Posted by viridis on January 20, 2003, at 15:46:57
In reply to Re: gabitril neurontin etc, posted by missliz on January 20, 2003, at 2:19:02
I'm not sure what to think about Neurontin. It's hard for me to believe that it does nothing, because initially it was extremely relaxing for me (definitely not placebo effect). This wore off very quickly, but I could certainly see it being useful as an anxiolytic for others if this effect lasts.
I started it early on when my pdoc recommended addition of a mood stabilizer, and I refused to take his preferred med (low-dose Depakote). I suggested Neurontin, and he said OK, it's not a "first line" mood stabilizer, but it is extremely safe and (in his experience) is sometimes helpful. He characterized it as the mildest mood stabilizer, and said its effects are generally very subtle.
When things started to come together (mainly, I think, because of the stabilization with benzos and then the addition of Adderall), Neurontin was still there in the background. I've mentioned to my pdoc a couple of times that I might discontinue it, and he doesn't seem too concerned either way. He prefers that I stay with it because it may add "background stability"; I think it's really a case of "if it ain't broke don't fix it" -- i.e., since this combo is working, why mess with it?
I was surprised by your comment that it's "hell to get off of"; I've skipped doses for varying lengths of time and never noticed anything. I've also (accidentally) taken a double dose a couple of times and not noticed anything either. But it sure was great at the beginning, so if that effect is sustained for some people, I could see it being very useful.
A couple of other comments: Neurontin is considered safe in part because it bypasses the liver, so there are almost no concerns with med interactions. It's essentially impossible to overdose, because there's a limit to the amount that can be absorbed in a given length of time; the rest is simply lost in the urine. And, my understanding is that although it's expensive, it will be off-patent soon (it's already generic in Canada, and here generics are apparently being stalled by the manufacturer via lawsuits until the "new and improved" version, Pregabalin, can be marketed).
poster:viridis
thread:136541
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/136765.html