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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 8:28:14
Just wanted to give those of you who were following my experience an update on gabapentin!
So, today marks 1 week of gabapentin at 200 mg- 3x/day (slowly built up).
PROS: Helping irritability; no weight gain (actually am losing since tapering off the verapamil); few side effects; feels more like "me" than I have in a long time! Depression slightly lifted; Easy to take.
CONS: Takes about 1/2 hour to work and wears off in 4 1/2 hours which requires frequent dosing (something I am not great at but must do on this med); Causes a bit of a spacy feeling- but this is getting better each day- (spacy examples: forgetting why you walked into a room, misspelling words: kind of slow to react; minor depersonalization at first) headache for 4 days that went away (yeah!).
Overall, I am doing MUCH BETTER with this medication and am hoping it will STAY EFFECTIVE versus "poop out" like the rest have over time.
BTW: I am taking this with 10 mg Adderall XR in the AM and 1 mg of Lunesta at night. I also take Zyrtec at night for allergies..... Just an FYI for those of you that may want to know :). Also, new diagnosis: Bipolar II with ADHD versus the old diagnosis of Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD
FM
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2009, at 12:21:05
In reply to Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 8:28:14
That's great. With a new diagnosis the gabapentin is the mood stabalizer? Love Phillipa
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 16:12:35
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :) » Frustratedmama, posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2009, at 12:21:05
Yes, I think so!
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2009, at 21:45:04
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 16:12:35
Sounds good to me congrats!!!! Phillipa
Posted by garnet71 on June 28, 2009, at 0:05:52
In reply to Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 8:28:14
That's wonderful! I always felt sad reading your posts and am happy you found some relief.
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 8:01:31
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :) » Frustratedmama, posted by garnet71 on June 28, 2009, at 0:05:52
Thanks Garnet! I am so releived! Only thing left to conquer now is the depression (it has lifted some due to not having the rage attacks and no daily need for guilt trips). Yet, I still am somewhat unmotivated, difficulty with enjoyment and stuff like that- I did shower 5 days this week though which is the most I have done in about a year!!!!!
Posted by floatingbridge on June 28, 2009, at 12:15:23
In reply to Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 8:28:14
FM,
This is great news! I don't think I've heard of gabapentin poop-out, so this might be a good long term treatment :D
What do you think of your new diagnosis? Helpful or not?
Sooooo glad you are feeling some relief. (I know about the shower thing, myself.) Hope you are enjoying your small victory before taking on the big 'D'
love
Candace
Posted by bulldog2 on June 28, 2009, at 15:24:55
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 8:01:31
> Thanks Garnet! I am so releived! Only thing left to conquer now is the depression (it has lifted some due to not having the rage attacks and no daily need for guilt trips). Yet, I still am somewhat unmotivated, difficulty with enjoyment and stuff like that- I did shower 5 days this week though which is the most I have done in about a year!!!!!
at this point I have used gabapentin long term. Good for anxiety and does lift my depression. Little cognitive dulling which does not bother me. Also good for neuropathic pain. When on this med I do more things and am more motivated. if I get tired I drink some coffee.
I'm sure one of our prophets of doom will find a study that shows rats dying of some terrible disease while on huge doses of
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 15:34:04
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by bulldog2 on June 28, 2009, at 15:24:55
Thanks bulldog2! So far so good so I am hopeful for the first time in .... ummm.,,, what feels like ...... forever! :)
Posted by bulldog2 on June 28, 2009, at 15:54:17
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 15:34:04
> Thanks bulldog2! So far so good so I am hopeful for the first time in .... ummm.,,, what feels like ...... forever! :)
also much more sociable on this med..for me that is a major change! If you wish to discuss this med let me know.
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 16:20:05
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by bulldog2 on June 28, 2009, at 15:54:17
Definitely would like to discuss this med as it appears to be the best thing in a very long time for me! What else are you taking with it? Thanks for responding :)
FM
Posted by bulldog2 on June 28, 2009, at 17:59:07
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :) » bulldog2, posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 16:20:05
> Definitely would like to discuss this med as it appears to be the best thing in a very long time for me! What else are you taking with it? Thanks for responding :)
> FMI am taking 10 mg of percocet 4 times a day..This is actually for pain of a very damaged left hip...It also helped my mood but something was missing...I had gabapentin at home which was used for pain and mood...When I added the gabapentin to the percocet it was very synergistic and I felt very good..energetic and very sociable..also 10 to 20 mg of amitriptyline at night for sleep and also helps with pain and mood..
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 19:44:34
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by bulldog2 on June 28, 2009, at 17:59:07
I have thought of switching to amitryptiline for sleep (for its AD properties and for the migraine prevention too). Any weight gain? I have lost some since ditching the verapamil but have about 10 left to lose still
Posted by bulldog2 on June 29, 2009, at 16:00:46
In reply to Re: Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 28, 2009, at 19:44:34
> I have thought of switching to amitryptiline for sleep (for its AD properties and for the migraine prevention too). Any weight gain? I have lost some since ditching the verapamil but have about 10 left to lose still
No weight gain for me on that low dose..Also low dose does not increase my appetite...Is a good med for any pain syndroms
Posted by sam K on June 29, 2009, at 16:51:21
In reply to Update on gabapentin for those interested :), posted by Frustratedmama on June 27, 2009, at 8:28:14
it seems gentle and safe. No interactions and no overdose. Ive taken it many of time and it just doesnt fit me. If it did, that wouldve been convienent
Posted by Frustratedmama on June 29, 2009, at 21:04:58
In reply to gabapentin is a good drug, posted by sam K on June 29, 2009, at 16:51:21
This is the end of the thread.
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