re: neurontin

[blueyedkygrl]

can neurontin make you moody  anf what r the side effects of drinkinh with it ,how can a oerson wean thereselves off it 1200mg in the morning and 800mg at 1,5,and bedtime

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

Neurontin has an interesting background.  It was once heavily marketed to pain cliinics for treatment of neuropathic pain, and is still used for that purpose.  But it was also marketed (illegally, according to the FDA) as a mood stabilizer, even though there are no good studies showing it is effective treatment for bipolar disorder.  The company that makes the drug was hit with t large fine about ten years ago for taking docs to the Caribbean and giving them lectures and marketing pitches... the NY Times had some big article on it .

I have always thought of gabapentin as a great drug... looking for something to treat.  It is a very safe medication, even in high doses, with no significant toxicity.

As for a taper I don't know of a set way to do it;  maybe doing the technique that is done with methadone:  cut the dose by 10% every couple weeks.  That strikes me as too slow, though-- maybe 20% every three to five days would be more appropriate.  I don't think there is any concern for fatal effects from the drug during withdrawal.

[NautyOne]

Yes, it can make you moody, and drinking with it is a HUGE No No !!   I did it once, and never did it again.  As far as weaning......I'll leave that to the doctor.  I went cold turkey off of it, but I wouldn't suggest that.  Why do want to stop?  What are you taking it for?

Nauty............