If you do not get enough relief, talk to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems. Also tell your doctor if you may be or plan to become pregnant.

If you take antacids, wait 2 hours before you take NEURONTIN. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking morphine or any other medication.

Do not stop taking NEURONTIN before talking to your doctor.

Click on an indication for specific dosing information.

• Postherpetic Neuralgia Dosing
• Partial Seizures in Adults Dosing
• Partial Seizures in Children Dosing

SIDE EFFECTS:
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Side Effects:

Like all medicines, NEURONTIN may cause side effects. Common ones are feeling drowsy, dizzy, or weak. Some patients may have swelling of the hands or feet. Some patients may have diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild to moderate. Patients should not drive or use complex machines until they know how NEURONTIN affects them.

If you have other side effects, talk to your doctor.

Postherpetic neuralgia (post-her-PET-tick noo-RAL-juh) or PHN is pain that continues after the rash from shingles heals. It is caused by nerve damage from shingles.

Anyone who had shingles can get PHN. In the United States, about 10% to 15% of people who have had shingles get PHN. It is more common in people 60 years of age or older. But you can also get PHN if you

• Had a very bad rash when you had shingles
• Had a lot of pain from shingles
• Felt pain before your shingles rash started
• Have trouble fighting infections (such as from cancer or an organ transplant)

You usually get PHN in places where you had the shingles rash.

Neuropathic pain is different from muscle pain. Your doctor may refer to muscle pain as "musculoskeletal" or "nociceptive" pain.

Neuropathic pain can feel

• Stabbing
• Burning
• Electric-shock–like

Muscle pain often feels

• Tender
• Achy
• Stiff

PAIN ASSESSMENT

1. Have you had shingles recently?

2. Do you have pain in the places where you had the shingles rash?

3. Does your pain feel burning, stabbing, or shock-like?

4. How severe is your pain?

 0-4 (None - Mild)
 4-7 (Mild - Moderate)
 7-10 (Moderate - Severe)

If you answered yes to any of these questions, talk to your doctor. You can print this assessment to bring to your doctor visit. Ask your doctor if your pain could be PHN. And remember, if it is PHN, it can be treated.

PAIN DIARY

This printable journal will help you

• Work well with your doctor to help manage your postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain
• Manage your doctor appointments
• Remember to refill your NEURONTIN prescription

After you print a journal

• Each day fill in the date
• Fill in your answers to each of the questions
• Write down your doctor's appointments so you don't forget them (and bring this journal with you)
• Write down when you need to get your NEURONTIN prescription refilled

Click here for the Printable Pain Diary

Fill in this journal/diary each day. This journal will help you:

• Work well with your doctor to help manage your postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain
• Remember your doctor appointments
• Remember to refill your NEURONTIN^® (gabapentin)

Here’s how to use it:

1. Print the Pain Diary.
2. Fill in the date.
3. Fill in your answers to these questions:
   • Did you take your NEURONTIN? (Check yes or no.)
   • How many NEURONTIN pills did you take?
   • How bad was your pain today? (Use the pain scale in this journal to help describe your pain.)
   • Did your pain stop you from doing anything? (Write your answer on the lines at the bottom of each page.)
4. Write down your doctor appointments so you don’t forget them (and bring this journal with you). Write down when you need to get your NEURONTIN refilled.