Anyone taking Neurontin???

[luvnGod]

I posted this question in another post but not sure anyone saw it.  My rheumy isn't 100% sure yet, but feels as though I may have fibromyalgia and even something else as well.  He prescribed neurontin which I started taking last night.  He said to take 1-3 but I took one until I know how my body will handle it.  He ssaid it would help me sleep and help the weird sensations I'm feeling.  I know it will take a while to get in my system I'm sure, but boy did I feel odd this morning.  

I woke up with my left leg stiff and numb (as usual) but it was a bit more intense.  Also could not get my footing, had serious balance issues, stumbling all over the place.  I seemed to be a bit better by lunch time, but still stumble a bit.  Anyone expereince this with neurontin?  Honestly I expereince this without neurontin, so I can't tell :)  hee hee.

Anyone with MS taking this and has it helped?

Hope you all are well!
Blessings
Stacie

[luvnGod]

Thank you again Sarah.  That's a good point, I will definitely take your advice and maybe try one in the am and one in the pm.  Maybe I should wait a few more days before trying to up it.

I am currently taking Celexa (anti-depressant) and the doctor had said that would help with sleep too, but it hasn't.  Maybe I need to try the other???  Regardless, we all know without sleep we sure feel crummy!!

Hmm and the added benefit of helping nerve pain would be nice.  I need to read up more about what neurontin is for.  The rheumy said it would help with the numbness and tingling.

Thank you again Sarah and have a blessed day!
Stacie

[Sparkysarah]

Hi Stacie

I would thinkcarefully before taking 2 x 300mg pills together as that is increasing it very quickly...when I upped my dosage I just went up in 100mg at a time.However you would be better if you have 300 mg tablets to take one in the morning and one in the evening which would give you a steady balanced dosage in the bloodstream. It also takes a while for your body to get used to it.

If upping the dosage does not seem to help you sleep, suggest you ask gp about taking amitriptyline with it at night time as this seems to be effective for many people. It is actually an anti depressant but is prescribed also for nerve pain with the added benefit of being quite sedative and so helps you sleep.

Cheers again

Sarah

[luvnGod]

The dose is for 300 mg.  I took it again last night (which is only my second time taking it).  I was so hoping it would help me sleep, but no such luck yet.  It didn't effect me as bad this morning, so I'm wondering if I could try upping it to 2 pills tonight.  Of course, going to church in the morning might be rough if the side effects hit again.  I make several announcements at church.....wouldn't that be grand if I sound completely drunk and out of it!  not cool!

Sarah I will do a search through previous posts!  Thanks a bunch all of you!

Love ya
Stacie

[daisy.girl]

How much did he start you at? Neurontin comes in 300mg, 400mg and 600mg

I take 300mg 4 times a day....however, that is sometimes too much. I always take one at night and one in the morning.

Hope it helps you, and you do get use to the side effects as time goes on.

[Sparkysarah]

Hi Stacie

I think you will find that loads of people take it. When I had a relapse last year I started on a small dose and gradually built it up. I did put on nearly a stone and felt very unhappy about this but thankfully I have now reduced my dose.  My neuro (in Uk) said that I should listen to my body to get the right level for me and that this may involved upping or lowering the dose until I got relief. I have done this and now only take 300mg at night with a small dose of Amitriptyline (which a lot of people also take for nerve pain and it helps you sleep) and I normally have a good night's sleep.

Cheers for now

Sarah

PS You can always use the "search this site" to find out more about things e.g. you will find a lot of info on "Neurontin/gabapnetin" from  previous posts

[luvnGod]

Thank you SO much for responding.  That makes me feel better knowing others on here are taking it and I'm so glad you are have some relief from it!!  I'm hoping that I will see improvement as well.  My doctor didn't really say too much except I could take between 1 and 3 each night before bed.  I am starting out with only 1 and will slowly increase like you said.  

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!!
Blessings
Stacie

[Udkas]

Hi Stacie,
I take Gabapentin (Neurontin) and I find it helps me heaps.  The key is to start this drug on a weekend when you are not likely to be driving etc., until you know the side affects just take one tablet at night, gradually the side affects disappear and then you can increase your dose to another tablet, the key is to increase your dose gradually.

I am currently on 1800mg a day and I can't function without it, it gives me so much relief, I did start on 900mg as my starting dose, divided up during the day.  It is normal to feel a bit groggy and spaced out to begin with but your body should get used it, good luck, I hope it helps your symptoms.

I don't currently have a diagnosis of MS, but of Transverse Myelitis, they are in a similar, basket, the same meds help.  Gabapentin (Neurontin) is used by lots of members on this forum but if it doesn't work there are other choices available , good luck.
Cheers,
Udkas.