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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 2, 2007, at 21:45:56
I'm a treatment resistant bipolar 2 with severe anxiety disorders and depression and who's had said symptoms and complete anhedonia (no joy whatsoever) for 7 solid years now. After this much time, I wonder if I'm even ABLE to feel happiness or joy anymore - there's not even a slight bleep on the radar, not even in my sleep/dreams. It's impossible to continue "existing" like this.
I'm at the point of giving up but have been talked into giving one last pdoc a chance at helping me get better.
Anyway, she's prescribed Gabapentin/Neurontin for me (started today) and after reading what others here have said about it, I'm a little apprehensive.
Has anyone had any good results with it who has similar problems to my own?Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cher
Posted by steel on August 3, 2007, at 0:42:20
In reply to Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 2, 2007, at 21:45:56
Yess there seems to be a stigma to this med.Main reasons i believe are,...its not a med to use as monotherapy,it increases overall gaba and simply over time used alone can worsen depression badly.
Second on its initial use,most people will experiance the most blissful buzz ever,and continue hard to seek this feeling again,however its common that this buzz is a once or twice factor and nuerontion simply wont produce it again.So when it doesent people are disappointed and discouraged.
Now,the good part,using this drug along side a primary med can hold many benifits,first it takes the edge of a med,especialy with a low dose benzo,and can create a great calm,possably even a greater social desire.second with a benzo as a augment it kinda becomes a emotional painkiller of a good kind.
Finaly it plays well with many meds,and is pretty safe in terms of esclation of dose.
I recomend 800 mg because these are tabs not capsules,and i even break them apart easly at times for anxiety relieaf,i dont know why but i hate the lower dosed capsules.Ask for the tablets.
Also i personaly find the generic gabanentin to not only be a MILLION TIMES CHEAPER,but smoother and easier to tolerate,i personaly recomend it over pzifers med.just me.
So to end,a good hope with the drug is that to try and use it as an augment to a semi stimulating AD,WELLBURTIN ETC,as a add on med,in conjunction with low dose benzo if possable,and what you can expect is significant anxiety relieaf,some social benifit,and some mood elevation.I just am a big advocate aganist this drugs use alone,i know some have liked it,but personaly used alone i see little chance of benifit.
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 3, 2007, at 1:11:47
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by steel on August 3, 2007, at 0:42:20
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm constantly amazed at the level of knowledge shared here and is evident in your post as well. May I ask - where are the best paces to get so educated on ones illness (like bipolar)?
As for the Neurontin, the new doc has also prescribed
Zopiclone
Ativan
Prozac
Mirtazapineand weaning me off of Remeron.
I just need so badly to feel some positive feelings again. Sure hope this new cocktail works.
Thanks again steel!
Posted by Cecilia on August 3, 2007, at 18:06:43
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 3, 2007, at 1:11:47
Doesn't sound like this pdoc is too bright if she's putting you on mirtazapine and weaning you off Remeron-they are the same thing. Cecilia
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 3, 2007, at 19:47:14
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cecilia on August 3, 2007, at 18:06:43
> Doesn't sound like this pdoc is too bright if she's putting you on mirtazapine and weaning you off Remeron-they are the same thing. Cecilia
Thanks for the help.
Cher
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2007, at 20:21:55
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cecilia on August 3, 2007, at 18:06:43
Missed that she's right. Love Phillipa
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 3, 2007, at 20:48:57
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin? » Cecilia, posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2007, at 20:21:55
> Missed that she's right. Love Phillipa
But do either of you have anything to relay about Neurontin, as was asked?
Posted by OzLand on August 3, 2007, at 23:18:49
In reply to Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 2, 2007, at 21:45:56
Well, I use Neurontin for pain. From what my last pdoc said, it is not the most effective medication for bipolar or depression. This having been said, we are all different, and who knows; it might actually work for you. My biggest complaint with Neurontin is how dry my mouth gets taking it. I have been trying to wean myself off of it, but I am wondering if I should. If it works, great; if it doesn't work, then maybe this pdoc will be able to come up with a combo that includes Neurotin. Obviously your pdoc has had some success with Neurontin used this way, and so go for it.
OzLand
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 3, 2007, at 23:43:02
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin? » Cheryl-Lynn, posted by OzLand on August 3, 2007, at 23:18:49
Thank you for the kind response OzLand. I must admit, I'm painfully naive about the meds (in general) and their indications and usefulness for this disorder. As I said before, I'm amazed at the depth of knowledge most here seem to have. I guess even though I'm a long sufferer of the illness, I'm relatively new to the treatment options. Seeking proper treatment has taken me too long. It looks like I have allot of catching up to do and I don't even know where to start - each drug seems to have differing degrees of effectiveness (if any) for each individual. It's overwhelming.
Thanks again ~
Cher
Posted by Cecilia on August 4, 2007, at 2:39:41
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 3, 2007, at 23:43:02
Everyone is different, but Neurontin did nothing for me, for either depression, anxiety or diabetic peripheral neuropathy (none of which it's actually been FDA approved for, though when it was still on patent I've read that the manufacturers were (illegally) pushing it for practically everything under the sun). I think there have been studies that show it does NOT help with bipolar. At least (for me), no side effects though, at doses up to 1800 mg/day, then some dizziness and cognitive problems. Cecilia
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 4, 2007, at 3:45:37
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cecilia on August 4, 2007, at 2:39:41
> Everyone is different, but Neurontin did nothing for me, for either depression, anxiety or diabetic peripheral neuropathy (none of which it's actually been FDA approved for, though when it was still on patent I've read that the manufacturers were (illegally) pushing it for practically everything under the sun). I think there have been studies that show it does NOT help with bipolar. At least (for me), no side effects though, at doses up to 1800 mg/day, then some dizziness and cognitive problems. Cecilia
Thanks Cecilia. After reading the replies and other posts on the board I'm really having my doubts about this med - I know I've only just begun taking it, but God, I've already wasted so much time not getting the proper care, I don't want to waste any more time by being treated with meds that have such a high failure rate.
Problem is that the pdocs generally have you on so many meds at once, how do you know which ones are working and which ones aren't? Any suggestions?
Posted by Cecilia on August 5, 2007, at 1:16:22
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 4, 2007, at 3:45:37
Everyone responds differently to things, so the only way to find out if something is going to work for you is to try it. But definitely, if your pdoc really didn't know that mirtazapine is the generic for Remeron, you need a new pdoc. Cecilia
Posted by Cecilia on August 5, 2007, at 2:32:32
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 4, 2007, at 3:45:37
As for your question as to how you tell which med is doing what when you're on lots, in my opinion, unless it's an emergency, a good doctor should only add one new thing at a time. If you're already on lots, it's more of a problem, it depends on the person, if nothing really seems to be working anyway, you might as well wean off all the meds, SLOWLY, one med at a time, watching for reactions and then start over. But obviously this wouldn't be safe for everyone. Unfortunately a lot of pdocs haven't a clue what they're doing, in my opinion, hopefully you can find someone you have confidence in. If they want to change several things at once, ask why. It certainly might be appropriate in some cases, but they should tell you what they're doing and why. If they look at you with a sneer on their face and ask "where did you go to medical school?", run out the door. Cecilia
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 5, 2007, at 2:39:18
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cecilia on August 5, 2007, at 1:16:22
> Everyone responds differently to things, so the only way to find out if something is going to work for you is to try it. But definitely, if your pdoc really didn't know that mirtazapine is the generic for Remeron, you need a new pdoc. Cecilia
I think it was probably the way I worded it that was in error. I am still on the Remeron but am being weaned off - so I added it (in my previous post) as one of the drugs I'm being prescribed. I'm afraid it's me who doesn't know what each drug is - I really need to educate myself. Any advice on where to begin? Are there some sites that are better than others to investigate meds and their actions?
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 5, 2007, at 2:57:37
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cecilia on August 5, 2007, at 2:32:32
> As for your question as to how you tell which med is doing what when you're on lots, in my opinion, unless it's an emergency, a good doctor should only add one new thing at a time. If you're already on lots, it's more of a problem, it depends on the person, if nothing really seems to be working anyway, you might as well wean off all the meds, SLOWLY, one med at a time, watching for reactions and then start over. But obviously this wouldn't be safe for everyone. Unfortunately a lot of pdocs haven't a clue what they're doing, in my opinion, hopefully you can find someone you have confidence in. If they want to change several things at once, ask why. It certainly might be appropriate in some cases, but they should tell you what they're doing and why. If they look at you with a sneer on their face and ask "where did you go to medical school?", run out the door. Cecilia
>Oh do I ever know what you're talking about! The pdoc I had before this one, my first pdoc, was a nightmare. He was a true chauvinist who seemed to think that women should just take some tranquilizers, shut up and quit whining. I quit seeing him promptly and was so put off that I became reluctant to go through the whole agonizing process (again) of finding a new one - it's taken me over a year and of course my illness has gotten to a critical point during that time. The problem is there doesn't seem to be a way to screen pdocs before you invest valuable time. Before I was referred to this new pdoc I was given the web addy of a site where they "rate" doctors in your area and above where you can leave feedback there was a huge warning that any negative comments about doctors are libelous (sp)- so every comment, of course, was positive. Unreal.
Cher
Posted by Phillipa on August 5, 2007, at 20:07:53
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 5, 2007, at 2:39:18
I learn some things here and others I google the name of the med and it provides me with all the info on the actural action of the med. A good site I like is crazymeds.com. He gives a good synopis and both him and his wife are on med. Love Phillipa
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 5, 2007, at 22:20:05
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin? » Cheryl-Lynn, posted by Phillipa on August 5, 2007, at 20:07:53
> I learn some things here and others I google the name of the med and it provides me with all the info on the actural action of the med. A good site I like is crazymeds.com. He gives a good synopis and both him and his wife are on med. Love Phillipa
Thank you Phillipa. I love the name of that site you suggested. lol
Hugs
Cher
Posted by Shanner on August 6, 2007, at 14:49:53
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 5, 2007, at 22:20:05
Aparently, lyrica is similar but better and more potent than neurontin. Compare ratings on remedyfind.com
Posted by Cecilia on August 6, 2007, at 20:30:14
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 5, 2007, at 22:20:05
Crazymeds has a lot of inaccuracies, be cautious about believing what you read there. Cecilia
Posted by Phillipa on August 6, 2007, at 20:36:00
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin? » Cheryl-Lynn, posted by Cecilia on August 6, 2007, at 20:30:14
Really didn't know that it was recommended here. I usally read him and then an official drug site. Love Phillipa
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 6, 2007, at 20:53:32
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Shanner on August 6, 2007, at 14:49:53
> Aparently, lyrica is similar but better and more potent than neurontin. Compare ratings on remedyfind.com
I'll check that out, thank you.
Hugs
Cher
Posted by Larry Hoover on August 8, 2007, at 11:15:49
In reply to Is there anything good to report on Neurontin?, posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 2, 2007, at 21:45:56
I was going to suggest this site days ago, but whenever I checked, it was down. Now it's up again, so: http://www.askapatient.com/
For popular meds, there are often hundreds of messages, but you get insight that's lacking elsewhere. This is what patients themselves are saying, in their own words. If I recall correctly, the best ratings come first, and it's downhill from there.
Lar
Posted by Cheryl-Lynn on August 8, 2007, at 17:50:39
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin? » Cheryl-Lynn, posted by Larry Hoover on August 8, 2007, at 11:15:49
> I was going to suggest this site days ago, but whenever I checked, it was down. Now it's up again, so: http://www.askapatient.com/
>
> For popular meds, there are often hundreds of messages, but you get insight that's lacking elsewhere. This is what patients themselves are saying, in their own words. If I recall correctly, the best ratings come first, and it's downhill from there.
>
> Lar
Thank you Larry, I look forward to browsing that site.
Hugs
Cher
Posted by bipolarized on August 9, 2007, at 23:02:04
In reply to Re: Is there anything good to report on Neurontin? » Cheryl-Lynn, posted by OzLand on August 3, 2007, at 23:18:49
I was just diagnosed two days ago w/ cyclothymia and was given Neurontin (300mg) to start. So far I'm not a huge fan, but it's only been 2 days.
Has anyone experienced eye irritation w/ contact lenses ?
I've also never had nightmares and the last couple nights on this I did.....anyone else experience this?
Also, it's supposed to help w/ sleep but how long does it have to be used (weeks, months) before this happens? So far I just feel awake.
This is the end of the thread.
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