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Global Patient Feedback for Neurontin (Gabapentin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Does Gabapentin make anyone else feel "weird" or "spacey"? My doctor has recently prescribed me Gabapentin (just 3 days ago) for chronic headaches. I have been taking Topamax as a preventative (for 9 mos) and it has been doing a great job, but I still get horrible menstrual headaches, so she prescribed the Gabapentin as a 2nd preventative. So, I've been taking this medication for 3 days now, and this medication make me feel WEIRD. It's a little hard to explain, but about 20-30 minutes after taking my dose (300mg, 2x a day....then I will take 600mg 2x a day starting tomorrow) I start to feel very spacey, almost like I am a little drunk. My mind starts to wander off and it's hard to concentrate. I get very tired, not sleepy, just tired. My coordination is a little slow as well and all I can think about is "Man, I feel so weird!"..... Jeez, and everyone says Topamax is bad! Topamax didn't effect me like this at all. I've looked up everything I can regarding side effects and there's nothing I can find that is very specific. Anyone have similar reactions to Gabapentin? As with the Topamax, I'm willing to wait out a side effect if I know an end is in sight....
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-25 00:12:05
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 42 y/o male.
I started taking Gabapentin in this past Feb. I am currently at 900mg 3X a day, plus Ultram at night and Nerve blocks every 3 months. This is due to a Hernia repair that didnt go so well over 4 years ago. I have taken Lortab, Vicodin, Topomax, Tylenol 3, plus Nerve blocks every 6mos which is now down to every 3mos. I recently had a nerve re-section of (2 ea) in my left leg which resulted in my having to take the current medication and treatments.
What doses are you taking with the topomax? I was up to 4 pills a day inwhich I didnt like at all. All I did was sleep... The Gabapentin causes you to be a little drowsey but it passes as you get use to the doses.. Once you step up the doses, you become drowsey again...
There is no cure for my current situation, no more surgeries, just medication and nerve blocks that helps a little.. I have seen a bit of relief with the Gabapentin from before where I could hardly walk and had constant cramping and pain.... There is alway a side affect from medication. I have taken alot more than listed... Unless your looking for a pill like the one in Huey Lewis and the News song " I want a new drug".... I do wish you the best of luck...
43 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-07 03:03:45
Member Answer/Reply:
My husband and I have lived what you are going through. My husband also had a bad heria repair, however the hospital gave him MRSA and the dr botched the surgery and sewed his illio inguinal and illiohypogastric nerves into the mesh he used to close the hernia. My husband was also on Gabapentin and now has memory loss. It has been 4 years since he got off of it and still cant remember ess ache I tee. He has had to drop out of college and has no other skills he can use to gain employment due to this mess. Gabapentin was developed to treat sezuires and they discovered quite by accident that it treats neuropathic pain, This drug also almost broke up our relationship, he was so mean and nasty when he was on this drug that I had made up my mind to leave. I did not care whether or not he could take care of himself. Thats how bad it was, thank god he decided to stop taking it, it wasn't working anyway and the dr had increased the dosage and made excuses too many times. The cure for my husbands pain was too sever both of those nerves, he has no feeling in his left thigh however he can walk without a cane and has little pain, what he does have he can live with. If you would like to email me feel free wabeasley@gmail.com I hope your condition improves.
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-12 13:09:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm Female Yes I took it for 2 months for headaches and felt very high, uncordinated, spacey and strange. Side effects got worse with use so I tapered off. I haven't taken it for 5 days and still feel the same and am very scared. My dr. denies the side effects and w/d symptoms. Any idea how long till I get back to normal??? Please help. arsenaultlorraine@hotmail.com
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-07 12:06:39
Member Answer/Reply:
I too had "weird feelings" when I first started this drug. I've been on it for over a year now for nerve damage caused by 3rd degree burns. Because my condition has been constantly changing I have been changing my intake accordingly - then letting my doctor know. You might try a lower dose if it doesn't improve. You might also take the one dose at night just before bed. BUT yes, at least for me it did improve.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-08 14:32:57
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking the Gabapentin for about 7-8 months now may be even longer and once in a while I do feel a little spaceeeee. But it goes away and decreses after your on it for a while. I take it for back pain. I'm afraid to stop taking it but I can't take anything stronger.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-20 14:13:43
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes it does make me feel "spacey" it's the only way I can describe it. I have been on it since October of 2007 when I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. My dosage was just increased to 1800mg a day. I suggest a full stomach when you take it. The feeling passes and all I can say I'd rather feel that way than to deal with the pain.
Good luck.
40 year old female
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-20 16:04:12
Member Answer/Reply:
Just so you are aware that you are not the only one out there! Yes I to feel what you call a "wierdness" you cannot quit pinpoint...something like you get after a slow carousel ride except combined with mild alzheimers ( huh ). Well don't want to drone on and on so I hope this helps...Oh! and if you think of taking mental herbal suppliments to counter act this just be carefull, list them on your interaction profile here I did and some showed up with surprising interactions!
46 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-22 11:41:29
Member Answer/Reply:
I remember feeling rather weird when I first started taking Gabapentin. And I'm sorry, but I can't tell you how long the side effect lasted. I kept taking them because of the results I was getting and either I got used to it or it went away. Sometimes the side effects will go when your system gets used to the meds.
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-23 16:21:14
Member Answer/Reply:
When I first started taking Gabapentin, I had some of the same side effects, but they were worth the reliefe I got from the burning pain in my leg following back surgery on L2-5. This was in 2001 and I am still taking it. I take 300mg 3 times a day and 6oomg at bedtime. I would not be able to sleep without it. The Side effects only bothered me for a short time and then I guess my body got use to it. I have since had both of my knees replaced and and i continue to take the meds. I take many meds and each plays its part inkeeping me going, so I guess I will continue. I am getting ready for foot surgery in June, so will have to see what happens after that.
61 year old female
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-24 17:40:22
Member Answer/Reply:
please as your doctor for FIORCET. It is the relief you are looking for. I've been taking them for years for menstraul headaches and stress headaches as well. I didnt like Topamx at all.
I've been taking Neurontin for almost ten years on 2400 mg. It takes awhile for you to get use to it.
56 year old with RSD
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-27 22:12:55
Member Answer/Reply:
I only take 300 mg. a day and always at night a few hours before I go to bed. If I stay up for a while after the pill takes affect, I do feel a little spacy, but also sleepy. I certainly get a good nights sleep. I get out of bed without the pains in my lower back, buttocks, and down the legs, so this is very helpful for me. Then during the day a couple Tylenol gets me through the day. I have had about 8 epidural shots in the lower spine over the past 25 years, but hope to avoid more shots and will continue on with the Gabapentin and Tylenol. I have gained 8 lbs. over the winter, but felt that was from sitting so much and not eating proper foods. Good luck in finding what will work for you.
73 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-02 15:02:01
Member Answer/Reply:
I know your post is over two months old but I hope this will help you. You should check a good Endocrinologist who specializes in bio-identical hormones. Many doctors and people in general think that because a women has all her female parts that everything is fine for the most part, except for cysts and things like that. Your body produces hormones that work together and in concert with each other, if they get out of balance on the levels you could have problems like you have described. In essence your doctor is treating the symptoms rather than investigating the cause, which may well be hormone imbalance. It may be better in the long run to balance out hormones than to treat symptoms with anti-seizure drugs. Bio-identical are far different than synthetic and they do not make you gain weight and have other weird stuff that goes on. They will test your blood levels and see where things are at and if there is an imbalance they will give you some bio hormones that will bring things back in balance. Bio hormones also do not have the risks of cancer like synthetic ones do. The hormones are compounded by a pharmacist especially for your needs, typically it will cost less than $50 per month for the hormones. Insurance has a weird way of paying for compounded medication so the reimbursement may be low. Good Luck...
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-11 19:56:17
Member Answer/Reply:
I started gabapentin a few weeks ago, 100mg 3X, just increased to 300mg 3X a day. It has helped a lot with pain from Spinal Stenosis. It does help me sleep, haven't had any side effects except today I am so "spacy" and feel so "loopy". I had planned to grocery shop but not sure I should drive. Weight gain will be a problem because I have diabetes but hopefully that won't be a side effect. I will really be concerned if my A1C goes up because it's good right now (7.6). I'm going to try to be patient and hope I'll adjust to this in a few weeks
80 year old female.
80 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-15 11:02:17
Question/Comment:
Medicare wants me to switch to Gabapentin from the Mirapex I have used for years to treat my Restless Leg Syndrome. I had bad reactions to Requip and LevDopa and am leary after reading reactions to Gabapentin. I have requested an exception to this year's formulary changes, but I assume the drug companies and insurance companies and their lobbyists have greater influence than seniors in the Medicare system! Having suffered RLS for many years, I am loath to change what works for me! I already have a weight problem and ankles swollen unless I wear 30/40 compression stockings (here in a warm climate, Florida) so any advice will be very much appreciated!
83 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-22 11:11:17
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm a 68 yr old male who took 1800mg/day of gabapentin for shingles on the right side of my face and head. Fortunately I had no reaction of any kind. It took away the pain along with the help of percoset.In addition, a pain mgmt Dr Injected the tri-geminal nerves with lidocane to help ease the pain.
69 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-13 17:52:35
Question/Comment:
I took Gabapentin 3 x 100mg/day for 6 months after having an ulnar nerve transposition. It made me extremely tired all the time, I had sleep problems, and beginning with month 5 had extreme stomach pains. End result, I slowly quite taking it and I still have some nerve pain, but it is extremely small compared to what it was while I was taking this medicine. I would suggect that everyone educate yourselves on the sideside effects of this drug and then discuss it with you physician.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 17:17:02
Member Answer/Reply:
I don't know if this info will help you in any way, just want to relay my current experiences if it can. I am 55 years old and have leg and arm pain, due to a spinal cord tumor. I have been taking 1200 mg of gabapentin daily for quite some time. Recently, I started having short-term memory loss. It is very scary for me. My doctor said that it is not dementia or alzheimer's. So, what could it be?
I take many medicines, and they all list the side-effects. When your doctor gives them to you, you follow their advice. However, there comes a time when you have to decide which is better, the pain or the loss of life and inter-personal relationships. It's a question that only you can answer for yourself.
I personally have started to wean myself off of some of th medications. It means that are am increasingly becoming more stiff and uncomfortable, but if it helps me be more cognizant, it's worth it to me.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-01 02:11:07
Member Answer/Reply:
been on 3600mg of gabapentin since 2002 for PN.NO side effects and live pain free
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-20 15:51:43
Question/Comment:
I had second bladder reconstruction last year. The surgeon left a sliver of my original bladder that held the nerves, i am taking gabapentin to reduce the pain from these nerves. my feet have started to swell and are vuncomfortable, i have also had some unexplained weight gain.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-19 05:15:08
Member Answer/Reply:
I I have been taking Gabapentin for almost three years. I take 300mg 3x a day, with antidepressives and Skelaxin 800mg. 3x daily also. I have noticed swelling in my hands and feet, and legs. I thought I had gained weight, but my stomach also swells. It is very frustrating, but I would rather deal with a few side affects than deal with the pain I have.
55 year female
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-30 15:28:52
Member Answer/Reply:
I was taking nuerontin because of having a reaction to gabapentin and my legs swelled and a huge weihgt gain this ended up destroing my liver which is not treatable so now I have to live with a bad liver swelling and a huge weight gain. I never had a weight problem or swelling till now, also they thought I was in congeital heart failure due to this all because the gave me gabapentin instead of nuerontin. so be careful.
48 year old female
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-01 02:28:43
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Gabapentin for nerve pain in my ankle. It has really helped. Now my foot is starting to swell. My pharmacist says that Neurontin and Gabapentin have the same components . I can't find any info to verify this. I thought switching to Neurontin might help with the swelling. You seem to think they are different. What makes you sat that?
Hope you are felling better!!
Janet
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-22 18:10:03
Question/Comment:
i have been prescribed gabapentin 300mg tabs for nerve damage.
day one 1 (300mg tab) given a few hours later i felt very light headed and i felt numb all in my head and found it hard to move my mouth.
day 2, 1 tab morning and one evening (2x 300mg tabs) again the same sensations a few hours after taking tabs.
day 3, 3 tabs taken throughout the day. same feelings felt, bloodpressure monitored throughout these weird sensations and it was high as 155/95 pulse 66 my normal range is 120/78 pulse 66
does anyone know whats going on. only on day 4 boy do i feel weird in my head pain /burning sensation hasnt eased yet in arm/fingers.
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-18 07:16:38
Member Answer/Reply:
Maybe your doctor could have you take 600MG in the eve? I take that dosage before bedtime for nerve damage in the lumbar spine that causes pain all the way to my feet, where it is worse. I have noticed if I don't go to bed soon after taking it, I do experience all kinds of strange things. Just a little sleepy the first hour. Two hours later a little dizzy and a lot sleepy. Three hours in, seeing double, dizzy, sleepy. I should go to bed huh? 4-5 hours I am so sleepy, dizzy, wobbly, nauseous, seeing triple etc.. I literally feel as though I completely drunk! I am bouncing off the walls! (Idon't do that often by the way) At this point I HAVE to go to bed. I don't think I could physically function at all if I had to take it during the day. It does help me sleep and it seems to be helping the nerve pain also.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-20 18:53:31
Member Answer/Reply:
You are experiencing typical side effects of Gabapentin/Neurontin. It has been my experience, I am a medically retired Physician Assistant in the state of Pennsylvania, that when the blood pressure is involved it is time to discontinue the medication. There are other meds out there that do the same thing as the Gabapentin without these side effects, the one that comes to mind the quickest is Lyrica.
I wish you well in your attempt to find a better drug to treat your situation. I too am on Neurontin and found that the generic gave me side effects but the brand name did not. That may be an option.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 09:58:29
Member Answer/Reply:
question. i have been taking neurontin 600mg TID for 5 years. Works extremely well for me. Have no problems with sleepiness, or anything. Wondering what are long term effects on body. How long can i take this med, and what will happen if i discontinue it.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-28 11:27:34
Member Answer/Reply:
The first thing you need to understand is that all of the "symptoms" you are describing are direct reactions to the Gabapentin / Neurontin. As a medically retired Physician Assistant from the state of PA, I would recommend talking to your physician and explaining that you are not comfortable with the side effects. When the blood pressure is involved, it is time to look at alternatives.
I take Neurontin 300mg three times a day for Fibromyalgia. The doctor I go to tried to use the generic Gabapentin and I had similar reactions. We opted for a brand medically necessary prescription and it changed everything.
I wish you luck, there is another drug ... relatively new that does a similar thing to the Neurontin called Lyrica it might be a better option for you.
I hope all works out but PLEASE contact whoever prescribed the generic to you, at least give the brand name a try it is the lifesaver from the Fibromyalgia.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 10:06:21
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been taking Gabapentin for almost 3 yrs now for nerve pain in my legs. I started taking 2 600mgs per day. It has not had any adverse reaction on me except when I started taking the 3rd 600mg tablet, my left foot started to swell. I reduced it back down to 2 600mgs per day & then I started taking 1-1/2 600 mgs tablets a day & that seems to do the trick. Except my legs still hurt quite a bit even after taking the medication.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 22:31:13
Member Answer/Reply:
Not sure if you are still feeling the same way a week later, but from my experience, the side effects subsided over time. They made me feel strange at first as well, but I have been on 600mg, 4 times a day (so 2400 mg a day total) for quite some time now, and I don't feel like I have many side effects at all. Everyone reacts differently, but give it time to see if the side effects subside.
Hope this helped a little. Good luck.
32 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-29 17:44:43
Member Answer/Reply:
It did almost the same thing to me. The doctor then put me on Lyrica I then broke out with blisters in my mouth and on my arms
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-01 10:41:53
Member Answer/Reply:
I take that also for nerve pain, but I have never had those sensations or problems you are describing. My advice to you is for you to go back to your Doctor and tell him all about evrything that is going on.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-15 15:49:17
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Gabapentin for nerve pain for over a year now...started just as you have...Yes, the same sensations, but it has to build up in your system, then these go away Are you seeing a neurologist? Report this to Dr as you may need to reduce until symptoms subsice i.e 1 day for a week for instance, then 2 aday etc...the pain never goes away completley, at least not for me
I am on 3600 mgs a day now and will most likely increase more..see my nero today
they say some need 5,000 or more....I have had high blood pressure, but comes and goes
I have had two hand surgeries and 2 elbow surgeries...first surgery, nerves were severed 2nd repair and reconstruction....I have conduction now but still pain, tingling, numbness
Nerves heal at 1 " a month I am told, so I have a year to go! If I did not take this med, the pain is SO MUCH worse
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-19 11:18:28
Member Answer/Reply:
Just want to validate that Gabapentin raised my blood pressure 160/95. My doctor wanted to give me medication for my high blood pressure. I tried to tell her that it was the gaba. She said it wasn't. I quit taking it for two weeks and then did a series of blood pressure tests. I am now down to 120 over 70 something. I am taking a lot of pills for M.S, chronic pain, frozen shoulder. Gaba helped with the nerve pain and for a while actually worked as an antidepressant. It's not anymore. So I have to make the choice of high blood pressure and more pills. I choose no more gaba as I can have a heart attack or stroke from the high blood pressure. Hope this helps someone else.
53 year old female
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-31 18:42:14
Question/Comment:
I am taking 600 MG of Gabapentin for about a year for Essential Tremor along with 100 MG Primidone 3 times a day and it doesn't appear to be doing much good. It settles me down for a while but then my head shakes after about 10 minutes. I also read some where that it can stop[ me from having an ejaculation.
78 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-30 15:03:25
Member Answer/Reply:
On Gababentin for 2 years. 300mg 3-4x per day
POSOTIVE: Has helped me with nerve pain in hands, restless legs, anxiety, and irritability and shingles.
NEGATIVE: Sleepy during day. Unmotivated. Low energy. Depression (crying all day last 2 months)>
Have slowly decreased dose to 300mg 1x at night. Added Buspirone for depression.
Has anyone else had a depression reaction from gaba?
42 yr old female
tami
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-31 23:45:20
Member Answer/Reply:
i was put on effexor xr 10 yrs ago for bi-polar it helped nicly than 6 years ago they added nuertin 400 3x due to lunger cancers ill effects of pain ,sleepy yes, so we cut it down to once a day in mornng and when needed. 2 years ago ive had a bone scan tand it reveals my strength to be of 21 yr old
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-21 07:25:07
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Gabapentin since Jan of this year and was put on antidepressants as well, first Cymbalta, then Wellbutrin. The doctor says the depression is caused by the chronic pain and since the pain and the use of Gabapentin started about the same time, I really can't say if my depression was induced by the Gabapentin. Would be interested in finding out more. Even with the use of antidepressants I am still very irritable and have absolutely no motivation. All I want to do is sleep. My doctor now wants to add Elavil (another antidepressant) to the cocktail of meds I'm already taking along with the Wellbutrin, so here goes.... I'm afraid with all these medications that affect the chemicals of the brain that either not going to wake up or wind up in worse mental shape I ever was to begin with.
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-22 01:03:34
Member Answer/Reply:
You have to be very careful with Gabapentin 300mg. 3xday....I took it and nothing bothers me as I am a very easy going person....It made me think suicide thoughts....One of the side effects. Your doctor should have know this...Why did he put you on it if you already have depression...Thats crazy! I told my doctor that I had to stop taking it 3 times a day and now only take it once a day.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-28 16:47:18
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Gabapentin (generic for Neurotin) 300mg, (2x in morning, 1x in afternoon, and 2x at night. I also have the ability to take less for those days I experience less pain). I have been on this medication for many years. I am taking it for parasthetica maralgia or more commonly known as dying nerve in one of my limbs. I am not diabetic and there is no family history to explain this condition. I do not believe this medication is addictive. However it does work for the nerve pain I experience, which is sometimes very excruciating. My doctor told me I will experience pain whether I lose or gain weight, whether I sit or stand all day and there is nothing else out in the market that will work for me. I am allergic to aspirin and all preparations that have aspirin-like substances in it. So in my mind I am happy with gabapentin!
As for depression? No, I do not feel this drug has caused me to feel depressed.
I also believe it has helped me with my migraines. I seem to experience 95% LESS migraines then without taking this medication.
53 year old female
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-30 05:00:43
Member Answer/Reply:
Ihave taken Gabapentin 300mg x4 for about 10 years now. The irritability and anxiety I experience is usually from disrupted sleep caused by break thru pain. My bones are as strong as ever. I have found that 20 minutes a day in direct sunshine seems to help with the nerve pain requiring extra medication. I did try the newer version of the rx called Lyrica. I worked very well and less break thru, however I had trouble will my hands and feet swelling.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-02 16:48:49
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been prescribed this medication since last June or July 2008. I have had many issues since then. I can not say it has been from a certain medication or not. I recently quit all medications I was on (and I have had alot of problems to go with it.). I may not have been wise to do so. I stopped everything. I don't always understand all I feel or go thru. Shouldn't I have a better feeling in my leg than I do? I was told this would not only help eleviate the pain but to help with the looks I have had with my leg and foot. I was lead to believe that the numbness and nerve sensations that I have experienced can be helped with a "long term" medication. I have done well...brecause of my drive- not the medication. I was told it would be 12 to 18 months- to re-coup from an injury like I had. I have many and ALOT of questions about this medication...... I think I am where I am now from my 'exercise' - working out in my neighbor's pool., walking hard several times daily and doing the exercises the 'visiting nurses' gave me to do. I honestly don't think all of them can be answered here. I know this is vague. This is all I can do with the time I have right now. send a response and I will reply if needed.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 19:24:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I am 64 year old male and I take 300mg of gabapentin twice daily for the same problems, however I also talke Kolopin .5mg 2xdaily and 60mg of prozac daily and have for quite sometime and the combination works for me. The ejaculation, well seems to be part of the past. Rather loose that then go through life like a stumbling, bumbling, shaking drunk. You May need your med. changed, talk to your Dr. and make him answer your concerns, it is your life, NOT HIS, that you are trying to improve. Hope this helps and good luck to you my friend. Joe
65 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-29 19:09:01
Question/Comment:
I have been on Gabapentin 3200mg (800mg x 4) following spinal cord injury as a result of burst fracture of T12. It helps somewhat; however when gravity compresses the three lower lombar bulged and herinated discs, the legs get heavy and I am prone to falls. The main issue is the relationship of my body absorbing vitamin D while on this medication. In the two years, by bones have gone to osteopini to osteoperisos, even while taking Boniva. It seems there is no stopping this bone degeneration. I am considering stopping Gabapentin and going into some other medicated pain management and taking Forteo, which is a 24 month daily injection. I also have sleep issues consisting of 1 to 1 1/2 hour periods that I thought were related to the neuropathy in my legs. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. I know I am taking a high dose of Gabapentin, but suggest long term users have bone density tests taken yearly.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-24 07:15:51
Member Answer/Reply:
I've never heard of bone density issues /w use of gabapentin (neurontin) and it is troubling.
Although I haven't reached the level of dosage you are taking yet, it is clearly an escalating need.
(Neuropathic pain / post-polio syndrome / post multiple fusions years ago).
Has anyone else found this to be a problem? The last thing I need with the progressive weakness of my remaining leg muscles is weaking of the bones!
61 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-29 11:19:28
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 600mg of Gabapentin 3 times a day for almost 4 years now for neuropathy in my feet and relief from hot flashes following chemotherapy for estrogen receptive breast cancer. I absolutely love this stuff. I just recently had my bone density checked and was informed that I have very calcium rich, strong bones. And I do not take calcium supplements. I also have not had any issues related to depression from this either. I do have sleep issues and take melatonin supplements that seem to be helping. Hope this helps. Good luck.
56 year old female
Nancy
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-17 02:44:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking the same dosage of Gabapentin for anxiety and sleep, and I am having the same vitamin D deficiency. I take 5000ui of Vitamin D tabs now and got tanning 3 time a week. The deficiency is still there. Might consider switching myself. You're not alone.
25 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-22 13:43:17
Member Answer/Reply:
I am suppose to take 1800 mg Gabatin (4 screws, 2 metalrods at L5-S1, 2 fusions) but I lowered it to 1200mg since I have bad side effects with depression, being totally out of it, irrational and aggressive. I also have sleeping problems but never had or heard of bone density issues. Besides that I take 1mg Klonopin at night that helps me sleep and calm the nerv pain in my leg. No problem with that.
Anyone else having these side effects?
I also had total hysterectomy 2 years ago, still get hot flashes, the Neurontin does not do anything for me on that subject.
A 53 year old female
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-22 19:22:15
Member Answer/Reply:
i have been off it for a while because i had a new pain pump installed and have been sleeping a little better since. i too only got a couple of hrs of sleep but have some nights i sleep 5 hrs!!!! i never thought it was the medication but i don't know how else to explain it. as far as bone density, you are on a lot but no dr. ever mentioned that and my recent bone density was fine
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-23 04:58:01
Question/Comment:
I am a 34 year old male and suffer from pain due to a back/spinal injury I recently endured. I also suffer from scoleosis and kyphosis. I have been taking Gabaentin 300 MG x3/day, Tizanidine HCL 4 MG x3/day (as needed), Tramidol HCL 50 MG every 4 hrs (as needed for pain), Diclofenac SOD 75 MG along with a series of corticosteroid injections in the spine (and recently in the muscles on the right side of my back) since approximately January of this year. Because of depression due to my injuries and loss of work my pain management specialist also had prescribed me Cymbalta 30 MG increasing to 60 MG /day a month & a half ago. About two weeks ago I ran out of the Cymbalta and informed my specialist, but he didn't write me a new script for it. For the past few months since starting these medicatons I have experience a lot of drowsiness and it has been increasing more and more. Also within the past few days I have been feeling as though I'm in a dream-like state, a bit out of sorts. Yesterday I felt dizzy most of the day. I have been experiencing irritability, sweats with the AC and fan running to be shortly followed by periods of feeling extremely cold and having chills. I want to know if these side effects are withdrawals from the Cymbalta my specialist neglected to represcribe me, caused by interactions of all the medications I'm taking, side effects from the injections. or possibly a combination of all three. I have been feeling really horrible, especially since this weekend, don't know how long I can continue feeling like this.
35 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-16 23:23:09
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 51 year old female with an cervical SCI. It seems as though many of your symptoms are from your SCI, but can be related to medication. They are common in many people. The sweating is probably a side effect from Tizanidine or Neurontin. I take Diazepam for spasms, it works like Tizanidine in decreasing muscle spasm, it causes within 1 hour of administration severe sweating. As for feeling cold or hot-that is from your central nervous system basically going crazy from SCI.Sometimes I am so cold I have to take a hot shower til the tank runs out of hot water to warm up. You are taking alot of medications that will make you feel dizzy, drowsy and out of sorts. Try to get past these things and concentrate on something else. It's called distraction technique. Do something else with your time, learn all you can about SCI, be your own advocate-ex.. ask why your cymbalta was discontinued. Cymbalta is usually given for depression or neuropahic pain. Depression 30 mgs. Neuropathic pain 60 mgs.Why was it originaly given.? If you have an increase in anxiety, an increase in blood pressure, insomnia, increase in deoression or altered liver enzymes-your Dr. may stop giving this medication. This info is straight from my Drug Guide for Nurses. I was a nursing student LPN at the time of my injury. I hope this helps!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 09:09:03
Member Answer/Reply:
The symptoms are withdrawals from Cymbalta, no drug should ever be stopped in that fashion!!! Ever!!! Contact your regular MD and see if they will prescribe something to help you off this withdraw, without getting you hooked on another drug. I know they are some, just watch the interaction with your current meds.I have gone through many withdrawals from so many different drugs, and even when the doctor is helping you slowly lower your doseage you still get the symtoms as you describe but not nearly as bad. Sorry to hear you feel so bad, I have been there way too many times...
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 18:17:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I had a two level spinal fusion in June of 07. I go to a pain mgnt. doctor and have been prescribed various opiods and the Neurotin and Lyrica. Have been taking the Neurotin 300 mg 3x daily for about 6 months. I had a intrathecal pain pump installed in June of 08. That has helped tremendously. In response to the man asking about withdrawls from antidepressants. I have experienced that. What you described is exactly a response from stopping the medication abrubtly (feeling as if things are not real, sweating, wierd dreams, being hot or cold, nauseu and headaches). So many doctors deny this withdrawl occurs and are not educated about it. It eventually goes away, but takes several weeks. Hang in there. People who suffer from chronic pain are many times depressed and benefit from antidepressants. Make sure the doctor informs you of the possible withdrawls from abruptly stopping the medication.
Female age 44
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 12:44:30
Member Answer/Reply:
You are probably withdrawing from the Cymbalta. You are not supposed to abruptly stop it. Withdraw symptoms are similar to flu like symtoms and what you described. I would contact your doctor.
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-04 20:38:09
Member Answer/Reply:
You should call your Doctor TODAY and tell him all your symtoms..and GET ANSWERS to your questions.Doctors are usually very busy and if you failed to remind him/her and don't ask questions..you will suffer.Find out why your RX wasn't given,
61 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-15 16:27:09
Question/Comment:
my boyfriend started taking gabapentin a month ago. he now sleeps 4-6 hrs a day and sleeps 2-3 hrs a night is this tipacal for this drug or is the dose to high?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 19:53:16
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Drowsiness and fatigue are common side effects of gabapentin – 10% of iGuard members reported drowsiness and 5% reported fatigue as a side effect with gabapentin. If your boyfriend is still having trouble with his sleeping patterns, he may want to follow up with his doctor and see if his doctor wants to adjust the dose or timing of his medication.
Posted: 2009-03-16 14:25:08
Member Answer/Reply:
I took Gabapentin for about five years for seizures. Helped a little with the seizures, but did make me sleepy. I was on 800 mg. a day. Even when I took less I still felt more sleepy when I took it. I noticed too that I dropped things more and felt dizzy. The side effects did lessen after I'd been on it for a few months. I've now had brain surgery and don't take it anymore. (Seizures are gone TG )! But now I have restless leg syndrome (didn't have that before).
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 00:51:29
Question/Comment:
I have been taking 600 mb x 3 times per day = 1,800 mg per 24 hours andit works I would guess 95% of the time for pain from Post Polio Syndrome, issued from the Veterans Administration. The only side effect that I can figure is a slight dizziness at times. If I miss a dose and discover it over half way and wait until the next dose, I can tell when the time comes for another dose because the old brain says that there is pain in the feet and lower legs, which of course there isn't, but the brain says there is (false information from the surviving neurons.) I wish I could bee off this stuff but it is worth the option of nothing. Thank you Veterans Administration for helping this disabled veteran, Otherwise this medication would be financially out of reach!
63 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-04 05:20:52
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Gabapentin for about six months now for treatment of nerve pain associated with Sjogrens Syndrome. I take 800 mg per day, and am feeling much better since I started taking it. With it, I am able to carry on a somewhat normal life. Without the medication, I can barely move due to the all over body pain I feel. It has been a blessing from God to have been prescribed this medication.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-02 20:17:36
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Gabapentin for one year now. 100MG 3 times per day for restless leg syndrome. It helps but not all the time. About 2 nights per week I am up all night walking around as my legs hurt so bad. I thought it was circulation problems but my doctor told me its not. So 5 nights a week I sleep and then randonly 2 nights per week its like the medicine is not working. The side effects for me are some dizzyness, and feeling very tired. I don't like feeling this way but I want to sleep those 5 nights so I stay on the medication.
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-23 15:17:18
Member Answer/Reply:
100 Mg 3 xs is pretty mild, you may wish to speak with your Dr about increasing your dose at night or adding REQUIP pill at bedtime which is for RLS.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-25 18:40:43
Member Answer/Reply:
If you would like a restful nights sleep read about these products
www.trivita.com/13176062 They have a money back guarantee
Let me know if they help you.
Peggy Dyer
prom716@frontiernet.net
65 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-25 19:36:28
Question/Comment:
i started Gabapentin in Aug 2007 (600mg/2x day). It worked fine for awhile then I started getting more leg cramps and pain in my left leg. So, I ask my doc for something different. I tried Lyrica for two weeks and that made my ankles swell and by the end of work I would go home straight to bed.
I have a large bulging disc (22mm) with nerve damage in my left leg. I am also Bipolar.
I have now gone back on Gabapentin (started up again this past Friday) and now taking 800mg (3x day). Hopefully this helps me again. Last night I awoke with extreme leg cramps that made me get out of bed at 4am to try and walk it off and then again at 9am.
Thanks for listening!
41 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-21 20:24:27
Member Answer/Reply:
Due to a car accident, I was put on Gabapentin at 10 x 100mg a day. My spinal cord injury left me an incomplete paraplegic ( I can still walk with the aid of a leg brace and a walker but I have horrific neuropathic nerve pain). Gabapentin helped with the pain but I still had shooting leg pains that it didn't help. I had been on Gabapentin for about 6 months and my doctor put me on Lyrica 3 x 100 mg per day. It is helping, but I still have shooting pains. They are not as severe nor as often. If needed I am allowed to take up to 2 100mg of Gabapentine when the pain starts. Both meds truly helped me be more productive--I can get through the day without debilitating pain.
56 year old female
57 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-16 21:36:13
Member Answer/Reply:
I, too, suffered a spinal cord injury that left me with seizures and a permanent nerve block in my back. I took several different narcotics for the pain over the yrs but the neurontin has helped more than anything. I wouldnt stop taking it now for anything. I deal with the side effects as they come. the positive results are far better than the negative effects. Good luck to you and your endeavers!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 18:23:33
Member Answer/Reply:
I have MS and I take provigil and gabapentin. I thought you would like to know that you can buy the generic--gabapentin--at Costco for 14 dollars. I want to pass that on because I know the high cost of medicine!! Hope it helps. I wish they had generic in the provigil, but they don't
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 13:55:09
Member Answer/Reply:
Try taking a multivitamin a night in addition to one taken in the morning. It seems to help me with night time leg cramps.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-24 07:18:19
Question/Comment:
I have been on gabapentin 300 mg 3x a day since end of 12/2008. I've had 2 cervical fusions one in 1996 and 2nd in 2008. After 2d surgery, pain continues, developed burning sensations, etc. I could only work a few hours a day and do nothing after coming home. Since taking this in December, it has changed my work hours and daily quality of life. I am functioning much better. I still have weakness and being extremely tired - but I think I can contribute this to being so much more usefulness/mobility/less pain since on this medication, that I am wearing myself out! (A good thing) I have seen such relief with this medication. Yes, some side effects that I have noticed is weight gain, grogginess, unstableness - but it seems to be subsiding. I have been on numerous pain meds with no success. This has been a god send to me. The benefits outweigh the risks as far as I am concerned.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-21 10:24:09
Question/Comment:
My neurologist put me on gabapentin back in 2003 as a prophylactic for my cluster headaches. It causes me to have imbalance issues, and I have fallen several times. I need to walk with a can or use a walker. I am also on Topamax for the same reason, however, the doctor said it does not cause balance issues. Is anyone else experiencing this imbalance issue on gabapentin? I also have a tendency to drop things, because my perception is off. When I think the edge of the table or cutting board is there, I am actually just short of it and the glass or cup falls. Does this sound familiar? Please let me know.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-19 15:55:39
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There are many things that may cause balancing problems which includes problem relating to the ear, the brain or it may be drug induced. There are some reports of abnormal coordination with both gabapentin and Topamax but it is not a common side effect. Since there are so many other things that might contribute to balancing problems, it is difficult to determine if your medication is truly linked to the problem. You may want to follow up with your doctor about this symptom – your doctor may want to further investigate this symptom or he or she may be willing to lower your dose of one of the medications to see if you reduce this side effect.
Posted: 2009-02-23 14:04:06
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on gabapentin for the last 10 years also for cluster headaches and mini strokes. I do have balance issues. One such fall landed me with two shattered bones in my lower leg which have not healed yet (it has been 18 months since it happened) I do find that my perception is off and I often do not grab an item that is handed to me or l miss the edge of counters, doors etc. So yes I don't think it is just you, I think this probably happens to a lot of people taking this drug.
Patricia Age 52
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:35:29
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking gabepentin (neurotin) 300 mg 3 times a day for 4 years now, I take it for the lightning bolt fire pains down my legs, I also take skelaxin and (Lortab)Hydocodone 7.5 for pain .I had 2 back surgeries 9 months apart,they messed up the 1st time, had to go back in to extend my fusion to 3 vertebrae in my lower back and implant a bone growth stimulator,my bones wouldn't fuse. I am a female 41 years old,and I have experienced the tossing of my coffee for no reason ,missing the table with my glass, tripping up the stairs because my foot doesn't raise high enough, I get dizzy if I stand too fast,I am also fatigued easily, I blame it all on the gabepentin,and I don't care what the doctor says I think yours is from it too.I am a grandma too of 5 and a week ago I almost dropped the 1 yr old off my lap, cause he jumped,I caught him, but I hurt for 2 days over 1 second of umpth, and this medication also takes my strength away,not that I have any I can lift 4 to 5 pounds.I hurt 24,7's even with all the medication. My point is yes these tendencies to drop things sounds familiar.and after 4 years it seems to get worse because the level was raise from 150mg 4x day to 300mg 3x day, seems when I complained, the doc raised the level. Imagine that. Hope you get better,I feel for you.sorry to let you know it only seems to get worse as the years go by,with 1 day running into the next ,my whole sense of time is confused too,as well as my balance,I really think the medication is bad for me,but without it I become very grouchy when the pain worsens,so I try to never miss a dose,I know within 1 hour if I do.and it takes about 1 1/2 hours to start working.It seems the doctors prescribe this for everything and last week I read the package insert, it says it is a seizure medication,so I don't really understand why I have to take it :I have never had a seizure.you and I should each check into this ,I am questioning my doc next visit,I hope I have helped you, it helps me to read about others,have a great (painfree) day!
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-09 16:45:29
Member Answer/Reply:
I too am a female of 57 yrs., and have been taking Gabapentin, 300 mgs. 4xdaily for 9 yrs. now. As far as the perception problems I have not had any, (yet). But as for the dropping things, yes that happens, but only when I'm late taking a dose. Just like the other lady I can tell within a half hour of when the dose is due. There is a warning on the label that this medication will cause Dizziness, and make you Drowsy, especially when taken with Alcohol, so be aware of that. As my doctor explained to me, the Neurontin is to boost the pain killing power of whatever drug you are taking for pain, and surprisingly this does work. If you have been on this for awhile DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS SUDDENLY, WITHOUT YOUR DOCTORS ORDERS!!!! My doctor has warned me of this many times because I hate taking pills, but find that I have to, just to be able to function. I wish all of you the best and I can understand your concern, but sometimes this is all one big trade off just to help the pain.
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-20 12:10:55
Member Answer/Reply:
Hi I have been on Neurotin for three years now, i am on quite a few meds so somtimes it is hard to know which med is working and which isnt. I do think the Neurotin works. I am taking it for my spasms that i get. I am sleeply alot but that can be due to my other meds. And if i miss more than two doeses of anything i get really dizzy and have a hard time sleeping. I can sleep for two days straight. I do have ms, firbro, sleep apnea, serve depression. hope this helps in some way to someone. I do reccomend the Neurotin.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 13:20:50
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Gabapentin since 2002, 1800 mg. a day with no side effects, except dry mouth, and insomnia. I take it for post-shingles neuralgia pain in my face/ear/mouth.
72 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 16:53:34
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Gabapentin since 2002, 1800 mg. a day with no side effects, except dry mouth, and insomnia. I take it for post-shingles neuralgia pain in my face/ear/mouth. It does help, if I miss a dose, .....the pain does increase.
72 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 16:56:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Gabapentin for several years. Started out 300 3x a day, now its 300 2x a day.I am also an insulin dependent diabetic & started Dialyiis Jan, 2007. Also I had a mild stroke in 2000 which left my right side off. I started off with a walker, progressed to a cane & now walk very carefully as my balance & depth perception is off. After I was cut back to 2 times a day the cramps lessened. ( they were worse at night) I take 10 different medications so their are lots of side effects you just can't do much about as my doctors all say I need what i'm taking.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 18:53:59
Member Answer/Reply:
Yes, this sounds way too familar. I am on many different medications, I was on Topamax at one time also, after some time being on it I too got the symtoms you are describing but when I complainted about the symtoms to my neurologist he told me that it wasn't the Topamax. I brought it up with my 3 other doctors I go to, and they called it Topamax "DOPE - A - MAX", because of the way they feel it makes a patient behave overall. Since I have been off of it I no longer have those symptoms exactly like I had with being on Topamax. I never took Gabapentin, so I can't speak to you about that drug. I was electrucuted over 10 years ago and suffer from many problems one of them being migrains, cluster headaches, so severe they can wipe out weeks of my life at a time.(I get a headache, take drugs, get rebound headache, get migraine, take drugs, rebound headach and so on and so on...). That might sound familuar to you. What my neurologist started doing and it works fantastic for me is Botox treatments for my migrains. The treatments have cut my various headaches in half. It has made the various headaches "manageable" where as needed migraine medication helps so much more. I don't have to be on a daily medication. After so many years of massive drugs my liver and kidneys can't keep this up, so with limited severe long term migrains and such, I can continue other medication I need to take for other problems. Before Botox became "Cosmetic useage, it was used for medical conditions, there are so many more areas that Botox can help than people are aware of. They only hear of Botox for cosmetics. The shots are given in specific spot on my forhead, temple, skull, neck. I have been doing it for several years and it helps so much more than anything else and believe me I have been on every kind of drug imaginable!!! Look into it, I am running out of characters to type so I need to end now, Good Luck and God Bless
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 18:10:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking gabapentin for 9 yrs. 700 mg twice a day. I had a back injury that led to seizures and numbing pain in my back and hip. Yes, I do feel "drunk" about 2 to 2 1/2 hrs after I take it. I have fallen down stairs and rammed my head into door facings. I continue to take the meds cause I remember the pain before taking the medication. It has all but stopped my seizures and thats a blessing. I have taken several narcotics for the pain over the yrs and the gabapentin seems to have the leasts amount of side effects. Also you may feel its difficult to wean yourself off of this drug after taking it for some time. Good luck to you and hope things work out
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 18:13:33
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 62 year old female, and I take Neurontin 900 mg 3 times a day to control Restless Legs Syndrome which we thing is related to the Spinal Stenosis that I have. I don't tolerate the generic, Gabapentin. I, too, find that my fine control and perception are slightly off, and my feet don't always land where I thought I was putting them. I have lost my balance several times, although falls were not a problem. I do, also, sometimes get my feet tangled up when first standing, but have only had hard landings in a chair, not a fall. I hope this helps you.
63 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-20 23:56:21
Question/Comment:
I have only been on Gabapentin for 3 mos now and I too suffer from nerve pain from buldging discs in the neck, shoulder pain from a pinched nerve, fibromyalgia, and sleepApnea, I have tried alot of diiferent Pain meds in the past including a variety of anti depressants with no relief until the gabapentin I started out with 300 three a day and it did make me groggy , daytime sleepy , everyones body I here will tolerate this medication differently. as for me I have not had any of the reactions and it has helped me tremendously deal with the pain , before that I couldnt even clean my own house without dealing with extra pain on top of the pain I already had so I feel too that it is worth trying.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-08 18:11:38
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking gabapentin for over 2 years I take 800 two times a day for nerve,back, leg, disc problem without it I can't even lay in bed.
I also take other medication with it but this is my main source of relief.
I have an implant for pain but I can't use it all the time.
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 19:02:32
Member Answer/Reply:
I am currently on 700 of Neurontin(Gabapentin) in the evening. I take it at 5;30pm because any later and I wasn't able to wake up in the morning. My dr. wanted me up to at least 900 and then to start a daytime dose but again the drowsiness is preventing me from increasing my dose. Right now I have broken out in a rash, have increased joint pain and my liver function is off. I go for a ultrasound in the morning. Gall bladder has been gone since 1992. Showering feels like I am holding a match to my skin. Typing this hurts. Have you had any of these kind of symptoms. I admit I'm on a ton of meds but the neurontin is the newest.
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 20:00:14
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Drowsiness is a common side effect of Neurontin. There have been a few reports of rash and joint pain with Neurontin. It is a good idea to let your doctor know about your symptoms and see if he or she wants to adjust or change your medication.
Posted: 2009-03-16 14:34:34
Question/Comment:
i have been on gabapentin 300 mg for a week taking it twice a day having severe back pain, hip and leg pain balance problems not taking it any more
75 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-08 12:16:03
Member Answer/Reply:
March 4, 2009
The Patient :
Age; 81
Brand Name: Neurontin
Generic Name: Gabapentin
FOR: Peripheral Neuropathy
300MG Capsule
Three (3) times daily (Total 900 MG a day).
HOW LONG? – Over 3 years
Moderately Effective
SIDE EFFECTS: Moderate Side Effects -
Rate your overall experience with this drug (Gaberpentin) 4 out 10
WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS DOES THE PATIENT HAVE? MCI - Mild Cerebral I, (Arecept 10MG. once a day at bedtime); Type 2 Diabetes (Metformin 850 MG two times a day);; Benign Prostate (Flomax -0.4 MG at bedtime) Thyroid Synthroid ( 0.1MG- One rime daily)
BENRFITS OF TREATMENT: Unsure - My legs ache. I don't remember ever having any real pain, other than an annoying ache in both legs. When I think about it I feel as though I am walking in damp fishing boots. There is a (electric type) buzzing in my legs and feet. Has, over the past several years, crept up from my ankles to above my knees. With all this I do very well walking a slow pace - sometimes like a drunken Sailor (balance). I walk down 101 stairs tale a short ¼+ mile walk and come back up 2 at a time (slowly) holding onto a rail (now).
REAL SIDE EFFECTS: Memory and problem solving - Constant tiredness, lack of interest. Hard to concentrate on necessary Paperwork - i.e. Taxes (TurboTax) Last year I had no problem with concentrating or filling in the forms on the program. Now I have a hard time concentrating , even sitting down to do it. I was motivated - now I've lost the drive to get the job done - and I know I have to do it. I have trouble understanding now – short term memory problems. I used to look forward to using TurboTax - what I understood last year I can't seem to follow this year..
TREATMENT DETAILS: Take one (1) Gaberpentin capsule (300MG) by mouth three times a day. Morning about breakfast time, Noon before lunch and night after dinner. 1 Unithroid Tab. (1000 MCG) before breakfast. Metformin (850MG) 2 times a day. Morning and night. FLOMAX (0.4 MG) at night after dinner. Aricept (10MG) tab at night after dinner.
AJ
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 20:29:52
Member Answer/Reply:
Have been on Gapapentin now since 1999, 400mg, 3 in AM, 3 in PM.
In order to get relieve, I had to allow the drug to build up in my system over a period of about 30 days. It works. Tell your doctor, so he can increase dosage if necessary.
56 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-08 09:20:11
Question/Comment:
I have been on Gabapentin (100mg)2 pills 3X daily for the last 5 years but I take it for 2 reasons, fibromyalgia & Shingles,which is really painful before during and after the blisters go away,I get what I call hot spots on various spots on the right side of my body,it feels like my skin has been scalded,the gabapentin is a miracle drug as far as I'm concerned,my pain level goes down to 1.My Dr. also prescribed Lidocaine patches for the burning pain from the shingles ,you can cut the patches to smaller sizes and don't put them directly on the pain spot but put just above the spot and they really do stop the burning spots,I can actually get up and do some light housework.any side effects that I had at first have gone away.
59 year old female
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-06 11:33:25
Question/Comment:
i have been taking gabapentin since August. i had a very bad case of shingles. i find that when taking gabentin i have a problem with my speech. i sometimes have a difficult time getting the words out.
has this happened to anyone else?
78 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-01 19:51:55
Member Answer/Reply:
It has happened to me to I sometimes feel like I cant talk but It helps the pain so I continue to take it I have 8 kids so I really don't have a choice, its not so bad after u take it for awhile u get used to it I've been on 400mg 3x a day for 2 yrs now. and it relieves alot of my pain.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-04 12:41:27
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on it for 10 years and I do have speech issues with it as well as balance issues. I take 800mg twice a day. It helps me so I figure it is worth it. The only thing is that if I run out or cannot afford to refill I cannot sleep either and feel very tired the next day. Good luck to you and hang in there the drug is worth it.
Patricia Age 52
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:42:15
Question/Comment:
Hello, My name is Michael I am blessed with seizures and 2 heart attacts, and my disability paper say's I am crazy but not dangerous. I take alot of pills heart and stuff but they had me on Neurontin for about 5 Years I was taken it 3 times a day I can't even remember how mqany Mg. I did a day I just new if I did not take that big white pill I would start shaken, then my wife noticed and said I looked like a junkie if I was a couple hours late taken it, so me and the Dr. talk and Lyrica does the job with less Mg. and only twice a day. Write me at MCrawley0963@aol.com and I even have witnesses. Made my life so much better...................
Sincerely,.
Michael
46 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-28 17:46:39
Member Answer/Reply:
hello michael-lyrika did not work for me and was unable to take do to the side effects it had on me--i have just started the gabapentin and just came off of cymbalta which took my blood pressure to the top--i am hoping that something will work for me as well as you --i am new to all this and wow has all this changed my life--i have so many questions and need the answers as my chest is hurting extremly and need feed back about these drugs that ive been put on--yeah--i know what you mean about the records and what they write and i am with you-its ok we just need help with our diagnosis and you hang in there--if you have any info for me --it would be greatly appreciated as i am also on diazapam and tramadol--like i said im new at this and need feedback---------
32 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-29 11:34:07
Member Answer/Reply:
Hello new to this. I have had 4 ureter and kidney surgeries on the left side within the past 3 years and have acquired chronic pain from the surgeries and the fact that my kidney is hydronephrotic and about 3 times the size of a normal one. I have been on at times oxycodone, Opana ER, hydrocodone and fentanyl patch. After not much success with any of them, I am currently taking 40-60mg of hydrocodone and the 50 mc/hour Fentanyl patch, over the past year they have tried Tramadol (made my anxiety and panic attacks worse) which I quit, Gabapentin (by the time I had any pain relief the dose was so high I was fatigued and had trouble with memory), I think I was on 300mg 3 times a day, so I quit it. Thay are now trying Lyrica which seems to be helping a little (just started a week ago) 75mg 3 times a day and going to 150mg 3 times a day in a couple days, but I told them I have to try something else because I cannot afford the $210 a month for 1 medication that's with insurance. Now they want me to try topamax but I told the pharmacist when I went to pick it up that I can't afford the $80 a month for that either. I told my doctor I need something Generic but it must be hard to find something as it seems most people do relatively ok on the Gabapentin, but other than Gabapentin it doesn't appear there are many choices. Hang in there.
46 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-14 16:13:53
Question/Comment:
I have been taking gabapentin since february... It was introduced to me in detox for alcoholism,and has been helping with cravings, hot flashes due to menopause, and chronic neurological and leg surgery pain..i causes a feeling of peace with me, but not a high feeling like pain killers.I also take mobic and sometimes soma, but I havenot taken a narcotic since october after ankle surgery. Any comments from other former addicts??? 53 year old female
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-20 22:54:09
Question/Comment:
i'm only 30 and i have fybro if any of u want to talk about this e mail me at srd273@yahoo.com
31 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-12 17:14:05
Member Answer/Reply:
What do you want to talk about. I have Fibro and have been on Neurontin since 1999. Have you been on Neurontin as well for our condition?
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-23 12:57:57
Question/Comment:
I really think that the homeopathic and natural remedies are better. Here is why: I was diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome, after participating in an extensive study where my brain waves and body were monitored overnight in a sleep study. My doctor prescribed Requip, saying, "You don't have Sleep Apnea, but it runs in your family, so I'm trying this." I slowly titrated onto the Requip, which worked wonders for some time. Unfortunately, being a poor person on Medicare, my pharmacy wanted me to switch to the generic, Ropinorole. I used that for several months, and I was waking up nights and falling asleep days. My doctor sent a note to the pharmacy saying, 'No substitutions allowed'. They said, "Sorry, you HAVE to take the generic. So I went back to the Sleep doctor who said, "We've been switching all of our patients to the Ropinorole also. Actually, you are one of the first patients we've tried this with, and you've been on it longer than any of our other patients." So then, he wrote a prescription for 'Gabapentin' and said, 'Try this." I had seen a bottle of something called 'Hyland's Restful Legs' in the drugstore, and asked him about it. He said, "Try that for a few weeks before starting the Gabapentin. If it works, go with that." My problem is that the prescriptions are often free, so its hard for me to spend real money on a homeopathic remedy, even if it works better. Last week, I was only using the homeopathic stuff and Melatonin. Last night, I restarted the Gabapentin since I'd gone to the pharmacy and gotten a large bottle for NOTHING. I forgot what dose I was taking, and took two. I could not get out of bed or move in the morning and never made it to church at all!
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-11 19:29:26
Question/Comment:
I have been having some issues with hot flashes and insomnia. My doctor first prescribed Clonidine, which I took one night and slept worse than I had been! Now he has prescribed taking 1 300mg. Gabapentin at bedtime. I took it last night and I think it did help with my hot flashes and sleep, but I woke up feeling really dizzy and tired. Most people I have read about on this site deal with a lot of pain, Fibromyalgia, migraines, etc. and the side effects people have experienced really scares me! My issues seem pretty mild to be taking something like this regularly. I think I am going to try some natural products, or over the counter before I get too far into this medication. I had some sleep issues about 10 years ago and was on a low dose of Amytripline (sp?) for a while but weaned myself off gradually. My issues are due to Menopause, and I don't think this is the right course of treatment for me. Thanks for all the info!
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-10 12:51:57
Member Answer/Reply:
Anytime you can get by without medicines like these, you should. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anti-seizure medication. I've been on it since 1999 and hope to go off soon. I was prescribed it for Fibromyalgia and believe I never should have been.
God bless you. The hot flashes and insomnia is always better, also, if you don't eat too late at night, just FYI...
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-23 13:00:26
Question/Comment:
I have RSDS and I take gabapentin 400mg 4x a day.I also have back problems. I have had weight
gain but I am not sure if it is do to meds. or lack of of mobility .I do at times become sleepy after taking meds. They have been good as far as my pain goes .Every once in awhile due to my pain they seem to only last 3 hours instead of 6.But I am pleased so far with them.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-09 03:38:35
Member Answer/Reply:
hi im a 47 yr old female , i take 800 mg 3 times a day for nerve damanage in my thighs feet from diabeties. and without it , or i miss a dose, my pain forgets who has the upper hand . ive been on it for sometime , yes at times i get sleepy ,but i take 9 or 10 different pills aday .sorry about my spelling but i had no problem with theses meds , i like it ,it helps ease,s the discomfortfeels i get .
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-22 23:25:41
Member Answer/Reply:
I too have RSDS and have tried almost every drug there is to stop pain, burning, seizures and so on. I take almost 1000mg of oxycontin which only takes the edge off the pain. I now am deleting some of the oxy and putting in 10 or 20mgs of methodone. All is ok so far. I do use gabapentin for seizures at night just as i'm falling asleep. I take 300mg two to three times a day and it has done a super job. But as with any drug my body is getting use to it and i will have to up the dose another 300mg. I also take lorzepan to sleep at night and for the fear of what ever. Now there is one more drug, I take 300mg of zoloft a day however, it has out lived it's usefulness but if i stop I will have problems. So at this point it is just being used to maintain my body only. The methadone makes me sleepy. The oxy gives me the sweats.
The lorzepan and zoloft not sure were they fit in for all of this but i'm sure that they contribute.
So as it stands no matter what you take for what ever medical problem you have, the side effects will be there. You have to decide which is better, the pain or the side effects. The only thing that get me through the day without me wanting to end it all is the fact that I have turned it all over to the Lord. I sure can't fix it and there isn't doctor who can fix it so who is left but him. So there you have it GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU WITH PAIN may your days and nights get better.
59 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:59:50
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