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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by allisonm on August 5, 2001, at 21:59:56
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by Survivor on August 5, 2001, at 3:08:32
My doctor gave me Neurontin as a mood stabilizer. I believe its primary use was for epilepsy. It's use for mood stabilization is relatively new and you won't find it in the descriptions of the drug. For me, it took the edge off. I don't recall reading about the chance of tumors. Dove is right. It has a short half life and should be taken more than once a day. There are posts in the archive that talk about how muchh the body can absorb ffor the most efficacy. You can do a word search for Neurontin and Cam. His answers were helpful to me when I was taking it.
Good luck.
Allisonm
Posted by MM on August 6, 2001, at 3:57:33
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Survivor, posted by allisonm on August 5, 2001, at 21:59:56
Allisonm, is your pdoc using neurontin as the only mood stabilizer and are you taking any antidepressants with it? What type of bipolar do you have? I'm interested in it for my BPII.
Posted by allisonm on August 6, 2001, at 9:30:03
In reply to Re: Neurontin » allisonm, posted by MM on August 6, 2001, at 3:57:33
> Allisonm, is your pdoc using neurontin as the only mood stabilizer and are you taking any antidepressants with it? What type of bipolar do you have? I'm interested in it for my BPII.
MM,
I don't have BP. I have chronic refractory depression. I took it with Wellbutrin and Remeron and then just with Wellbutrin. I think Greg, who sometimes visits this board, did well on it too.good luck.
A >
Posted by Nora Wolski on August 7, 2001, at 19:22:19
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Annabelle, posted by Survivor on August 4, 2001, at 7:12:02
Annabelle: I took Neurontin for 1 1/2 years at 2400mg a day along with Effexor 300mg plus some additional sleep and aniexty meds (only when needed) and believe me the Neurontin really works. I took this medication as I'm Bipolar II with a Manic Depressive Disorder. When I first started taking the Neurontin I could definetly tell the difference. At first, I felt a little dizzy/fuzzy headed, couldn't always think clearly, sometimes touble remembering, tired (but I had insomia for that whole period of time) but within a short period of time things changed. I could feel the meds were leveling my moods out and they weren't jumping all over the place(up/down/up/down) and most of the other symptoms pretty much went away..but never all gone. My doctor said this med had to be taken twice daily, 1200mg in the morning and 1200mg at night in order to get the balanced affect of it. It sounds like you have been through a tough ordeal and I can understand your reluctance to starting a new medicine. Annabelle, it really did work for me and when I think back on it, it was probably the easiest med for me to get used too with the least amount of side effects. Sometimes we just have to try it and see how it enteracts with our systems and hope for the best. Remember there are many different medications out there and one of them will work for you.
> 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 16# on August 8, 2001, at 1:33:56
In reply to Re: Neurontin » Survivor, posted by Nora Wolski on August 7, 2001, at 19:22:19
Nora--What do you now take for your BPII?
> Annabelle: I took Neurontin for 1 1/2 years at 2400mg a day along with Effexor 300mg plus some additional sleep and aniexty meds (only when needed) and believe me the Neurontin really works. I took this medication as I'm Bipolar II with a Manic Depressive Disorder. When I first started taking the Neurontin I could definetly tell the difference. At first, I felt a little dizzy/fuzzy headed, couldn't always think clearly, sometimes touble remembering, tired (but I had insomia for that whole period of time) but within a short period of time things changed. I could feel the meds were leveling my moods out and they weren't jumping all over the place(up/down/up/down) and most of the other symptoms pretty much went away..but never all gone. My doctor said this med had to be taken twice daily, 1200mg in the morning and 1200mg at night in order to get the balanced affect of it. It sounds like you have been through a tough ordeal and I can understand your reluctance to starting a new medicine. Annabelle, it really did work for me and when I think back on it, it was probably the easiest med for me to get used too with the least amount of side effects. Sometimes we just have to try it and see how it enteracts with our systems and hope for the best. Remember there are many different medications out there and one of them will work for you.
>
>
> > 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 Nora Wolski on August 8, 2001, at 11:39:17
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by 16# on August 8, 2001, at 1:33:56
I am currently only on "ONE" med now and it is Topamax. It's been 6 weeks now and I take 50mg once in the morning (otherwise it interferes with my sleep) and I can't tell you how "GREAT" I feel. In between me getting off the Effexor, Neurontin, etc, my doctor put me on Celexa only then added Neurontin and that did not work. Finally, I was going through a manic episode and that's when he decided to try me on Topamax. Much to his disbelief he said I was doing to good to soon but he wasn't going to rock the boat at this point in time. So far, I have been stable in moods, clarity in thought, loads of energy and have lost some weight. When I first started taking this med I was very manic and for the next 2-3 weeks following I was very manic but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. After that period I could start to feel the pressure lift from me and for the first time in almost 4 years I feel like old self. I'm not sure if this will last, but at least I know my doctor is on the right track.
> Nora--What do you now take for your BPII?
>
> > Annabelle: I took Neurontin for 1 1/2 years at 2400mg a day along with Effexor 300mg plus some additional sleep and aniexty meds (only when needed) and believe me the Neurontin really works. I took this medication as I'm Bipolar II with a Manic Depressive Disorder. When I first started taking the Neurontin I could definetly tell the difference. At first, I felt a little dizzy/fuzzy headed, couldn't always think clearly, sometimes touble remembering, tired (but I had insomia for that whole period of time) but within a short period of time things changed. I could feel the meds were leveling my moods out and they weren't jumping all over the place(up/down/up/down) and most of the other symptoms pretty much went away..but never all gone. My doctor said this med had to be taken twice daily, 1200mg in the morning and 1200mg at night in order to get the balanced affect of it. It sounds like you have been through a tough ordeal and I can understand your reluctance to starting a new medicine. Annabelle, it really did work for me and when I think back on it, it was probably the easiest med for me to get used too with the least amount of side effects. Sometimes we just have to try it and see how it enteracts with our systems and hope for the best. Remember there are many different medications out there and one of them will work for you.
> >
> >
> > > 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 Survivor on August 9, 2001, at 0:54:58
In reply to Re: Neurontin, posted by Survivor on August 5, 2001, at 3:08:32
Well, I wrote to my doctor explaining my concerns about the Neurontin and don't know if I'll hear anything from him before our next appointment at the end of the month. Meanwhile, I feel like I'm slipping off the deep end of depression again and increasing apathy is setting in. I've been taking Wellbutrin 200 mg/day for about six years now and it's helped as much as anything (except Prozac, but I couldn't tolerate the sexual side effects). Unfortunately, that isn't saying much.
Are halfway measures, treatments that "almost" work, or endless experimentation with combinations of new pills really all that I can expect after 30 years of "treatment"?
My brother, who is a psychotherapist, called me last night mostly to nag me about my anorexia (unintentional - who wants to eat?) but also mentioned some new antidepressant/mood stabilizers coming out that are somewhat like second-generation tricyclics. He couldn't recall the names of the drugs, so I think they'd be really new. I read someone mention a drug called Topomax (sp?) I've never heard of - is this one of these new drugs? I don't think my brother meant Remeron or Celexa, but is there anything new under the sun worth trying - or reason to? I'm about as crazy as I can manage and the idea of wading through more unfamiliar, thought-fogging, weight-increasing, drugs makes me want to just give up.
I think I'm falling down again, but I really don't have the energy to particularly care. If it wasn't for my absolutely normal husband (who finds all these meds questionable anyway), I don't think I could find a reason to stick around much longer...I haven't felt such despair in a long time. My life has never been as good as it is now, and yet I feel stalked by this relentless depression that can wait out all the happiness in the world.
Suggestions or comments (about things that have helped you; I'm pretty clear on how nuts I am) are welcomed.
Posted by Annabelle on August 22, 2001, at 8:06:37
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Annabelle on March 13, 2001, at 14:08:25
Hi,
I finally found this thread again! Is everyone still out there, and how are you doing?
My reason for taking Klonopin and Neurontin was muscle pain. Now I have started some trigger point injections into the neck and trap muscles.
Next step is perhaps Botox, or injections into the facet joints.....
I am still on the Klonopin and Neurontin...
Take care all....
Annie
Posted by anna on August 25, 2001, at 23:21:23
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Annabelle on August 22, 2001, at 8:06:37
> Hi,
> I finally found this thread again! Is everyone still out there, and how are you doing?
> My reason for taking Klonopin and Neurontin was muscle pain. Now I have started some trigger point injections into the neck and trap muscles.
> Next step is perhaps Botox, or injections into the facet joints.....
> I am still on the Klonopin and Neurontin...
> Take care all....
> AnnieHi, I am on Neurontin along with Topamax 150 mg, Wellbutrin 300 mg, Geodon 80 mg, Klonopin 1- 2 mg daily to stablize my mood. I have only been on it for a few days and the only thing I have noticed is severe fatigue, almost to the point of falling asleep at the wheel. But I also just started a job (at the same time of med change) that requires me to get up at 4 am and be there at 6 am) I usually sleep until 8 am. I don't know what to do. I take 600 mg at night and the only thing I take in the a.m. is my wellbutrin. I only take the Klonopin as needed, usually in the evenings when my nerves are shot from mommy burn-out (my kids are 4,3 and 1)
By the way, my mood is not stable at all. I am BP II and feel so out of control, I am about to consider checking into a treatment program because I have been having suicidal thoughts.
Anna, having a bad day
Posted by NHGrandma on August 26, 2001, at 7:30:24
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Annabelle, posted by anna on August 25, 2001, at 23:21:23
Anna,
Just curious. How long have you been on the Wellbutrin?
NHGrandma
Posted by anna on August 26, 2001, at 22:46:58
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by NHGrandma on August 26, 2001, at 7:30:24
> Anna,
> Just curious. How long have you been on the Wellbutrin?
> NHGrandmaI have been on the Wellbutrin for about 6 months now. I have also taken in the past but have had to stop because of pregnancy, so this is the longest I have ever taken it.
Anna
Posted by Wendy B. on August 27, 2001, at 23:54:58
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Annabelle, posted by anna on August 25, 2001, at 23:21:23
[Annie's post]
>
> Hi, I am on Neurontin along with Topamax 150 mg, Wellbutrin 300 mg, Geodon 80 mg, Klonopin 1- 2 mg daily to stablize my mood. I have only been on it for a few days and the only thing I have noticed is severe fatigue, almost to the point of falling asleep at the wheel. But I also just started a job (at the same time of med change) that requires me to get up at 4 am and be there at 6 am) I usually sleep until 8 am. I don't know what to do. I take 600 mg at night and the only thing I take in the a.m. is my wellbutrin. I only take the Klonopin as needed, usually in the evenings when my nerves are shot from mommy burn-out (my kids are 4,3 and 1)
>
> By the way, my mood is not stable at all. I am BP II and feel so out of control, I am about to consider checking into a treatment program because I have been having suicidal thoughts.
>
> Anna, having a bad dayDear Anna,
Why why why why are you at a job that is taking this much out of you? Getting up at 4 to get there by 6? When normally you'd be sleeping til 8? And this on top of being a mother of 3 kids under the age of four?
No wonder you're ready to check in at the hospital! You have got to stop and take care of yourself, you need your rest, it's so very important... And your kids need you to stay well...
I remember posting to you several months ago, and you were very kind, please be kind to yourself... I haven't checked the Psy-SOCIAL Babble board yet today, but if you haven't looked there yet for support, it is full of wonderful people who are incredibly supportive to one another... you might consider this perhaps...Worried about you,
please take care,
Wendy
Posted by anna on August 28, 2001, at 0:10:30
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin » anna, posted by Wendy B. on August 27, 2001, at 23:54:58
> [Annie's post]
>
>
> >
> > Hi, I am on Neurontin along with Topamax 150 mg, Wellbutrin 300 mg, Geodon 80 mg, Klonopin 1- 2 mg daily to stablize my mood. I have only been on it for a few days and the only thing I have noticed is severe fatigue, almost to the point of falling asleep at the wheel. But I also just started a job (at the same time of med change) that requires me to get up at 4 am and be there at 6 am) I usually sleep until 8 am. I don't know what to do. I take 600 mg at night and the only thing I take in the a.m. is my wellbutrin. I only take the Klonopin as needed, usually in the evenings when my nerves are shot from mommy burn-out (my kids are 4,3 and 1)
> >
> > By the way, my mood is not stable at all. I am BP II and feel so out of control, I am about to consider checking into a treatment program because I have been having suicidal thoughts.
> >
> > Anna, having a bad day
>
>
>
> Dear Anna,
>
> Why why why why are you at a job that is taking this much out of you? Getting up at 4 to get there by 6? When normally you'd be sleeping til 8? And this on top of being a mother of 3 kids under the age of four?
> No wonder you're ready to check in at the hospital! You have got to stop and take care of yourself, you need your rest, it's so very important... And your kids need you to stay well...
> I remember posting to you several months ago, and you were very kind, please be kind to yourself... I haven't checked the Psy-SOCIAL Babble board yet today, but if you haven't looked there yet for support, it is full of wonderful people who are incredibly supportive to one another... you might consider this perhaps...
>
> Worried about you,
> please take care,
> Wendy
Wendy,I know, it all sounds so dumb. I think it is all about my disease,taking on too much at one time. I actually thought getting a job would make me feel better, and it has in a way, but NOTHING will make me feel better until I get my meds straightened out. I talked to my new boss today and I will be taking a break for 2 weeks to get some rest and try to get my medicines right (I didn't get this personal with her, just told her I needed time off!) All the job is is taking care of an elderly lady with Parkinson's, it is not that hard. She is very wealthy, the pay is great (we need the money bad) and it gives me a needed break from the kids (does that sound bad) What it has taught me so far is that raising kids is not as hard as I thought. A stubborn 84 year old rich lady is a different story, lol!!!! I am feeling better today, but I know tomorrow could be bad again, so I am watching out. Thanks so much for your concern. I have never visited the other board, but I will now that you have mentioned it.
Thanks,
Anna
Posted by Wendy B. on August 28, 2001, at 9:56:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin » Wendy B., posted by anna on August 28, 2001, at 0:10:30
>(...)
>A stubborn 84 year old rich lady is a different story, lol!!!! I am feeling better today, but I know tomorrow could be bad again, so I am watching out. Thanks so much for your concern. I have never visited the other board, but I will now that you have mentioned it.You do that, I'm sure you'll get good support there (also Dr. Bob encourages us to use it for discussions not related to meds, although I'm not sure where this thread fits in...!)
I understand now why you're doing the job, and of course only you can judge if it's taking too much of a toll on you. I know that we depressed people have a terrible time conforming to other 'normal' people's sleeping and waking cycles. Most depressed people I know can't get to a job before 10:00... we just don't fit into office job morning schedules. (I'm sensitive about this, my last boss was sure I was a lazy good-for-nothing cuz I couldn't even begin to get there before 9:30...)
I do hope you are seeing somebody to figure out the meds problem, but why don't you try posting the question again on Psy-Social, and we'll talk over there...> Thanks,
> AnnaNo problem, I'm glad to have caught your message...
Your friend,
Wendy
Posted by Annabelle on August 28, 2001, at 18:47:49
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by NHGrandma on August 26, 2001, at 7:30:24
> Anna,
> Just curious. How long have you been on the Wellbutrin?
> NHGrandmaHi NH.... Ummm on the Wellbutrin...About 3 or 4 years, along with Celexa. I take the Klonopin & Neurontin for pain, but I am finding out that it does help to stabilize me too. I would LOVE to get off of some of these meds, but when I consider the alternative....I stick to them faithfully.
Posted by Annabelle on August 28, 2001, at 18:52:55
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin » Wendy B., posted by anna on August 28, 2001, at 0:10:30
CONFUSED???? I am....a normal state, I admit.
I am logged on as Annabelle, and sometimes sign just Annie. We have an Anna on the list too, and do we have another Annie??Well, I will change my name, or my signing name to help if need be. :-)
> > [Annie's post]
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Hi, I am on Neurontin along with Topamax 150 mg, Wellbutrin 300 mg, Geodon 80 mg, Klonopin 1- 2 mg daily to stablize my mood. I have only been on it for a few days and the only thing I have noticed is severe fatigue, almost to the point of falling asleep at the wheel. But I also just started a job (at the same time of med change) that requires me to get up at 4 am and be there at 6 am) I usually sleep until 8 am. I don't know what to do. I take 600 mg at night and the only thing I take in the a.m. is my wellbutrin. I only take the Klonopin as needed, usually in the evenings when my nerves are shot from mommy burn-out (my kids are 4,3 and 1)
> > >
> > > By the way, my mood is not stable at all. I am BP II and feel so out of control, I am about to consider checking into a treatment program because I have been having suicidal thoughts.
> > >
> > > Anna, having a bad day
> >
> >
> >
> > Dear Anna,
> >
> > Why why why why are you at a job that is taking this much out of you? Getting up at 4 to get there by 6? When normally you'd be sleeping til 8? And this on top of being a mother of 3 kids under the age of four?
> > No wonder you're ready to check in at the hospital! You have got to stop and take care of yourself, you need your rest, it's so very important... And your kids need you to stay well...
> > I remember posting to you several months ago, and you were very kind, please be kind to yourself... I haven't checked the Psy-SOCIAL Babble board yet today, but if you haven't looked there yet for support, it is full of wonderful people who are incredibly supportive to one another... you might consider this perhaps...
> >
> > Worried about you,
> > please take care,
> > Wendy
> Wendy,
>
> I know, it all sounds so dumb. I think it is all about my disease,taking on too much at one time. I actually thought getting a job would make me feel better, and it has in a way, but NOTHING will make me feel better until I get my meds straightened out. I talked to my new boss today and I will be taking a break for 2 weeks to get some rest and try to get my medicines right (I didn't get this personal with her, just told her I needed time off!) All the job is is taking care of an elderly lady with Parkinson's, it is not that hard. She is very wealthy, the pay is great (we need the money bad) and it gives me a needed break from the kids (does that sound bad) What it has taught me so far is that raising kids is not as hard as I thought. A stubborn 84 year old rich lady is a different story, lol!!!! I am feeling better today, but I know tomorrow could be bad again, so I am watching out. Thanks so much for your concern. I have never visited the other board, but I will now that you have mentioned it.
> Thanks,
> Anna
Posted by Squiggles on August 30, 2001, at 11:37:28
In reply to mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by paul on November 26, 1998, at 8:21:48
> YOU HAVE TO BE OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND TO TAKE ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICINES FOR MOOD DISORDERS(KLONOPIN,DEPAKOTE,NEURONTIN ETC...) A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I WAS PRESCRIBED KLONOPIN BY A SHRINK (MAY HE AND HIS FAMILY BURN IN HELL)FOR ANXIETY AND ALSO PAXIL WHICH I DIDNT TAKE VERY LONG, WELL AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS I FELT LIKE I DIDNT NEED THE KLONOPIN EITHER SO I STOPPED TAKING IT. WELL NOW I AM A DOCTOR MADE EPILEPTIC AND HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE FOR SEIZURES THE REST OF MY LIFE.I NEVER HAD SEIZUREE AT ALL NOW I HAVE GRAN-MAL ( THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU BLACK OUT SHAKE RATTLE & ROLLBITE YOUR TONGUE AND MAYBE EVEN SHIT YOUR PANTS) I WOULD RATHER BE FUCKING CRAZY THAN GO THRU THIS SHIT. AND YOU KNOW WHAT I STILL HAVE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.NOW THAT I LOOK BACK I COULD OF EASILY LIVED WITH THE WAY I FELT BEFORE I WENT TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT DOCTOR. SO A WORD OF ADVICE DONT LOOK TO LIFES PROBLEMS TO BE RELIEVED BY A PILL( I BET NONE OF YOUR DOCTORS HAVE WARNED YOU ABOUT THESE TYPES OF MEDS)
Dear Paul,I sympathize with your outrage; if you are not
an epileptic and you take Klonopin for some time,
and then cut, you will risk becoming one.I am pretty certain that what I had was a
seizure type activity upon cutting, and this
has happened a number of times. It was not
standard withdrawal (I know all the symptoms
of that by heart) because it was sudden - like
a thunderbolt in my head - and all three times,
it took approximately 30 days to recover.I felt quite sick in waves after that electric
head occurrence, with severe headache, gastric
disturbance, inability to walk straight, narcoleptic
fits, and memory problems.I thank God, I am revoering without great residual
damage. I am at such low dosages, and I wonder
what happens to people on higher dosages.I should tell you that no doctor thought it was
a seizure - but rather withdrawal.It's a sad state of affairs with these
discontinuation problems - compounded by many
factors not directly pertinent to the facts.I wish you the best and I am sorry you
must take this for a damage it has caused.
BTW, I too was prescribed this for anxiety.
Also, Xanax, which I tapered with relative
ease.take care
Squiggles
Posted by Annabelle on August 30, 2001, at 11:56:34
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin » Wendy B., posted by anna on August 28, 2001, at 0:10:30
Random thoughts...re Neurontin. I think we all know it is constipating, but has anyone else had the 'weight gain' syndrome after starting on the Neurontin? After my foot surgery, this winter, I started gaining weight and I thought it was from inactivity and eating ice cream. It dawned on me the other day that was also when I started taking the Neurontin for muscle pain.
Any comments ???
Thank you,
Annabelle...not to be confused with Anna.. :-)
Posted by dove on August 31, 2001, at 17:58:49
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin, posted by Annabelle on August 30, 2001, at 11:56:34
I've had more weight gain since starting Neurontin than the entire time I've spent on Amitriptyline. So, I definitely believe that Neurontin does cause weight gain for *some* of us. Many people report no weight gain and even weight loss with Neurontin, but I am not one of them.
Klonopin seems to cut my appetite, but I haven't seen any weight loss since its augmentation to the rest of the mix.
I hope someone else can give some more specific reasoning and advice regarding the Neurontin weight gain problem.
dove
Posted by dove on August 31, 2001, at 19:11:52
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin, posted by dove on August 31, 2001, at 17:58:49
Addendum to my previous post. Originally, I thought I wasn't experiencing any weight gain, but last week a visit to my P-doc mentioned that ever since I started Neurontin my weight was indeed increasing. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't any confusion as to my previous post stating that I hadn't experienced any weight gain :o)
dove
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