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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jay on March 13, 2007, at 1:55:51
(NM)
Posted by SandyWeb on March 13, 2007, at 12:33:31
In reply to Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin??, posted by Jay on March 13, 2007, at 1:55:51
I was taking 3200 mg daily of Neurontin (800 mg four times per day). This was probably about 2 or 3 years ago. To tell the truth, at the VERY beginning, it seemed to subtly help with my anxiety. And I mean very, very subtly. Certainly do not substitute a benzo for it!! And although it seems to help many people with their sleep, it didn't have the least effect on my ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. The only real thing I can say about it was that it actually took away all my desire to self-medicate with alcohol, and I've never had a drink since. BUT....the med only worked for a very short time.....then it was basically a placebo. It didn't do anything. I kept taking it for about a year, thinking that maybe it was doing SOMETHING.....but it wasn't. I was just throwing money away. So I quit cold-turkey, and there weren't even any withdrawal effects from it.
So I'm glad that it helped me to stop self medicating (or maybe it was just time for my body to stop accepting the alcohol). But other than that, I wouldn't waste my time on it. But that's just my point of view. Like I said, it has helped other people....maybe it will turn out to be your wonder drug, after all. Good luck!
God Bless,
Sandy
Posted by Sandra62 on March 13, 2007, at 19:00:18
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » Jay, posted by SandyWeb on March 13, 2007, at 12:33:31
I tried Neurontin for Bipolar and it did absolutely nothing for me. I still had cycling. Useless stuff.
Posted by SandyWeb on March 14, 2007, at 14:38:18
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin??, posted by Sandra62 on March 13, 2007, at 19:00:18
I guess they were trying to market Neurontin as a mood stabilizer for Bipolar, but "discovered" along the way that it didn't work. Yes, I'd have to agree with you. It really is a pretty useless med in all ways. Although, it is supposedly great for nerve pain. I have a bit of nerve damage on the left side of theback of my neck, and I have to admit that it didn't bother me as much while on the Neurontin. But as for a psych med......thumbs down.
God bless,
Sandy
Posted by platinumbride on March 19, 2007, at 9:44:49
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin??, posted by Sandra62 on March 13, 2007, at 19:00:18
I've been taking it for about 6 years to manage anxiety. The problem is that I am a person who develops a tolerance to it over time and then have to take a little more, a little more, etc.... suddenly, I am past 4800 mgs.....I try to taper down, I start to, and somehow, I get back to a lower dose.
However:
With this ruling my life, it was difficult to notice the cognitive problems caused by this med, at almost any effective dose. In fact I didn't notice, really, until I tried to go to grad school this January. Could not remember a thing about what I had read to save my life.....could not skip the medication because the anxiety of getting to school was so bad.
Also, I cannot say that such high doses have been a help on the girlish figure.
So, does it help? Yes....but there is a price to pay.....at least for me.
Diane
Posted by Ken Blades on March 20, 2007, at 11:34:12
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin??, posted by platinumbride on March 19, 2007, at 9:44:49
Hi platinumbride~Fancy meeting YOU here..haven't we run into
each other elsewhere? ;)You are on 4800mg/day??????
No wonder you have the memory problem...I'm on
'only' 3600mg/day and I have memory problems.
Posted by platinumbride on March 20, 2007, at 13:33:53
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » platinumbride, posted by Ken Blades on March 20, 2007, at 11:34:12
Sometimes more than 4800 mgs.
Small world, kind sir ;)
Diane
Posted by Ken Blades on March 21, 2007, at 2:59:50
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » Ken Blades, posted by platinumbride on March 20, 2007, at 13:33:53
OMG! Maybe I should try that and see what
happens[memory disappears entirely lol]...It certainly IS a small world, fair maid ;)
Ken
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 21, 2007, at 9:59:54
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » platinumbride, posted by Ken Blades on March 20, 2007, at 11:34:12
> You are on 4800mg/day??????
>
> No wonder you have the memory problem...I'm on
> 'only' 3600mg/day and I have memory problems.About Morontin, errrr, Neurontin.....what was I about to say? Oh yeah, this stuff is stupefying to my brain. In the last few weeks, I've had five kitchen mistakes, two resulting in stove-top fires. On 900 mg of Morontin.
What's totally unusual about this drug is the uptake kinetics. They're non-linear. You'd think that going from 3600 to 4800 would result in substantial increases in circulating drug, but it really isn't so. Individual differences are certainly important, and the data I'm using are statistics (i.e. regression towards the mean), but here we go:
-uptake at 3600 mg is 33% of dose, so 0.33 X 3600 = 1188 mg total absorbed.
-uptake at 4800 mg is 27% of dose, so 0.27 X 4800 = 1296 mg total absorbed.
Adhering to significant digits conventions gives rounded values of 1200 and 1300 mg, respectively. So, what looks like a whopping increase in dose results in a very small difference in circulating drug. My 900 mg yields 540 mg uptake (60% of dose).
Lyrica (pregabalin) has linear dose kinetics, making circulating concentration directly proportional to dose. Although it's supposed to be "cleaner" than Neurontin, I had a huge list of adverse effects, including the inability to speak. Your brain may differ.
I'm on my second trial of Morontin, and I'm cutting back to 600 mg to see if I can start to have a return of short term memory. I'm taking it for neuropathic pain, so maybe there's a difference there. I'm also Mr. Side Effect.
Lar
Posted by platinumbride on March 21, 2007, at 10:35:39
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » Ken Blades, posted by Larry Hoover on March 21, 2007, at 9:59:54
It really is an odd drug, but unfortunately, it and klonopin, are the only things that really kick anxiety in the butt (most of the time).
I guess I am a fast metabolizer, because 1 or 2 mgs of klonopin don't seem to last me more than 2-3 hours, so lately, especially in very stressful situations, I take the 2 together. Wow, but do I feel dumb and tired!!!!
And yet it time and time again, I find that even this cognitive dulling is preferable to crippling anxiety. It isn't as if one's brain is sharp when one is anxiety-ridden!
And of course, depression itself makes one pretty dumb after a while...
It seems a shame that ssris never cut it in the anxiety department for me. I don't feel too keen on trying a tca. I failed with cymbalta and effexxor, as well as remeron, so why bother with the dirty "old" tricyclics?
I sometimes wonder what it would be like to take GABA as a supplement. Guess that is a question for another board.
Anyway, thank you for all of that information. Surely there exists something that makes a dent in anxiety without making one a complete moron.
Diane
Posted by elanor roosevelt on March 21, 2007, at 22:15:56
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin??, posted by platinumbride on March 21, 2007, at 10:35:39
neurontin was one of the meds that "kidnapped" me. prescribed by a pdoc with an ego that even nyc is strained to contain, the med undermined me so badly thati became compliant even though i felt miserable.
Posted by rina on March 23, 2007, at 20:23:35
In reply to Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin??, posted by Jay on March 13, 2007, at 1:55:51
I would just like to hear different experiences with high doses of lyrica. I'm currently taking 600mg of Lyrica with 100mgProvigil and 100Topamax. I'm having positive experiences thus far with the lyrica but I'm noticing a tremendous amount of hunger and weight gain. Has anyone else had and other similar side effects?
Posted by JaneB on March 24, 2007, at 13:28:39
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » Ken Blades, posted by Larry Hoover on March 21, 2007, at 9:59:54
Larry,
Have you ever heard of clonazepam being used for neuropathic pain?
Thanks, Jane> > You are on 4800mg/day??????
> >
> > No wonder you have the memory problem...I'm on
> > 'only' 3600mg/day and I have memory problems.
>
> About Morontin, errrr, Neurontin.....what was I about to say? Oh yeah, this stuff is stupefying to my brain. In the last few weeks, I've had five kitchen mistakes, two resulting in stove-top fires. On 900 mg of Morontin.
>
> What's totally unusual about this drug is the uptake kinetics. They're non-linear. You'd think that going from 3600 to 4800 would result in substantial increases in circulating drug, but it really isn't so. Individual differences are certainly important, and the data I'm using are statistics (i.e. regression towards the mean), but here we go:
>
> -uptake at 3600 mg is 33% of dose, so 0.33 X 3600 = 1188 mg total absorbed.
>
> -uptake at 4800 mg is 27% of dose, so 0.27 X 4800 = 1296 mg total absorbed.
>
> Adhering to significant digits conventions gives rounded values of 1200 and 1300 mg, respectively. So, what looks like a whopping increase in dose results in a very small difference in circulating drug. My 900 mg yields 540 mg uptake (60% of dose).
>
> Lyrica (pregabalin) has linear dose kinetics, making circulating concentration directly proportional to dose. Although it's supposed to be "cleaner" than Neurontin, I had a huge list of adverse effects, including the inability to speak. Your brain may differ.
>
> I'm on my second trial of Morontin, and I'm cutting back to 600 mg to see if I can start to have a return of short term memory. I'm taking it for neuropathic pain, so maybe there's a difference there. I'm also Mr. Side Effect.
>
> Lar
Posted by rina on March 24, 2007, at 13:47:29
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » Larry Hoover, posted by JaneB on March 24, 2007, at 13:28:39
Just when I thought I've found the med cocktail that's absolutely perfect for me. I put on a pair of jeans I just bought last week!! Guess what?? They don't fit...and to top it off my face is bloated. This Lyrica works wonders but the weight gain and edema is killing me. I can't afford to keep buying new clothes like the Queen of Sheba. Does anyone know of a similar med besides Neurontin that has the anti-anxiety/depression buster non sedating effects Lyrica has without the weight gain? If so please help...I'm desperate in San Francisco.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Virtue
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 24, 2007, at 14:07:09
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » Larry Hoover, posted by JaneB on March 24, 2007, at 13:28:39
> Larry,
> Have you ever heard of clonazepam being used for neuropathic pain?
> Thanks, JaneYes, my pain doctor prescribed it for me. Unfortunately, I seem to be extremely sensitive to it. I can't tolerate 1/8 of a 0.5 mg tablet.
Do you have NP?Lar
Posted by TheMeanReds on March 24, 2007, at 14:17:01
In reply to I'm About To Pull My Hair Out!!!, posted by rina on March 24, 2007, at 13:47:29
I never took Lyrica. But to keep in my mind to lose weight, I dont buy new clothes. I wait untill my old ones fit. Good old 'skinny' jeans. I dont have a scale, the jeans tell me my weight.
Good Luck.
Posted by rina on March 24, 2007, at 15:41:36
In reply to Re: I'm About To Pull My Hair Out!!!, posted by TheMeanReds on March 24, 2007, at 14:17:01
My idea wasn't to loose weight. It was just to reap the benefit of the meds working for anxiety. It just so happens that one of the side effects is severe weight gain.
Posted by JaneB on March 24, 2007, at 16:05:55
In reply to Re: Old question :anybodydoing well on Neurontin?? » JaneB, posted by Larry Hoover on March 24, 2007, at 14:07:09
I only know that over many years of recurring hip/leg pain I got surprised when clonazepam (which was prescribed for something else) eliminated that problem. .5mg takes care of it. But I have to take it consistently. I have been taking it for 8 years. Once a doc tried to switch the med to Neurontin--that gave me headaches, was much more expensive and I prefer clonazepam. I also take 10-20 mg prozac. On days that I must be more energetic and productive I have found that 30mg sudafed helps a lot.
I didn't take any today--hence I am unproductive and visiting dr. bob's website--which has helped me immensely over the years. I appreciate your contributions. Thanks, JaneJane
> > Larry,
> > Have you ever heard of clonazepam being used for neuropathic pain?
> > Thanks, Jane
>
> Yes, my pain doctor prescribed it for me. Unfortunately, I seem to be extremely sensitive to it. I can't tolerate 1/8 of a 0.5 mg tablet.
> Do you have NP?
>
> Lar
Posted by KayeBaby on March 24, 2007, at 16:47:10
In reply to I'm About To Pull My Hair Out!!!, posted by rina on March 24, 2007, at 13:47:29
> Just when I thought I've found the med cocktail that's absolutely perfect for me. I put on a pair of jeans I just bought last week!! Guess what?? They don't fit...and to top it off my face is bloated. This Lyrica works wonders but the weight gain and edema is killing me. I can't afford to keep buying new clothes like the Queen of Sheba. Does anyone know of a similar med besides Neurontin that has the anti-anxiety/depression buster non sedating effects Lyrica has without the weight gain? If so please help...I'm desperate in San Francisco.
>
> Have a wonderful weekend,
> Virtue
I have exactly the same question.
Lyrica is such a great med for me. I went off of it for about a month and recently re-started it at only 75mg per day and within 4 days my face was puffy. I lost about 12 lbs in fluid pretty fast when I quit it.I suspect the fluid might be partly to blame for my elevated BP while on lyrica. It does make me want to eat more but the water weight is apart from that. My abdomen went down so fast after I discontinued it. I was taking up to 300mg but for most of the year on it 75-150.
It improves my sleep, my mood and my energy and has very few side effects apart from the weight/fluid retention.
Does neurotin have the same propensity for edema as Lyrica? I imagine both will increase apetite.
I am very frustrated also.
Peace,
kaye
Posted by rina on March 24, 2007, at 16:58:26
In reply to Re: I'm About To Pull My Hair Out!!!, posted by KayeBaby on March 24, 2007, at 16:47:10
> > Just when I thought I've found the med cocktail that's absolutely perfect for me. I put on a pair of jeans I just bought last week!! Guess what?? They don't fit...and to top it off my face is bloated. This Lyrica works wonders but the weight gain and edema is killing me. I can't afford to keep buying new clothes like the Queen of Sheba. Does anyone know of a similar med besides Neurontin that has the anti-anxiety/depression buster non sedating effects Lyrica has without the weight gain? If so please help...I'm desperate in San Francisco.
> >
> > Have a wonderful weekend,
> > Virtue
>
>
> I have exactly the same question.
> Lyrica is such a great med for me. I went off of it for about a month and recently re-started it at only 75mg per day and within 4 days my face was puffy. I lost about 12 lbs in fluid pretty fast when I quit it.
>
> I suspect the fluid might be partly to blame for my elevated BP while on lyrica. It does make me want to eat more but the water weight is apart from that. My abdomen went down so fast after I discontinued it. I was taking up to 300mg but for most of the year on it 75-150.
>
> It improves my sleep, my mood and my energy and has very few side effects apart from the weight/fluid retention.
>
> Does neurotin have the same propensity for edema as Lyrica? I imagine both will increase apetite.
>
> I am very frustrated also.
>
> Peace,
> kaye
>
Yes, it is very frustrating. I've tried neurontin as well. Doesn't come nearly as close to the great effects of lyrica but the side effects are as nearly as bad. The only thing I experienced from neurontin was weight gain. I'm almost tempted to ask my pdoc can he add something to the lyrica to offset the side effects of the edema/weight gain because it works wonderful besides walking around looking like oompa loompa from willy wonka...lol any suggestions?
Posted by KayeBaby on March 24, 2007, at 18:44:01
In reply to Re: I'm About To Pull My Hair Out!!!, posted by rina on March 24, 2007, at 16:58:26
This is the end of the thread.
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