Gabapentin Neurontin

[bmc1976]

Just wanted to let everyone know how things are going. I can't believe how well gabapentin has worked. I've been thru the withdrawals going cold turkey 3 times in the past without anything to help. I was presribed gabapentin about a month ago for pain. It didn't help for that. I did some research on it and it is used for withdrawals. It has been 90% easier than before and trust me, I know how bad it is. The only syptoms (symptoms) I have had this time is I'm just a little cold and a bit of anxiety but nothing like before. I guess it's not normally prescribed for withdrawals because it has not been approved for that but I would think most docs would prescribe it because it can be used for pain and is a non narcotic. There are many other uses for it. I read there can be a withdrawal effect when stopping it so I only plan on taking it for a week. I only had to take 1 today and I was taking over 25 hydros a day until Sunday. I stopped completely monday. I just want to let people know about this because of how well it seems to be working.
Brian

[Greatgreebo]

Neurontin can be very dangerous. It was originally developed as an anti-convulsant/seisure medication that has now been applied to pain relief. People need to carefully research safe doses and possible side effects..the amounts a doctor is willing to prescribe usually far excedes safe amounts.  I'm glad it helped you. Everyone wanting to use this drug must be cautious. It can actually cause people to go 'off the deep end' almost into psychosis. IF it works for you great. All 'amazing' cures should be taken with a grain of salt
Greatgreebo

[bmc1976]

From what I have read it is a very safe medicine with little to no side effects. That is just what I have read and really have no other experience with it until now. I did hear it can become addicting and that is why I only plan on using it for a week. Can you please feel me in on your experience with it?
Thanks,
Brian

[wait2long]

Is neurontin really addictive?  i have heard people tend to abuse it, but have never heard of it being addictive until now. this worries me because my doctor wants to put me on neurontin or lyrica for my fibromyalgia and i really dont need another addiction...
i HAVE also heard it does effect ones mood, when coming off it, it can cause severe anger issues and depression, this i have seen firsthand, but by someone who did not take it properly, and did kind of go off the deep end for the day after.  he only took it once!

[sleeplesss]

I was on neurotin over a year ago for a bulging disk in my neck.  The only side effect I had was being sleepy.  I don't recall any problem at all getting off of it.  Of course, everyone is different...

[avisg]

neurontin for the most part is a safe drug ,however for a while they were using to treat bi polar  disorder ,then they found out it really never work in BP patients turns out pharmaceutical companies paid for positive results it was quite the scandal . In the process BP patients were suffering cuz there meds did not work . Like any med you have to make sure the benefit's out weigh the risks ,but given the choice between a narcotic and neurontin i would pick the neurontin every time if it works for ya.

[bmc1976]

I'm on day 5 of withdrawals and feeling great! Going cold turkey from 25+ hydros. The only side effect for me has being sleepy but that is great while going through withdrawals! I'm not going to take any today and see how it goes. I know in the past my withdrawals lasted about 5 days. Here's what wikipedia said about it.....

Gabapentin (administered orally) is one of two medications (the other being flumazenil, which is administered intravenously) used in the expensive Prometa Treatment Protocol for methamphetamine, cocaine and alcohol addiction. Gabapentin is administered at a dosage of 1200 mg taken at bedtime for 40–60 days. Though the combination of flumazenil infusions and gabapentin tablets is a licensed treatment, there is no prohibition against a physician prescribing gabapentin outside the Prometa protocol. There have been reports by methamphetamine addicts that gabapentin alone in doses of 1200 mg at bedtime taken for 40–60 days has been effective in reducing the withdrawal symptoms and almost eliminating cravings or desire to use methamphetamine. [11]

That's why I decided to give it a try and it has worked wonders. There is no way I am going to use it for 40 days! I've just been taking it since Monday. The longest I plan on taking it for is a week but hopefully I went need anymore at all. It has helped tremondously!

[wait2long]

I heard something to that effect also...they were claiming it was a "mood stabilizer" when it really wasnt...i know someone who swears it is... the facts dont support it, but telling them that is a whole other issue...

[avisg]

yup that was it, turns out its not a mood stabilizer at all. I think it is a great option for nerve  pain.

[wait2long]

I think i'm going to try it...i HAVE to do something...or lyrica, but was told lyrica is about the same med just cost twice as much...

[avisg]

wait ,
i wonder if it would help my TMJ at this point i would hang naked from a chandelier if i thought it would help the pain

[1eagle]

I have been taking that stuff for a few months - no real problems, and I have done well dumping the hydrocodone - I will be careful when I stop. All in all I would think that it is worth it...................

[bmc1976]

Well if you would do that I will mail you some!!!!! Just kidding! Just curious, what is TMJ?

[avisg]

LOL it is a croinic problem with the joints of the jaw and the facial muscles of the jaw .... it sooooo sucks

[bmc1976]

I think gabapentin is mainly used for nerve pain but it didn't help with my siatica. It might help for other areas of pain but I'm not quite sure. Everyone is different though. It's worth a shot since it is non narcotic. And even if it doesn't work at least you'll have it around for withdrawals. I'm on day 5 and feeling good. I've actually slept every night. The last few times I went through withdrawals I didn't sleep thru the night for 5 days.

[avisg]

luckily i have already gone threw withdrawal is hope for the last tie I am four months clean , but as you said its wroth a try ....

[avisg]

bad bad typing i swear i need a typist

[bmc1976]

That's great! Congrats on that. Since you know how bad withdrawals are hopefully you won't have to go through them again. I read up on gabapentin and go over it with your doctor. I guess there can be some withdrawal effects from them. I'm not going to take them long enough to find out! There are many non narcotic pain meds out there. Ask your doctor the different options you have. One side effect I've been having is a fuzzy head all day. I don't think you want to have that. Do a search on non narcotic pain killers and see what you can find. Print those off and take them to your next doctor visit. Hopefully you can find something non narcotic that will work.

[sleeplesss]

Hang naked from the chandelier, eh....thank you for making me laugh today!!!!  and hey....I just picked up my 90 neurotin so I also will mail you some if you send us all a pic....

[checkmeout]

would like to see avisj hang naked from a chandelier... ;-)

[mom2amj]

I was just wondering how many mgs do you take of the neurontin per day?  I only have the 100mg capsules bc my Pdoc said to try that instead of xanax due to the sleepiness.  I have done research on it also...it is supposed to stimulate GABA in the brain....i'm no expert but I think that is similar to endorphins and dopamine.  This may be why it is so helpful for w/d symptoms.  I have taken 300mgs once daily for the last two days and feel just a little depressed, extremely tired, and i'm freezing! It doesn't help that it's 31 degrees outside!

[bmc1976]

I have 400mg pills and was taking 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and 2 at night. I haven't taken any today and I'm on day 5. I feel pretty darn good overall. I'm going to try and not take anymore but depends on if I can fall asleep tonite. I have slept every night while taking the gabapentin so we will see. I've been cold also but I thought it was part of the withdrawals.  Maybe it's from the gab.
Hey sleepless, let me know how they work for you with the withdrawals. I went cold turkey and have pretty much been withdrawal free and was taking over 25 hydros a day!

[wait2long]

I placed a paper bag on my head, hung from a chandelier naked while singing pop goes the weasel.....didnt work.....yes, i too am willing to try anything!

lyrica was just approved by the FDA for fibro, my doc said neurontin is the same drug...and fibro isnt really considered "nerve pain" as a whole, so maybe it would work for you too...I'll ask my doc about this when i see her on tues. let ya know...ok?

[avisg]

LMAO

[GoingToMakeIt]

Well well, I go away a few hours and come back to see a pillar of our community (avis) swinging naked from a chandelier. Did nuerontin cause this? :-)
When are you changing your icon avis? I want a pic of this! lol
Laughter feels so good.

[avisg]

hahaha i would not want to scare off every one in the fourm :)

[checkmeout]

I don't know, avis.  Your pic is so dark, but seems like you might look good hanging.  LOL

[1eagle]

Does the nureontin stimulate this type of thought pattern and/or behavior? I have been taking them, but I think that I will share with the wife........

[GoingToMakeIt]

We keep telling people to hang in there. We didn't mean it literally, Avis

bmc thank you for sharing this info on Neurontin. Sounds very promising...aside from the ape like side affects. :-)

[checkmeout]

NUERONTIN FOR EVERYONE!!!!  chandeliers on the house....

[checkmeout]

okay, folks this has really gotten outta hand.  and I LIKE IT.

[1eagle]

I gotta agree that it is a refreshing change of pace for a short - short..

[bmc1976]

Sorry I haven't been on for awhile, I got my foot stuck in the chandelier....Just got back from a movie with my wife. Day 5 vic free has been great so far.

[Spring-02]

I take neurontin for unexplained neuological symptoms and nerve pain.  It doesn't cause any side effects for me..  Without it though, the pain would not be bearable.  It is much better then taking anti-depressants like effexor and ativan, which can become addictive and messes up your mind.

[checkmeout]

next time your foot is stuck like that CHEW IT OFF before somebody takes your pic and posts it on an addiction forum.  lol

[wait2long]

I am glad i am getting some feedback on neurontin, good feedback...i think i am going to go for it!!  thanks

[bmc1976]

How else do you think I got down? I did notice a flash throught the slider, I think it might have been someone taking a pic. Keep your eyes peeled. The pic might just end up on here!

Wait2long. I would say go for it for sure. It can't be any worse than narc. I hope it helps you!

[allalone1963]

good luck with the neurontin, it is a god send for fibro.. if it helps your pain you can be dependent on it, different from addiction, if used properly, was for seizures now used for many things.. very costly !

[northernstar30]

I have a bottle of neurontin and trying to get off tramodal.  If I was to try the neurontin to ease the withdrawls from the tram, how many should I take?  The doc gave me neurontin for nerve pain in my hand but I don't think it works.  I want off the tramadol and I know I'm gonna feel withdrawls but if I can curb some of the pain that would be great.  But still I'm repeating the cycle.  Replacing one drug with another.  I want to go ct, but I'm so scared.  I've been hiding this from my husbnad and family for over a year.  My husband knows the signs of withdrawls and If he finds out I've been using tramadol, he will leave me.  I don't want to loose him and my kids.  I"m ready to quit.  I'm ready to admit I have a problem.  Thanks everybody for your suport.  

[bmc1976]

I have the 400mg gabapentin (neurontin) meds. My doc told me to take 1 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and 1 in the evening. He said I could double the dose if need be. I originally was prescribed them for nerve pain and they didn't help. I read on the internet that they can help with withdrawals. They have big time! They really helped at night with getting to sleep. I took 2 at night to help with that. I'm on day 6 without vicodin and feeling great. I had little to no withdrawals symptons. I'm done taking them now. I didn't want to replace one drug for another and that's why I'm not going to use them for more than a week. I went cold turkey off the vicodin and right to gabapentin. It has been amazing how well it has worked. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Best of luck!

[GoingToMakeIt]

Do some research. Not sure where, though.
Trams are best to taper due to seizures, so you want to be sure it is safe using the Neurontin instead.

[bmc1976]

Maybe call a pharmacist. I'm sure they could give you some information on it. Neurontin was originally prescribed for seizures so it may be helpful for that too. I have no idea though. Just a thought.  It would probably be best to talk to your doctor just to be safe. This is the first time I have taken it so I don't really know anything about it and what drugs interact with it. Make sure you get professional advice first!

[allalone1963]

Catalogue of side effects for the anticonvulsant Neurontin - generic Gabapentin - which is sometimes prescribed as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Common Side Effects:

[deemilieu]

i've used gabapentin off and on since 2007.  it was given as an add-on to an ssri  for anxiety and depression.  my experience:  it's sedating, and constipating - those are the main side effects.  at high doses (900mg/day+/-??), you tend to get a bit woobly when you walk, and i noticed my feet got a little puffy-swollen.  also, at high doses you may get a little forgetful.  i was driving around and i sort of for  a moment forgot how to get back to where i live!   i've taken as much as about 2100 mg in divided doses a day, and stoppd cold turkey and did not experience any withdrawl from that.  but that's just me.  i don't suggest anyone stop without med. suprvision & tapering.  most lately, i've been under stress from a job loss, so i started using it again.  i'm finding 150 mg at bed is usually enough to help with anxiety and brighten my outlook.  sometimes i take an extra 150 first thing when i get up too.  but it makes me too sleepy.  as for addicition, i just don't see it.  it doesn't give a rapid plasure/reward response.  but that's just me...btw, it's also good if you're trying to get off of benzos.  it really mellows you out a lot.

[deemilieu]

actually gabapentin is used by some rehab in-patient hospitals to get people off of narcotics...and crystal meth. and alcolhol too.  my psychiatrist isn't bothered if i go on and off of it without consulting him first.  they prescribe stuff a lot more dangerous and a  LOT less effective than gababpentin all day long (atypical antipsychotics for resistant depression, amphetamines for ADD, lamactil-which is sort of a next gen. gabapentin, but it has much more dangerous side effects [many question if it really works at all for off label psych stuff it's scripted for], and, well, that's about all.  oh, i forgot ativan and xanax- 2 nasty benzos that will hook you so fast your head will spin).  another option is to use the new gabapentin med. (developed when nuerontin -gabapentin's old trade name - went generic) called lyrica.  but it's a LOT more expensive than gabapentin 'cause it's a new drug that's not available as a generic.  

[Ella789]

Hi everyone!

  I take 1800 mg of neurotin every day, so far I don't feel too crazy! lol, I think it is helping me too.  I am not afraid of it as my dr. says that it can be taken in larger amts to see if it helps with pain.  At first month I could'nt tell at 900 mgs and so he increased it to see if it might help more for me.
  I take Cymbalta too, 60 mg x 2 per day.  I think if I was concerned about anything it would be that!
Happy Mothers Day to All us Moms out there!!!!!!!  :)

Ella

[paddleback]

I was prescribed this by my DR. for nerve pain. I took only four pills in four days and was lucky I wasn't taken away in a straight jacket. I couldn't think, lost sight in both eye's. The stomach pain was so bad. All I wanted to do was eat and still it would never help the pain. I couldn't talk, my speech was effected. I was angry and it made me so depressed all I could think about was dying.....I'm now off this medicne my sight has gotten a little better. My bowels have improved but this was the worst medicine I have ever had in my life.. PLEASE becareful, with this med its toxic to some people