Re: neurontin

Posted By CCF neuro MD# on March 30, 1998 at 15:17:07:

In Reply to: neurontin posted by Kathy on March 27, 1998 at 14:41:53:






I have been diagnosed with MS, RSD, and a recent MRI shows a herniated disc in the C6 area. It is difficult to figure out which of these illnesses causes certain pain. Since the beginning of Feb., I have been suffering SEVERE nerve and muscle pain. PCP placed me on 2 rounds of prednisone back to back.Got some muscular relief, thank God. However, still severe nerve pain beside right shoulder blade, into upper arm, very severe in right elbow, and pain down forearm and over hand. Also get heavy numb feeling, same area, and tingling running down the arm. Am scheduled to see neurosurgeon Apr. 7. In the meantime, PCP has prescribed neurontin. I have a great fear of medicines, so I have hesitated in taking this. However, I am getting desperate. He ordered 300mg 1x day for 4 days, 300mg. 2x day for 4 days, then 300mg.3x day thereafter. I already suffer from GREAT and CONSTANT fatigue, have CHRONIC insomnia (used to sleep SO soundly). I am also on Ativan. Can I safely take these drugs together? And do you have any suggestions for sleep and fatigue? I take 900mg St. John's Wort, and am on vitamins and minerals, which HAVE helped. Also, I keep trying to stretch my arm. Am I hurting it? My pain is MOST severe at night (wakes me up constantly), and in the a.m. Also, cannot sit long at all.  
My problem seems SO minor after all I have read in this forum. My heart goes out to all these people who suffer. KEEP FIGHTING!!
Thank you in advance.




Neurontin is one of the safest drugs on the market and has one of the lowest
incidences of side effects and drug interactions of any medication used
in neurological disorders.
It is very safe to use with Ativan, no adverse reactions or interactions are reported.
neurontin has widespread applications in the treatment of pain disorders due
to involvement of the peripheral nerves and would appear to be an appropriate
choice in your case.
Moderate stretching of your arm should not be a problem and will probably encourage
mobility.
I suspect your insomnia has is largely due to your pain problems so I would suggest that
you treat the underlying cause by taking the appropriate pain control
medication according to the regime prescribed by your doctor.
You may need up to 3,600 mg or even higher doses per day to
achieve full effect.