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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cindylou on April 29, 2002, at 15:37:06
Hi again,
Now I'm onto a Neurontin trial. Hattree and Emme both suggested this option, and it's time for me to find out how it works!My pdoc said she has found it not to be very helpful as a mood stabilizer, but only for anxiety.
I was wondering what others' experiences are with Neurontin.
Also, how does a Neurontin + Serzone sound as a combo?
thanks,
cindy
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 29, 2002, at 15:58:46
In reply to Neurontin - mood stabilizer, or just help anxiety?, posted by Cindylou on April 29, 2002, at 15:37:06
This is just my experience - I'm Bipolar and AD's make me high so I have a feeling I need something stronger than others who are BP. I say this b/c I have read that some BP's have been helped by Neurontin.
Neurontin was very gentle for me - really no side effects. But it only worked as a calming agent, in retrospect, which is what my pdoc had said from the start.
I see no harm in trying it though - it seems to be one of the safer meds out there.
I'm on no AD, just Depakote and a stimulant now.
- kk
Posted by Cindylou on April 29, 2002, at 16:33:31
In reply to Re: Neurontin - mood stabilizer, or just help anxiety? » Cindylou, posted by Krazy Kat on April 29, 2002, at 15:58:46
Thanks, Kat --
I was also wondering how long it takes for the Neurontin to work -- does it kick in right away, or do I have to wait a couple weeks for the full effect?Also, any experiences out there with Neurontin and pregnancy?
Thanks!
cindy
> This is just my experience - I'm Bipolar and AD's make me high so I have a feeling I need something stronger than others who are BP. I say this b/c I have read that some BP's have been helped by Neurontin.
>
> Neurontin was very gentle for me - really no side effects. But it only worked as a calming agent, in retrospect, which is what my pdoc had said from the start.
>
> I see no harm in trying it though - it seems to be one of the safer meds out there.
>
> I'm on no AD, just Depakote and a stimulant now.
>
> - kk
Posted by krazy kat on April 29, 2002, at 18:25:21
In reply to Re: How long does it take to kick in?, posted by Cindylou on April 29, 2002, at 16:33:31
i don't know about pregnancy - you might repost that as a separate ? for others.
for me, it kicked in quickly, within a few days. but it has a short half - life. so i took 600 mg every 4 - 6 hours. this is not uncommon from what i've read.
- kk
Posted by Cindylou on April 29, 2002, at 19:07:30
In reply to Re: How long does it take to kick in? » Cindylou, posted by krazy kat on April 29, 2002, at 18:25:21
Posted by JonW on April 29, 2002, at 19:50:40
In reply to Re: How long does it take to kick in? » Cindylou, posted by krazy kat on April 29, 2002, at 18:25:21
> for me, it kicked in quickly, within a few days. but it has a short half - life. so i took 600 mg every 4 - 6 hours. this is not uncommon from what i've read.
I take 1200mg every 4-6 hours. Everyone says it's a very safe drug -- very few interactions. The only side-effects I have are headache and some mild sedation. Unfortunately, it hasn't done much for my bipolar or social anxiety. It is somewhat calming which is nice, but it needs to do more than that to be effective. It definitely can take time to work (for social phobia and depression) so I'll see it through for another 8 weeks or something. Good luck with everything.Jon
Posted by JohnX2 on April 29, 2002, at 22:45:52
In reply to Re: Neurontin - mood stabilizer, or just help anxiety? » Cindylou, posted by Krazy Kat on April 29, 2002, at 15:58:46
> This is just my experience - I'm Bipolar and AD's make me high so I have a feeling I need something stronger than others who are BP. I say this b/c I have read that some BP's have been helped by Neurontin.
>
> Neurontin was very gentle for me - really no side effects. But it only worked as a calming agent, in retrospect, which is what my pdoc had said from the start.
>
> I see no harm in trying it though - it seems to be one of the safer meds out there.
>
> I'm on no AD, just Depakote and a stimulant now.
>
> - kkHi kk,
Just curious..what stimulant are you taking?
Do you find the stimulants to be more mild in regards
to triggering hypomania? And if so, which works well for
you?Neurontin was a calming medicine for me. Few side effects..
some AD effect. Annoying 3x day dosing though.Regards,
John
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 30, 2002, at 8:24:22
In reply to Re: Neurontin - mood stabilizer, or just help anxiety? » Krazy Kat, posted by JohnX2 on April 29, 2002, at 22:45:52
john:
it's nice to see your name again. i am taking a break from the board for awhile but wanted to check babble for a day or so and, well i guess let folks know here.
i am taking provigil right now. i take between 300 and 400 mg a day. for some reason i do better, taking 200 mg first thing in the morning, then 100 -200 about three hours later. this makes no sense though according to the recommendations for dosing.
it's o.k. at first it caused slight heart palpitations - i notified my dr. that side effect is gone. i occasionally get strange little panic attacks. it does help keep me awake and has not triggered mania.
i am adding a small amount of ritalin w/i a week to help with motivation, anhedonia and the like.
- kk
Posted by RhainyC on May 1, 2002, at 10:15:56
In reply to Neurontin - mood stabilizer, or just help anxiety?, posted by Cindylou on April 29, 2002, at 15:37:06
Greetings,
I was not aware that Neurontin had any affect on mood. I am presently on Neurontin 600mg at night only, and Serzone 100 mg in the morning and 200mg at bedtime.
The doc who prescribed the Neurontin is my Pulmonary Doctor. He gave it to me to help with the pain I have at night from my spinal arthritis. I have a severely degenerated lower spine, Apnea and Major Depression. I am not clear on the terms my PDoc has listed me under.<shrug>
I find with Serzone, I have stabilized, and have no problems with anorgasmia, which was why I have changed meds so often, well, that and weight gain. Paxil caused a 30+ pound gain in less that 3 months.
I hope that you experience the success I am having with this combo of meds
Blessings,
RhainyC
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