Neurontin, Anxiety and MS

[goofysmom1]

Hi everyone - hoping that the experts here might have some insight.  I have an appointment today to see my doctor - but would love to hear what you have to say on this subject.

I have had 2 instances in the last year where I have started a new medication and within a few days of beginning it, I develop anxiety (anxiety and weird thoughts) symptoms.  The first time it happened was when my GI doctor put me on 5mg of Lexapro (antidepressant) to treat my hypersensitive esophagus issue.  I took the medication for 5 days and was an anxious mess during that time.  After stopping the medication, it took another 2 or 3 weeks for the anxiety to go completely away.

This second episode is happening now - I began Neurontin about 1 month ago for nerve pain.  My doctor started me at 300mg once a day, but after 3 days I began having vertigo and tingling so they dropped the dosage down to 100mg.  After taking the 100mg for about 10 days, the anxiety began.  It was so bad that I stopped taking the Neurontin.  The side effects (vertigo & tingling) got better.  The anxiety has gotten better, but not gone completely away.

As I said earlier, I am seeing my doctor today to discuss this.  I don't know if the anxiety is a result of the medication, or a part of the rest of the unknown health issues, or if it I have some sort of anxiety disorder.  

I am not an anxious person by nature, so this whole anxiety thing is really strange and quite honestly, I don't like it one little bit!!

I am interested in anyone's opinion on this.

Thanks,
Chrisy

[PastorDan]

Could've sworn I posted in here a day or so ago.

What I thought I typed was that I believe Lexapro is supposed to help anxiety, not cause it.  My late wife was on it for several years.  I'm vaguely recalling that it might have been given to her because she might've had a problem with Paxil, but with my memory, who knows?

I've also noted that all of the drugs they've given me for dizziness say plainly, "May cause dizziness or drowsiness" on the pharmacy labels.  Maybe an antianxiety drug could cause anxiety under some conditions with some patients.

Neurontin, for me, has caused drowsiness as I've adjusted to it, but right now I seem to be doing pretty well on 600 mg/day, all taken at bedtime.  My eye pain only flares up for very brief periods nowadays, like an hour or two every few days, whereas it was constant and more severe.  Monday I'm to see the neuro-ophthalmologist who prescribed it to me for a follow-up; I'm planning to ask him his opinion of a couple of other general neuros, as I've had about all I can take of the latest.

[goofysmom1]

I am not diagnosed at this time.  My doctor has referred me to an MS Neuro and I have an appointment to see her on July 13th.  

I have been using Rescue Remedy (which I originally bought for my high strung golden retriever!!!) during this bout of anxiety - which is an herbal calming spray.  It helps.  

My biggest concern is that they will want to try more meds - my GI doctor told me during the "trial & error" phase of meds for my GI problems and the side effects that I had, that I "was one of those people who was just really sensitive to medications".  She admitted that she was one of those "sensitive to medications" type of people too - she said that it can make treating health issues difficult.

I keep telling myself that I need to get back into yoga - which I love, but at the end of the day I am usually so tired that the thought of doing any exercise...even one I love is the last thing I want to do.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

Take care,
Chrisy

[Zacksmomi]

I am sorry to hear you are going through this.  
Are you taking DMD's? I am sure the anxiety from the Neurontin and Lexapro is a side effect of those meds.  If you are on DMD's that can increase the negative effects on our mentality.  
I would definately talk more with your Dr.  The sad thing is...usually their answer is more meds.  
I am definately not an expert, but do you do any sort of yoga or tai chi?  Those are very relaxing exercises where even just the breathing can bring great relaxation.

Hope the Dr has great answers for you.

D