neurontin - not a question

[chris]

I started out on zoloft and xanax for my panic attacks and anxiety.  I took the xanax for a year, and my dr wanted me to get off of it.  He put me on Neurontin.  500 mg total a day with the zoloft.  WOW, it works!  I'm of the xanax and feel better than I have in a year or so.  I recommend neurotin to people, strongly!!  Any comments from people?  ***@****  feel free to ask me any questions, i know how panic and anxiety sucks!!!

[Eddie S]

Dear Karen c.
I too suffer from anxiety\panic Etc.. However, my anxiety\panic co-exist with a arrhythmia problems as well, so with me it's a catch 22 situation because even after 9 years of this, no one has given me a solid explanation whether the arrhythmia is an underlying cause for my suseptibility to anxiety and bout's of panic, that is "somewhat" under control from the MEDS that many people like mysef are on eg; Beta Blockers and Benzo's that have helped me cope to some degree, but definately not a cure all! At any rate, my main concern is a new Psychiatrist just prescribed "Depakote" an anticonvulsant? I am not manic depressive. Yes, I do get irritable, anxious, a little depressed about the PVC's and still, ocassional inappropriate tachycardia, in addition to being stressed more than the average person, however, according to all the research I did I really don't believe I fit the criteria to be put on this "Depakote" in addition to Tenormin,Klonopin and an occassional boost, if needed of Zanax when highly anxious during an episode of anxiety which is either followed or preceeded by event or run of PVC's which I'm still told are benign despite increase in frequency and change in pattern! Where does the "depakote" fit in? I have to challange this addition to my regular therapy! Can anyone shed any light on this issue? It just don't seem kosher!
Thanks and I would also encourage any MD's advice.***@****

[Eddie S]

Dear Karen c.
I too suffer from anxiety\panic Etc.. However, my anxiety\panic co-exist with a arrhythmia problems as well, so with me it's a catch 22 situation because even after 9 years of this, no one has given me a solid explanation whether the arrhythmia is an underlying cause for my suseptibility to anxiety and bout's of panic, that is "somewhat" under control from the MEDS that many people like mysef are on eg; Beta Blockers and Benzo's that have helped me cope to some degree, but definately not a cure all! At any rate, my main concern is a new Psychiatrist just prescribed "Depakote" an anticonvulsant? I am not manic depressive. Yes, I do get irritable, anxious, a little depressed about the PVC's and still, ocassional inappropriate tachycardia, in addition to being stressed more than the average person, however, according to all the research I did I really don't believe I fit the criteria to be put on this "Depakote" in addition to Tenormin,Klonopin and an occassional boost, if needed of Zanax when highly anxious during an episode of anxiety which is either followed or preceeded by event or run of PVC's which I'm still told are benign despite increase in frequency and change in pattern! Where does the "depakote" fit in? I have to challange this addition to my regular therapy! Can anyone shed any light on this issue? It just don't seem kosher!
Thanks and I would also encourage any MD's advice.***@****

[Karen C.]

Neurontin is actually an anticonvulsive drug, but it is used for anxiety. I have taken Xanax and Klonopin before. Am now taking Neurontin. Neurontin is by far the more friendly drug. The main side effects I have had are diarrhea, lethargy, and fluid retention. Now I only take it at bedtime and these problems have gone away. But if I had to take medication in the daytime, I would vote for Neurontin, hands down. I take it with Serzone and Lamictal (another anticonvulsive), which help the depression.

Neurontin makes you feel calm and able to cope with daily life.
I hope this information is useful.
Karen C.

[tlsteven]

i to suffer from panic/anxiety for the last 10 yrs. I use to take paxil and xanax now i take zoloft and xanax. I take klonopin at night before bed Xanax only when i need it to work right away. T he Dr. would like me off both Klonopine and xanax but im scared to. What exactly is this drug Neurontin and are there side effects Thanks for your help.  LINDA

[HFHS MD - RG]

We are pleased as mental health professionals to read comments like this. We hope that working together as patients and professionals and with the aid of medications, mental illness can be treated adequately.