Posted by Lisa on October 14, 1998, at 14:29:35
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by Toby, A HUGE THANK~YOU! (m) on October 14, 1998, at 9:45:55
Karen, I read that web page you gave on Neurontin and while it is possible it works for panic at such a small dosage as he implies, I have heard many other stories. My old doctor (who I just fired for telling me we had a personality conflict) told me a story of a woman he treated for alcoholism and panic disorder. He put her on Neurontin 900mg/day and her anxiety completely disappeared. She also found no reason to self-medicate herself with alcohol anymore. Now I don't know if that is an unusual case, but I have read that Neurontin does help anxiety. Check out this page: http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Gapapentin-bipolar.html. Unfortunately, I've also read that it doesn't. Since everyone reacts to medications differently, what might be a miracle drug to one person could be a nightmare to another. It's that hit and miss deal again.
Here is my personal experience with Neurontin in the 3 weeks that I've been taking it. I hope it helps anyone who is considering using this drug for either panic or bipolar.
I am currently on 900mg/day. My increase was gradual due to my phobia of taking new meds and the terrible side effects I get. The first 3 days on Neurontin, the only side effect I experienced was shortness of breath and hyperventilation, which disappeared as quickly as it surfaced. I am not sure if it was caused by the drug or the anxiety of taking the drug. Whatever it was, it is now gone. I experienced NO other side effects whatsoever, which for me is a beautiful thing. Now that I am currently being maintained on the minimum dosage, I have surfaced from my depression, feel more high-spirited, and concentration has improved dramtically. Although I am still on Klonopin for my panic, I've noticed a remarkable decline in my level of anxiety and am able to relax for once. Being bipolar, I'm noticing my moods begin to level. I don't cry at the drop of a hat, and my motor has also slowed down. The most incredible development, which I pray to God continues, is that for the past two nights I have been able to fall asleep without my thoughts racing uncontrollably. That horrible problem has caused me to suffer insomnia for years, and any relief from that is a miracle.
I still have a long way to go before I know if Neurontin will continue to stabalize my moods and help with anxiety. If it does, I may be able to eventually decrease my Klonopin, but for now I wait, see, and pray.
To leave on a very bright note, I've finally found some terrific help. She is a nurse practicioner in the mental health field and consults with a psychiatrist on all her patients. She can also prescribe meds. She is empathetic, sympathetic, informative, and special. At the end of our first session, she walked up to me, held my hand, and kissed me on the cheek. She was letting me know that she cared, she felt my pain, and she would be there to help me. I think I've found my earth-walking guardian angel. :-D
Lisa
poster:Lisa
thread:860
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19981001/msgs/881.html