Neurontin Addiction

[Heather_lyn]

I started being prescribed neuron tin 600mg 3x daily for a panic disorder. i Got my bottle 30 one day and i took 1 and then i decided to take a nap. i put the bottle on my headboard when i woke up i was at the hospital, the doctor told me to lay down and that i have had 3 seizure then i blacked out and woke up on my parents couch. my mom said that i fell down in the hallway and started having seizures my mom called the ambulance while my dad held me down, when my husband walked through the door i didn't even know who he was my mom had to tell me,when i got to my house i stayed away from my man cause i didn't recognize him.the next morning i was fine, but i noticed my bottle was gone!! did i take them all in my sleep? or did the ambulance go into my room and grab them? but i cont to take them more and more larger quanties at a time. i need advise don't judge me!! but i am taking 5 pills at a time 3 times a day. i tried to go without but i get insomnia,panic feeling,pain level is heightened. i called the pharmacy, didn't tell him who i was just that i had some questions, he said that its not addicting.  then why am i feeling this way. my tolerance is increasing what do i do,how do i get off this evil drug. yes i am taking alot and you're probably shocked but this is tolerance grew over a 3 year period,not something that happened overnight

[nursegirl6572]

First, I wanted to comment on the info given earlier in this thread.

Neurontin IS actually prescribed as an off-label use for anxiety, panic, depression and other mood disorders.  It certainly isn't as commonly prescribed as the SSRIs or benzos, but it most certainly can be used to treat mood disorders, with a good deal of success actually.  I've seen the elderly population benefit from Gabapentin being used to treat depression and anxiety.  I worked at a facility where we cared for a lot of long term ventilator patients.  Those folks deal with a lot of anxiety.  A good bit of them were on Neurontin.

Mhibbe....Actually, Neurontin has been found, in the case of treating mood disorders, to be more effective when taken in higher doses.  Your dose isn't outrageously high.  However, you are clearly having some issues, with the memory, and other things,.

You need to discuss all of this with your doctor.  You may need to be switched to another med.  Don't EVER make any changes to your regimen without consulting your doctor.

Best of luck!

[Mhibbe]

I've found my memory has been effected to the point where I forget things like MD appointments (using alerts and appointment cards. I repeat questions to my kids, who think I'm crazy, and worst of all, I feel some withdrawal symptoms, ie: sensitive touch to skin, irratibity, depression. I'm s/p l4-s1 spinal fusion, so I so have some remnant nerve pain depending on how physical I am. What to do?....take more med? (Taking 300/ 3x's a day)..frankly I'm afraid to get off of it. Any advice?

[sandstone27]

Also, I still take neurontin occasionally - if I'm having problems falling asleep I usually take about 200 mgs.  

[sandstone27]

Hi Heather,

If you're having panic/anxiety issues, mangel is right in that neurontin is not the medication that should have been prescribed.  Doctors usually prescribe benzodiazapines for anxiety, and may or may not use an anti-depressant as an adjunct to the benzo's.  I would talk to your doctor, and get a referral (if you need one) to see a specialist.  He can prescribe the appropriate medication, and you can discuss your issues with neurontin as well.

Best of luck to you, and keep us updated.

Sandy

[rnangel]

Sorry I'm using my phone...don't know where 'Ou' came from lol.

[rnangel]

Neurontin should not be prescribed for panic disorder. It is classified as an anticonvulsant and commonly prescribed for nerve pain and seizure disorders. It does have sedetary properties however not thought to have addictive qualities. Maybe you have developed a psychological dependence based on the sedating effects. This is a medication that should not be stopped abruptly to prevent seizures. I encourage you to talk to your doctor about taking a medication that is specific for panic disorder. Many antidepressants are used for the symptoms you are describing. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Stay strong and find a NA meeting in your area to get some support and understanding specific to your addictive behavior. Peace.