Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3435

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Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?

Posted by Elaine on March 6, 1999, at 15:29:01

How much experience has anyone had with gabapentin? It is supposed to be easy to take (without food/liquid) and with minimal side effects. However, since starting it 2 months ago, it seems I have awoken several nights feeling my heart pounding or like it was almost fluttering. I have consumed a very small amount of wine once in awhile, even with lithium, without any problems. However, even a small amount with gabapentin seems to increase these nighttime sensations. What is the consensus on the benefits (how fast does it work, how much mood change, better for depression or anxiety?) versus side effects? If anyone knows of these heart sensations while lying down, has an MD said whether it is just a sensational symptom, as opposed to any physical damage?

 

Re: Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?

Posted by George O. on March 26, 1999, at 12:44:04

In reply to Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?, posted by Elaine on March 6, 1999, at 15:29:01

> How much experience has anyone had with gabapentin? It is supposed to be easy to take (without food/liquid) and with minimal side effects. However, since starting it 2 months ago, it seems I have awoken several nights feeling my heart pounding or like it was almost fluttering. I have consumed a very small amount of wine once in awhile, even with lithium, without any problems. However, even a small amount with gabapentin seems to increase these nighttime sensations. What is the consensus on the benefits (how fast does it work, how much mood change, better for depression or anxiety?) versus side effects? If anyone knows of these heart sensations while lying down, has an MD said whether it is just a sensational symptom, as opposed to any physical damage?

What I've learned the hard way is that neorontin depresses me very badly if I get the dose above a certain leval, at a lower dose it seemed to help a little but above 1800mg I became severely depressed both times we broufgt the dose up, it seems I just can't win. George

 

Re: Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?

Posted by Elaine on March 27, 1999, at 14:00:02

In reply to Re: Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?, posted by George O. on March 26, 1999, at 12:44:04

> >
> What I've learned the hard way is that neorontin depresses me very badly if I get the dose above a certain leval, at a lower dose it seemed to help a little but above 1800mg I became severely depressed both times we broufgt the dose up, it seems I just can't win. George

George - Have you tried a combination of meds? A lower level of gabapentin as a mood stabilizer (if that's what you take it for) plus a more specific drug for your problem (anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, etc). Or the higher dose of gabapentin if you need it, plus an anti-depressant to offset the depressive side effect? You CAN win, but it can take a lot of trial and error with dosages and combinations of meds to find what works with your body chemistry. Do you really need gabapentin in particular? How about other drugs that do the same thing (mood stabilizer, anti-seizure, etc. - whatever your condition)?

 

Re: Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?

Posted by Keith Baldwin on March 25, 2001, at 2:59:28

In reply to Re: Neurontin (gabapentin) - side effects?, posted by Elaine on March 27, 1999, at 14:00:02

> > >
> > What I've learned the hard way is that neorontin depresses me very badly if I get the dose above a certain leval, at a lower dose it seemed to help a little but above 1800mg I became severely depressed both times we broufgt the dose up, it seems I just can't win. George
>
> George - Have you tried a combination of meds? A lower level of gabapentin as a mood stabilizer (if that's what you take it for) plus a more specific drug for your problem (anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, etc). Or the higher dose of gabapentin if you need it, plus an anti-depressant to offset the depressive side effect? You CAN win, but it can take a lot of trial and error with dosages and combinations of meds to find what works with your body chemistry. Do you really need gabapentin in particular? How about other drugs that do the same thing (mood stabilizer, anti-seizure, etc. - whatever your condition)?

I have taken tramadol for pain and paroxetine (Seroxat)for depression for a year now and no real problems with side effects. On 24/3/01 I began to take neurotin (gabapentin) as well (for pain relief)and am building up now to the prescribed 1200mg a day. We'll see what happens - I'll keep you all posted as I intend to keep a detailed diary.

KB


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