Question Title: medication:neurontin

Have been diag.with SLE for 8yrs...Have ischemic optic neuropathy and am
legally blind(white cane for mobility).A month or so ago, I went totally
blind for appx.1hr.Rheumy sent me to neurologist.A multitude of tests
have been done. MRI of brain & nect, brain wave, doppler of caroid artery
emg, and vep..diagnosis..PERPHIAL NEUROPATHY..CEREBRAL VASCULITIS..
Have had NEURONTIN & PAMELOR added to IMURAN, SOMA, PREDNISONE, AND
ASPRIN..Have been on the Neurontin for about 2wks.now, tingling in hands
and feet, also they go to sleep; leg cramps & jerks in sleep, tingling in \
ears, burning on right side just below need up to hip, headache has
lessened...REALLY, When could I expect some of other symptoms to cease
or decrease? I went into lupus forum..neurontin appears to be a new med to
several, but only since January, 1998. I am searching for more information
and answers!

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Dear Brendaward
Your situation is slightly more complicated than usual.
I am boing to try to address the issue of Neurontin usefulness in your situation.
Neurontin is a medication that was originally approved by the FDA as add on medication for patinets with epilepsy.
Recent studies have shown potential usefulness on this medication in patients with neuropathy (mainly diabetic neuropathy). But these results are still preliminary, therefore it is unknown how Neurontin works and in case it works what is the time course for its effect. Therefore I am not going to be able to tell you exacltly what to expect except that your initial response to it seems promising. Therefore, I would suggest that you continue this medication in the case that you do not have any side effect from it
Good luck

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