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.

[eaglegal]

A related discussion, Max Amount of Neurontin was started.

[bjerk]

I first began reducing my intake of Neurontin about the middle of January from 2700 mg/day and am now at 600 - 900 mg /day.  My arms and hands do not feel any more painful than at the higher dosage but I'm also taking vitamin B-12 and magnesium so that may be helping.  Have also been putting my hands in some water with epsom salts, a solution and electrodes from a company that builds something called a Rebuilder.  This sounds strange, I know, but it works.  Usually about two times a week for about 10 - 15 minutes each time is good for me.  The pain almost disappears for several days at a time and it feels sooo good not to hurt much.

I'm so happy Neurontin does work wonders for so many, I have other meds to take and want to reduce the numbers.

[Fluko]

I have been on Neurontin for 14 months.  Started with  300 mg TID, then ramped up to 600 mg TID, and finally to 600 mg QID and obtained good pain relief for Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). I was affected in my opthalmic nerve with involvement of my eye which has returned almost to normal (eye) .  My side affects were mild loss of recent memory, weight gain and some slight loss of stability while standing at times.  Due to the weight gain and memory loss I requested from my neurologist that he ramp me off the does of 2400 mg.  I am now  on 1800 mg per day of Neurontin and 100 mg Lacmital and am experiencing periodic breakthrough pain.  If this persists I will request my M.D. eliminate the Lacmital and put me back on 2400 mg Neurontin per day. Has anyone else suffering from PHN had any experience with similar dose levels?

[MMMRN]

I just wanted to echo the advice "DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL ON NEURONTIN"  I started taking Neurontin six months months ago for continual tingling in my hands. I have been diagnosed with MS.  A few weeks after I'd been on the med, I had a glass of wine.  I wanted to die. I became flushed, sweaty and had heart palpitations until I finally fell asleep (passed out?).  I have not even had a sip since.
Regarding the Neurontin...I tried going to higher dose and it's just not working for me so I am weaning off it and getting used to tingling hands.
I am going to try some magnesium and B vitamins. Thanks for the info.  God Bless you all.

[bjerk]

I have been on Neurontin for PN for about two years.  Surgery a year ago (fusion of C4-C6) has more or less prevented the PN from getting worse.  The Neurontin only takes the edge of the pain off my arms and hands and, after reading the above comments, I am going to gradually wean myself off the pills (2700 mg/day) and look into alternative, more natural meds such as magnesium and vitamin B-12.  I retired at the end of August and am now still covered by my insurance via the COBRA act; however that will end in just over a year and Neurontin is extremely expensive.  My favorite local pharmacist looked up the price and said that i would be paying $500 - $600 per month without the insurance co-pay.  Way too much for me.

[n2flying]

Hi folks...I appreciate this nice forum.  

I have been taking neurontin for six months for polyneuropathy at low doses and it reduced my pain and increased my endurance without discomfort.  My side effects were just a little nasal dryness and initially (first two weeks or a month) some slight fuzziness just after taking the dosage.

Does anyone know what would be a natural (herbal, supplement) replacement for this drug?  I read above that Magnezium might be one.  Has anyone tried this, or know of something else that would work?

Thanks