Neurontin, long term use

[maxj]

I have been taking Neurontin for 12 months now, since nerve damage occurred during total hip replacement surgery last year.  I am currently taking 3600mg/day (900mg x 4) and have been at this dosage for 6 months, previously at 2400mg/day.  I have recently had a neurostimulation system implanted for the neuropathic pain, but use of Neurontin is still called for at this point due to symptoms.  My concern is with long term use and side effects of Neurontin (mid-forties male, 170 lbs).  Can you please enlighten me regarding this question?  
Thank you in advance.

[1hawk]

Before I did my own research on this drug, I tried it twice. Both times, the dose was increased gradually until I was at a "normal" level. At about that time, each time, my small intestine was shutting down, causing blockage. Since I have an ilestomy (and no remaining colon) I can onlt speak to the small intestine problem.
The only oth med I ever took that could cteate the same symptoms is codine(sp?) in any form.

I was taking it to try for a reduction if spinal cord seizure (intensity, frequency, and/or duration.

[Demiguise]

I'm happy for those that respond to, & can afford Neurontin. I
feel the verdict is still out on it's greatness. I had temporal
pain, some mental-wondering when it was bad, along w/ slight
tremors. My new `1st time' appt w/ a Dr., gave me an RX to fill immediately of 300mg 3 X day. While checking out, the
Neurontin sales-rep. showed up. The doc said `she just wrote up another script' & the rep. replied, `you'll be in Maui in 6 mo!'
I thought it was a joke. Well, the script wasn't avail. in generic. 1 mo=$185.00. Ins-break ONLY cost me $85.00 for 90. You
can't just stop it or you could have a seizure says it's info,
& it can CAUSE memory problems & tremors in some. Read the insert AFTER the 4th pill & I had called the ofc. of severe
confusion. Ofc. said to keep taking! Well some of us can't afford mental confusion or we can't work to afford $185 a mo.
Got a new Dr. Got a med. for $7.85 a mo. Got extra now to go to
Maui!

[maggie2]

Just recently I watched a program that outlined how the drug company that developoed Neurontin actively promoted this drug for uses not allowed by the FDA.  Pain management was one of these uses.  I thought that if you searched medical abstracts and looked up studies done on these drugs you could be sure that what you are taking has been studied.  Apparently doctors were paid to write reports in favour of this drug and reports were authored and then doctors looked for to put their names to the study. I guess you can't trust anyone. I know my daughter took Neurontin for RSD pain and it did nothing to reduce or improve her symptoms.