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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 202 to 226 of 251. Go back in thread:
Posted by Elizabeth on June 25, 2001, at 6:01:08
In reply to NEURONTIN is not in the same class. . ., posted by Zo on June 24, 2001, at 15:55:33
> . . as depakote, or Klonopin. It is not addictive, or habit-forming, and while no med can be ruled out as having a negative effect on someone, Neurontin works for many conditions such as anxiety, TLE and pain by caliming the excitable GABA receptor sites.
GABA is an *inhibitory* (not excitatory) neurotransmitter, so drugs that activate GABA receptors, inhibit the metabolism of GABA (e.g., Nardil and vigabatrin), block the GABA transporter (e.g., tiagabine), or potentiate the effects of endogenous GABA (e.g., benzodiazepines), cause *decreased* firing and CNS depression (*not* the same thing as "depressed mood"). This is thought to be the basis for their efficacy in the treatment of seizures, anxiety, and mania.
Neurontin's molecular structure resembles that of GABA, so it was natural for researchers to hypothesise that it might produce its effects through GABA-ergic actions. Last I checked, though, nobody had been able to figure out what the stuff does. It is not a GABA-A agonist or a promotor of GABA release. Some research suggests that it may be an agonist at certain GABA-B receptors, however. Another possibility is that it increases GABA activity and/or decreases glutamate activity via enzyme induction. It does seem to alter GABA turnover, a property shared by some other anxiolytic drugs.
Interestingly, I found that Neurontin actually *felt* sort of like Xanax, although it was not as effective for panic disorder. (I probably didn't try a high enough dose; since I didn't have problems with sedation, I've considered giving it another try.) It's not clear whether Neurontin is as effective for anxiety as the benzos are, but there are some studies and anecdotal reports suggesting that it may be worth trying for sufferers of anxiety or mixed anxiety/mood disorders.
> Altho it was hell to get on and ramp up, because of daytime fogginess, it has been nothing but beneficial to me, and is remarkably non-toxic. No comparison to other anticonvulsants, which can be nasty buggers.
Lamictal, which has gained some popularity as an antidepressant-anticonvulsant for people with bipolar-spectrum disorders, is also pretty much free of side effects (and usually isn't sedating the way that Neurontin can be for some people). Lamictal might be a better first choice for people whose problems are more associated with depression or mood swings, while Neurontin may be preferable for those with major anxiety disorders.
-elizabeth
Posted by gilbert on June 25, 2001, at 20:00:18
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Zo, posted by Elizabeth on June 25, 2001, at 6:01:08
Hi Elizabeth..........welcome back,
I have found xanax to have less side effects and to be more stable for panic than nerontin. I know some are getting good effetcs fromnerontin though.Gil.
Posted by Elizabeth on June 27, 2001, at 6:00:12
In reply to welcome back, posted by gilbert on June 25, 2001, at 20:00:18
> Hi Elizabeth..........welcome back,
Hi to you. I'm glad to be back.
> I have found xanax to have less side effects and to be more stable for panic than nerontin. I know some are getting good effetcs fromnerontin though.
That's about what I would expect. I don't have very frequent attacks (since I take ADs), and Neurontin seemed to do some good. It ended up not being worth it because it didn't help with the depression (the real tough problem for me) and I was getting the munchies a lot on it. (I had a real problem with weight gain on Nardil and don't want to repeat that.)
-elizabeth
Posted by Zo on June 28, 2001, at 1:46:20
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Zo, posted by Elizabeth on June 25, 2001, at 6:01:08
> Lamictal, which has gained some popularity as an antidepressant-anticonvulsant for people with bipolar-spectrum disorders, is also pretty much free of side effects (and usually isn't sedating the way that Neurontin can be for some people). Lamictal might be a better first choice for people whose problems are more associated with depression or mood swings, while Neurontin may be preferable for those with major anxiety disorders.
>What these drugs have in common, and what Bipolar, TLE (which I have) and certain other conditions have in common, and what Neurontin seems to "de-excite" is the interest effect of Kindling. It has also been of significant, life-changing help with my CFS / muscle pain / Stage 4 sleep.
Lamactil, interestingly, did not "feel" the same way at all, subjectively, and I never was able to find a good dose. . . for me, it wasn't tolerable.
Neurontin *can*, despite what you may have heard, be taken all at bed. Taken this way, I have no sedation during the day. . and have no break-thru pain or TLE.
Zo
Posted by Annabelle on June 28, 2001, at 8:40:32
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by Zo on June 28, 2001, at 1:46:20
> >
It has also been of significant, life-changing help with my CFS / muscle pain / Stage 4 sleep.
>
Taken this way, I have no sedation during the day. . and have no break-thru pain or TLE.Zo....read this with interest as I have chronic muscle spasm in Trap, and occassional muscle pain all over. I have been taking Klonopin and recently Neurontin. Did Neurontin work with your muscle pain?? What dose??? Neurontin worked with my pain for a couple of months. Actually this spasm has been getting worse and the only thing that will calm it down is Klonopin. So...I only take .5, but it makes me so tired. I need to call my prescribing Psych Nurse to see what else I can do. My Neuroligist is scheduling a visit to the Pain Clinic for perhaps a Botox shot, but that could take months.
AM I REPEATING MYSELF???? I think I babbled all of this stuff before, BUT I am interested in hearing from anyone with muscle pain.
Annie
Posted by Zo on June 28, 2001, at 19:27:36
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Zo, posted by Annabelle on June 28, 2001, at 8:40:32
No exaggeration, Neurontin took care of my muscle pain and spasms, of 18-year duration (CFS.)
What dose are you on? I was on Neurontin-L, and while I maxxed out at 900 mg, and am now down to 600 at bed, there were people with severe FM pain taking in the 2,000-3,000 range.
Zo
Posted by Annabelle on June 28, 2001, at 19:50:49
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Zo, posted by Annabelle on June 28, 2001, at 8:40:32
Zo, Wow, that is a high dose. The pain just stinks doesn't it? And you suffered with it for 18 years???.... I am only on 600 in the a.m. and 600 in the p.m. So I might try all at once at night and see if that works. Everything was working for a while, but with age and more wear and tear on the crooked old neck no wonder it is getting worse.
Thanks for all your help... I really appreciate your input to this 'babble'.
Annie
Posted by Lorraine on June 28, 2001, at 20:14:22
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by Annabelle on June 28, 2001, at 19:50:49
I'm not the expert on these things, but I think I remember reading here that with Neurontin the body cannot use more than 600mg at a time--hence the split dose.
Posted by Alan on June 28, 2001, at 23:56:22
In reply to Re: Addictive meds, posted by Annabelle on June 25, 2001, at 5:37:57
Thank you for your wonderful insights regarding benzos and "addiction". You have the talents of a writer AND a doc kind of rolled into one. It's so refreshing. Are you either? I'm kind of new here and enjoy your insights and command of the science too.
What is your take on those that suffer chronic anxiety disorders and have been on a benzo to treat for periods of perhaps 10 or more years?
Do you feel that long term constant treatment with no escalation has any downside, even if there are no plans to discontinue and efficacy has been proven?Also, have you ever heard of mediating the effect of fluctuating levels of a shorter acting benzo through the use of acheiving a steady state (lower) dose of Neurontin? How would this make sense - or not - in light of complaints of interdose withdrawls?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Alan
Posted by Alan on June 29, 2001, at 0:00:07
In reply to Re: Addictive meds }} Elizabeth, posted by Alan on June 28, 2001, at 23:56:22
Sorry for asking but,
How does one get the "TO" abbreviation that looks like }} ? What key do you hit?
Thanks,
Alan
Posted by Elizabeth on June 30, 2001, at 0:02:55
In reply to Re: Addictive meds }} Elizabeth, posted by Alan on June 28, 2001, at 23:56:22
Alan,
Thank you for your compliments. They are much appreciated.
> What is your take on those that suffer chronic anxiety disorders and have been on a benzo to treat for periods of perhaps 10 or more years?
> Do you feel that long term constant treatment with no escalation has any downside, even if there are no plans to discontinue and efficacy has been proven?No. Some people do develop (or perhaps, come to notice) cognitive problems with long-term benzo use, and in this case it may be better to taper off the benzo gradually. The scenario you've described is not uncommon, and there is no good reason for going off a drug that continues to work and is well tolerated, especially when going off it has the potential to be seriously disruptive (and discontinuing benzos, especially after long-term use, can be very disruptive, not only because withdrawal symptoms are to be expected, but also simply because the anxiety disorder will return).
> Also, have you ever heard of mediating the effect of fluctuating levels of a shorter acting benzo through the use of acheiving a steady state (lower) dose of Neurontin? How would this make sense - or not - in light of complaints of interdose withdrawls?
I would think it would make sense to switch to a longer-acting benzo. Klonopin and Tranxene are my favourites. Neurontin is relatively short-acting itself.
BTW, to get " > > Elizabeth" in the title of your reply, just check the "add name of previous poster" box under the Subject: line.
best,
-elizabeth
Posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 1:00:55
In reply to Re: Addictive meds » Alan, posted by Elizabeth on June 30, 2001, at 0:02:55
> Alan,
>
> Thank you for your compliments. They are much appreciated.
>
> > What is your take on those that suffer chronic anxiety disorders and have been on a benzo to treat for periods of perhaps 10 or more years?
> > Do you feel that long term constant treatment with no escalation has any downside, even if there are no plans to discontinue and efficacy has been proven?
>
> No. Some people do develop (or perhaps, come to notice) cognitive problems with long-term benzo use, and in this case it may be better to taper off the benzo gradually. The scenario you've described is not uncommon, and there is no good reason for going off a drug that continues to work and is well tolerated, especially when going off it has the potential to be seriously disruptive (and discontinuing benzos, especially after long-term use, can be very disruptive, not only because withdrawal symptoms are to be expected, but also simply because the anxiety disorder will return).
>
> > Also, have you ever heard of mediating the effect of fluctuating levels of a shorter acting benzo through the use of acheiving a steady state (lower) dose of Neurontin? How would this make sense - or not - in light of complaints of interdose withdrawls?
>
> I would think it would make sense to switch to a longer-acting benzo. Klonopin and Tranxene are my favourites. Neurontin is relatively short-acting itself.
>
> BTW, to get " > > Elizabeth" in the title of your reply, just check the "add name of previous poster" box under the Subject: line.
>
> best,
> -elizabeth
*******************************************
Thanks elizabeth -The partial problem is that the shorter acting Ativan is needed at about 5 MGS on only 3 - 4 days per week for performance anxiety (eves.)while the other days it would be too much.
To keep from being overmedicated on the other days, only 3 MGS are needed. This is where the Nurontin comes in to mediate.
The klon. is too long acting and causes clumsiness anyway at the dosage to be effective in my kind of work and I would feel terribly hung over at the dosage for "off" days compared to "on" days.
It's kind of a special social anxiety subcatagory that I have not been able to treat any other way.
Are there any other ways to treat under these special circumstances that I've outlined or do you think the idea of a mood stabiliser is as good as any that might come to mind?
Best,
Alan (a fellow Chicagoan!)
Thanks for the tip thing.
Posted by Lorraine on June 30, 2001, at 11:09:31
In reply to Re: Addictive meds » Elizabeth, posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 1:00:55
>
> Thanks elizabeth -
>
> The partial problem is that the shorter acting Ativan is needed at about 5 MGS on only 3 - 4 days per week for performance anxiety (eves.)while the other days it would be too much.
>
> To keep from being overmedicated on the other days, only 3 MGS are needed. This is where the Nurontin comes in to mediate.
>
> The klon. is too long acting and causes clumsiness anyway at the dosage to be effective in my kind of work and I would feel terribly hung over at the dosage for "off" days compared to "on" days.
>
> It's kind of a special social anxiety subcatagory that I have not been able to treat any other way.
>
> Are there any other ways to treat under these special circumstances that I've outlined or do you think the idea of a mood stabiliser is as good as any that might come to mind?
*********************************************
What about beta blockers, Alan? I think that performers use these a lot for performance anxiety.
Posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 15:05:49
In reply to Re: Addictive meds, posted by Lorraine on June 30, 2001, at 11:09:31
> >
> > Thanks elizabeth -
> >
> > The partial problem is that the shorter acting Ativan is needed at about 5 MGS on only 3 - 4 days per week for performance anxiety (eves.)while the other days it would be too much.
> >
> > To keep from being overmedicated on the other days, only 3 MGS are needed. This is where the Nurontin comes in to mediate.
> >
> > The klon. is too long acting and causes clumsiness anyway at the dosage to be effective in my kind of work and I would feel terribly hung over at the dosage for "off" days compared to "on" days.
> >
> > It's kind of a special social anxiety subcatagory that I have not been able to treat any other way.
> >
> > Are there any other ways to treat under these special circumstances that I've outlined or do you think the idea of a mood stabiliser is as good as any that might come to mind?
> *********************************************
> What about beta blockers, Alan? I think that performers use these a lot for performance anxiety.
*******************************************
Yes, I do use them but they only take care of some of the physiological symptoms and not the psychological ones. Thanks for the good suggestion though!Best,
Alan
Posted by Elizabeth on June 30, 2001, at 17:47:37
In reply to Re: Addictive meds » Elizabeth, posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 1:00:55
> The partial problem is that the shorter acting Ativan is needed at about 5 MGS on only 3 - 4 days per week for performance anxiety (eves.)while the other days it would be too much.
>
> To keep from being overmedicated on the other days, only 3 MGS are needed. This is where the Nurontin comes in to mediate.Huh. So it doesn't work to just take the Ativan as needed -- 5 mg on the days you need that much, 3 mg on the other days? I can see how that could cause some ups and downs -- Ativan is pretty short-acting.
The Neurontin idea might be worth a try. It's kind of short-acting too. I've heard of some people taking the entire dose at bedtime, but I don't know how well that would work for your purposes. My other thought would be to use a small dose of a long-acting benzo (Klonopin, Tranxene) -- not enough to cause sedation, ataxia, or other unwanted side effects -- in the "background," and take the Ativan on top of that as needed. That might smooth things out.
> It's kind of a special social anxiety subcatagory that I have not been able to treat any other way.
Can you tell me more about that? Have you tried antidepressants? That might seem like overkill, but some of them (phenelzine especially) can be extremely effective for social anxiety, especially if you take benzos along with them.
> Alan (a fellow Chicagoan!)
Oops, didn't mean to mislead. I'm afraid I'm not from Chicago: I was recommending it as a place to find good doctors in the Midwest. Our own Dr. Bob, for example. < g >
best,
-elizabeth
Posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 19:21:07
In reply to your problem » Alan, posted by Elizabeth on June 30, 2001, at 17:47:37
> > The partial problem is that the shorter acting Ativan is needed at about 5 MGS on only 3 - 4 days per week for performance anxiety (eves.)while the other days it would be too much.
> >
> > To keep from being overmedicated on the other days, only 3 MGS are needed. This is where the Nurontin comes in to mediate.
>
> Huh. So it doesn't work to just take the Ativan as needed -- 5 mg on the days you need that much, 3 mg on the other days? I can see how that could cause some ups and downs -- Ativan is pretty short-acting.
>
> The Neurontin idea might be worth a try. It's kind of short-acting too. I've heard of some people taking the entire dose at bedtime, but I don't know how well that would work for your purposes. My other thought would be to use a small dose of a long-acting benzo (Klonopin, Tranxene) -- not enough to cause sedation, ataxia, or other unwanted side effects -- in the "background," and take the Ativan on top of that as needed. That might smooth things out.
>
> > It's kind of a special social anxiety subcatagory that I have not been able to treat any other way.
>
> Can you tell me more about that? Have you tried antidepressants? That might seem like overkill, but some of them (phenelzine especially) can be extremely effective for social anxiety, especially if you take benzos along with them.
>
> > Alan (a fellow Chicagoan!)
>
> Oops, didn't mean to mislead. I'm afraid I'm not from Chicago: I was recommending it as a place to find good doctors in the Midwest. Our own Dr. Bob, for example. < g >
>
> best,
> -elizabeth
=============================================
I like your idea of Kl. or Tr. in the background.One other problem with this though is that sleep architecture is already disturbed by relatively higher dosages of a benzo (which Neurontin counteracts to some degree) and therefore fatigued during the day from waking early and not enough deep sleep.
Neurontin has already been tried and works to a fair degree as long as taken 3x's a day but doses above 300 per dose causes psychomotor disturbance which is not cool for professional reasons.
Been through all the AD's and too stimulating for the type of anx. been treated. Remeron, Luvox considered but not tried yet. Every one of them have sexual side effects (including with the neurontin above 900 a day) unsuccessfully treated with all sorts of things.
Might have to consider MAOI's at some point but very hesitant because of similar side effects to previous tries with TCA's that can't be tolerated (dry mouth, const, dizzyness).Considered a low dose neuroleptic (Zyprexa) but afraid of TD. It really is for depression anyway isn't it?
Infrequent depression, just when spikes of anxiety drive it....
Any thoughts???? Thanks.
best,
Alan
Posted by Lorraine on June 30, 2001, at 20:34:42
In reply to Re: Addictive meds » Lorraine, posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 15:05:49
> > *********************************************
> > What about beta blockers, Alan? I think that performers use these a lot for performance anxiety.
> *******************************************
> Yes, I do use them but they only take care of some of the physiological symptoms and not the psychological ones. Thanks for the good suggestion though!
>************************************************
Alan, my anxiety is only physical--would beta blockers be good for me? Which ones have you tried?
> Best,
>
> Alan
Posted by Alan on June 30, 2001, at 22:29:10
In reply to Re: Addictive meds » Alan, posted by Lorraine on June 30, 2001, at 20:34:42
> > > *********************************************
> > > What about beta blockers, Alan? I think that performers use these a lot for performance anxiety.
> > *******************************************
> > Yes, I do use them but they only take care of some of the physiological symptoms and not the psychological ones. Thanks for the good suggestion though!
> >
>
> ************************************************
> Alan, my anxiety is only physical--would beta blockers be good for me? Which ones have you tried?
*********************************Inderal is all that I've used and in very small doseage - 10 - 20 MG.
Best,
Alan
Posted by paxvox on July 24, 2001, at 13:53:59
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » dove, posted by Cece on March 9, 2001, at 13:15:54
Hmmmmmm....sounds as if my psydoc has been playing with you guys' psydocs! OK, I have had depression for 10+ years, and responded well to Prozac for a while. Since starting with current doc, I have "run the gamut" of the neuromeds. Mainline antidepressent has been Wellbutrin SR 150 x2 plus some benzos, which have varied from clonopin to Tranzene. Doc is calling me "depressed with OCD" he considered AADD (adult)
for a bit, but currently I'm a 300.3 OCD (see your DSM IV). After a recent bout of REALLY low mood, which I really believe was situational, doc has change my Wellbutrin to 200 SR x 2, and is trying to add Depakote for sleep, as I have early wakings, and to get me off the Tranzene. I haven't liked what I've read about Depakote. He has tried me on Topamax, Neurontin and other anti-seizure meds to no effect. Seems he's a GABA man. What thinks ye?
Posted by GregC on July 28, 2001, at 20:04:53
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by paxvox on July 24, 2001, at 13:53:59
> Hmmmmmm....sounds as if my psydoc has been playing with you guys' psydocs! OK, I have had depression for 10+ years, and responded well to Prozac for a while. Since starting with current doc, I have "run the gamut" of the neuromeds. Mainline antidepressent has been Wellbutrin SR 150 x2 plus some benzos, which have varied from clonopin to Tranzene. Doc is calling me "depressed with OCD" he considered AADD (adult)
> for a bit, but currently I'm a 300.3 OCD (see your DSM IV). After a recent bout of REALLY low mood, which I really believe was situational, doc has change my Wellbutrin to 200 SR x 2, and is trying to add Depakote for sleep, as I have early wakings, and to get me off the Tranzene. I haven't liked what I've read about Depakote. He has tried me on Topamax, Neurontin and other anti-seizure meds to no effect. Seems he's a GABA man. What thinks ye?Well, I had a very low mood due to a difficult romantic relationship. It was causing me anxiety and I got diagnosed with a mood disorder. I was put on Prozac and Neurontin in May. The neurontin really makes me spacy so I am stopping taking it (today). I already feel a bunch better. I think sometimes we have to work though feelings due to circumstances beyond our control.
Posted by Survivor on August 4, 2001, at 7:12:02
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by Annabelle on June 28, 2001, at 19:50:49
I just got a prescription for Neurontin today to treat post-cancer treatment nerve and muscle damage that has tortured me for five years. Frankly, I'm scared to try to the drug, and considering what I went through in chemo, it takes a lot to shake me up where meds are concerned.
I'm supposed to start at 600 mgs once a day and work up to three times that dose in the next three weeks.
My biggest fears are of "brainfog" or increased problems with my lifelong depression and panic disorders. I also can't handle any weight gain or grogginess. If I get any stranger than I am when just being driven mad by pain, everything in my life will fall apart and I don't have any more ideas where to turn for help.
Has anyone used Neurontin with good results and minimal or no side effects, especially for pain? I can't step into another black hole of ignorance about medications. Cancer treatment gave me enough chances to do that!
>
> Zo, Wow, that is a high dose. The pain just stinks doesn't it? And you suffered with it for 18 years???.... I am only on 600 in the a.m. and 600 in the p.m. So I might try all at once at night and see if that works. Everything was working for a while, but with age and more wear and tear on the crooked old neck no wonder it is getting worse.
> Thanks for all your help... I really appreciate your input to this 'babble'.
> Annie
Posted by Annabelle on August 4, 2001, at 8:38:24
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Annabelle, posted by Survivor on August 4, 2001, at 7:12:02
Hi Survivor.... Bless you! And I hope welcome to pain relief. I was afraid to try Neurontin, because several years ago when I really needed back surgery, one @#&* doctor gave me Neurontin, and of course it did no good because I had degenerative disk disease....and only surgery would help. AND IT HAS !! A 3-level spinal fusion that I forget is there half the time.
BUT on to Neurontin.... i can only tell you my experience! Because my neck was also a mess, this muscle/nerve pain started over 10 years ago.
Long story. Klonopin helped, then this year I went on Neurontin also and was sceptical. OK...IT WORKS. But I had to ease onto it very slowly. At first I really got a rush from it..and was speeding. So slowly, slowly I started taking more, and those effects went away. Then someone on THIS list (ZO, I think)said she was taking hers at night. So instead of taking 2 pills in the am and 2 at bedtime, I started taking either 3 or 4 at night. That has worked well for me.
I also got really persistent and have recently gone to the Pain Clinic where I will start to get some shots. Steroid at first and then maybe on to Botox to release these rock-like Trap muscles. I take such a chemical soup of stuff, but it is working. The Pain Clinic also gave me Ultram. It really takes only a tiny bit of the edge off the pain.
Brain Fog??? I don't really think so, but it depends on you. Actually, read some of the postings on this page, and you might see that Neurontin is prescribed for depression. It might help.
Not being a doctor, only a person who has lived with pain, I can tell you to give it a GOOD try. Just try the dose that works for you...and it might take a few weeks.
All the best to you...
Annie
Posted by dove on August 4, 2001, at 12:37:33
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Annabelle, posted by Survivor on August 4, 2001, at 7:12:02
Hello Survivor!
My Mom just finished a bout with Chemo and Radiation, so I can sympathize with your hesitation to start a new med, especially since you've been in so much pain for so long.
Neurontin (tradename: gapapentin) is a very smooth drug, it doesn't (at least not on anyone I know) suddenly hit you like a hammer or anything of that sort. Neurontin is proving to be a diverse drug in its effects. It has and is now being used to treat the pain associated with outbreaks of "Shingles". I know of two people who have used it, and they rate the pain of Shingles as a 10+ on a 1-10 scale, and it has helped them immensely! It is also used for people suffering from debilitating migraines with some success. I have taken up to 2,400 mgs, and my Doc has given me a choice to stay between 1,200 and 2,400 mgs per day, depending on how I feel.
Neurontin is considered a anti-anxiety med (off-the-label as of yet I believe.). It is also used for panic attack and depression sufferers (I am one, as well as a panic attack and anxiety sufferer). Other uses include mood-stabilizing, relief of certain types of pain connected with the nervous system, and as an anti-seizure med.
Neurontin has certain qualities to it that can may be considered as beneficial or as a drawback. One of those is the fact that it has a maximum mgs. amount that can be processed by the body at one time, thus, the need for multiple dosing during the day when you get past the 300-600 mgs amount. In my own research I found that only 300-400 mgs could be used by the body at one sitting, so I spread my dosage amount throughout the day.
I would also state that anything over 600 mgs taken at one time will not be beneficial to the med-taker, especially taken all at once (i.e. taking 1,200 mgs at bedtime.). Neurontin doesn't have a long half-life, so dosing schedules may have to be messed with to get the desired results.
I've had a virtually side-effect free start-up and maintenance regarding Neurontin (I can't remember any negative side-effects--though I could search the P-Babble archives to make sure.). It definitely helped my depression and nervous anxiety, additionally, it lessened my panic attacks. I started with 300 mgs. twice daily for three (3) days I believe, moved up to 300 mgs. x3 per day, by the end of week one I was at 1,200 mgs. with no major changes other than a lot more smiles. I've had no weight gain associated with it. However, when I was at 2,400 mgs I did discover some "brain-fog", and maybe a bit of fatigue, so I dropped back on the daily dosage and it went away, and I have successfully gone back to 2,400 mgs without these mild side-effects.
I really want to reassure you from my own experience (and those of my friends and family) that Neurontin was a very extremely smooth medication, its effects kind of sneak-up on you, no sledge-hammer, turn-of-the-leaf sort of experiences. More like waking up from a much-needed cat-nap feeling refreshed, not hyped or wound-up, just comfortable in your own skin.
Nevertheless, I don't personally know anyone who is specifically using it to treat muscle damage pain (except for my sister-in-law's ancient dog who has severe hip problems and it *does* seem to help him quite a bit.). Although, I do know a number of people using it to specifically treat migraine, nerve damage, and nervous system associated pain with good--very good--results. It is also being used on ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) patients, but I haven't seen any reports turned in yet as to the ongoing results.
My best wishes go out to you and I hope you find what you need, whether in moral support or in pain relief! Thank you for sharing.
dove
P.S. Are you taking any other meds that will remain while you try the Neurontin? My Dad used a specific script-only painkiller (can't remember name--can try to find it if you like) while taking Neurontin and it did miracles on his shingles pain.
Posted by SalArmy4me on August 4, 2001, at 14:09:42
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Annabelle, posted by Survivor on August 4, 2001, at 7:12:02
Posted by Survivor on August 5, 2001, at 3:08:32
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Survivor, posted by SalArmy4me on August 4, 2001, at 14:09:42
Wow, I didn't really expect anyone to answer me at all, much less receive three helpful and relevant replies so quickly. Thank you, Annabelle, dove,and SalArmy4me.
Your comments were reassuring and supportive as well as informative, and I have put aside many of my concerns about Neurontin after reading the posts. I got good information and instructions on the use of the drug, apparently, since much of it is echoed in your writings and references.
I too have spent most of my life mucking about the in swill of useless or harmful psychoactive drugs in search of help for depression, anxiety & panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, severe sleep disorders, and most recently, the psychological and physical aftermath of treatment for metastatic cancer. I have cursed the gene pool that spawned me and I've watched every member of my small family work through manic-depression, unipolar depression, and the rest of the problems I've already listed that are present in each of us in different combinations. I never lived in any atmosphere other than one dominated by mental illness and mood disorders until I met my husband, when I was in my late 30s. It is first, not second, nature to me to live with demons and I've made my peace with this genetic cast of the dice.
The one fear I can't put aside about trying Neurontin is its well-documented links to tumor development in lab rats and among human users of the drug. Trying one more pill that will alter my psychic landscape - ok, I can cope with that, it's not news. But I cannot get past my concern about ingesting any substance with a significant link to potential tumor development. I could survive any psychological suffering of my past again if I had to, but facing cancer again is something I tailor my entire lifestyle to trying to avoid.
Because I can't put away this concern and it is not one likely to come up for discussion anywhere, I've decided to write to my doctor and hand deliver an explanation of my remaining fears about this matter. He can read it at his convenience - and he's fast to respond to his patients - and consider my points. I don't have to worry about sounding like a hypochondriac or hysteric in a disjointed and time-pressured phone conversation. Then, hopefully, we will talk about our personal points of view on this matter and determine the best way to procede. I hope he has a Plan B in mind in case I can't be reassured about the Neurontin.
Dove, my heart goes out to your mother and your family at this time. Cancer is a family disease; everyone suffers when it strikes. If your mother would like to talk to someone who has survived what she is going through now - if only to be reassured that we're out here - please let her know I would be very glad to write to or hear from her anytime. If she seems interested, post me a note and I'll give you an email address where she can reach me. At the very least, I wish your family the best of luck through this ordeal.
Thank you all again for your time and input. It is very much appreciated.
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