Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 694389

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 30. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Question about Neurontin?

Posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

I doubt anything will come of this, but our marriage counselor referred me to a psychopharmacologist, who I see next week. At our last session, she started talking about options he might bring up, and saying something about "maybe you need Neurontin..." I've heard mixed things about it, and I'm not hot to try it, but I figured check out whether what I'd heard it accurate.

I don't want to influence answers by saying anything about my impression from other sources. Has anyone taken it? What was the result? Is there any evidence that it can be helpful for unipolar depression with comorbid anxiety-spectrum disorders?

Thanks!

(Oh, yeah -- and does it cause weight gain?)

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by ramsea on October 13, 2006, at 4:02:35

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

I know all about the problems with the company and Neurontin. However, it does in fact help with my severe anxiety--it's just a med so it isn't a miracle but it definitely helps. Bipolar may not be stabilized by it, but when I am very anxious my mood deteriorates. My impression is that it can cause weight gain for me, but it helps so much with the anxiety I am putting up with that,

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer

Posted by Emme on October 13, 2006, at 7:17:19

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

Hi. I liked neurontin. It didn't have quite the same punch for me that seroquel does. But I found it very soothing when my anxiety was bad. When I was hypersensitive to noise and things like the sound of the phone ringing made my nerves jangle, neurontin took the edge off it. I didn't gain an ounce from it. Good luck.

emme

> I doubt anything will come of this, but our marriage counselor referred me to a psychopharmacologist, who I see next week. At our last session, she started talking about options he might bring up, and saying something about "maybe you need Neurontin..." I've heard mixed things about it, and I'm not hot to try it, but I figured check out whether what I'd heard it accurate.
>
> I don't want to influence answers by saying anything about my impression from other sources. Has anyone taken it? What was the result? Is there any evidence that it can be helpful for unipolar depression with comorbid anxiety-spectrum disorders?
>
> Thanks!
>
> (Oh, yeah -- and does it cause weight gain?)

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by Jost on October 13, 2006, at 8:29:57

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer, posted by Emme on October 13, 2006, at 7:17:19

I take it some-- at night-- because of muscle problems and also sleep, particularly when on Emsam (which I hope to restart), I was taking a lot of stuff for sleep.

But I didn't take much-- only about 200 mg a night. No weight gain.

I don't know the problems, will have to look them up.

I think it helps my shoulder, but haven't thought about mood issues w/it.

Jost

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by Phillipa on October 13, 2006, at 11:37:41

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by Jost on October 13, 2006, at 8:29:57

I'll be curious to hear about this cause of my own anxiety. Racer mind if I follow? Love Phillipa

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer

Posted by willyee on October 13, 2006, at 11:57:49

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

Yess this drug often holds the title of a sugar pill.

This can be because at first it usualy is very noticable,people get used to that,this effect does not last,and people feel as if the drug is in active.

I currently take it,and i will say this,

Unless i discover otherwise,whis can be,i believe nuerontion is EXTREMLY helpful when used in conjunction with a benzo,personaly klonopin i believe.

There is a mind racing effect,a self talk symptom that nuerotion can quiet down.

I have cut it out recently,and upon retaking it i felt so much better,so much.

I believe its life is fast,so it requires some dosing.

I take a fairly high dose.


Another thing that is strange for me,i can not take the capsules,not at all,they agitate me.

The dry tabs are what i use,and it has been helping heaps at this current moment,heaps.

I would not use it without a benzo however,because it does actualy create a little anxiety on its own,gaba ehancing drugs usualy do,ever notice how some people get a little shaking with beer even though its calming,theres a small anxiety effect that a benzo,the tiniest pieace,calms.

Well thats how it feels,like alcholol,ghb,etc nuerontion while calming leaves residue anxiety that is qwelled with a small benzo portion.

This is just my take on it,no articles,or abstracts,just experiance.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer

Posted by saturn on October 13, 2006, at 12:49:15

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54


>
> (Oh, yeah -- and does it cause weight gain?)

I believe that is a notorious side effect.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by bassman on October 13, 2006, at 18:08:41

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

Here's two people-that-have-taken-it sites, which you may have seen already:

http://www.remedyfind.com/treatments/9/1433/

http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20235&name=NEURONTIN


I found the second more informative. Looks like some people have weight-gaining problems and also some have trouble with withdrawal (but not that many). Even the pople that rated it highly seemed to have negative comments about the side effects, but read for yourself...

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by willyee on October 13, 2006, at 18:59:22

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by bassman on October 13, 2006, at 18:08:41

Just a note,as far as any responses on this drug causing mental fog,and the like,look to see if its a person using the drug soley.Depression as well.

I say this because unless for pain,i dont believe anyone would or should use this drug soly,its a augment,as a benzo is,and im on a pretty high dose,and dont experiance the negative cognitve effects i read of,however having used it alone,know this is what the drug will do when used alone,and it will stink,it will in a few days create quite a dark gloom,and just be horrendous.

I would advise not to take these certain experiances too deep if youll be using it along a anti depressant,unless its a more sedating one like remeron,other than that,its unlikly i believe you will experainces serious or any cognitve side effects on the level someone taking it alone for pain will.

Just a heads up to help you weed through some responses.


I actualy dont know how a person can take it for pain,i cant imagine using it alone for more than 3 days.


 

I'm sorry -- I don't understand » willyee

Posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 20:54:27

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by willyee on October 13, 2006, at 18:59:22

I know I've said it before: I couldn't understand what you were trying to say? It didn't read as though you were completing your sentences, and that on top of the lack of space after commas made it impossible for me to understand your post. I know you've said that you can't help it, because you're too nervous, but I feel bad that you've taken time to try to help -- and I can't understand what you're trying to tell me?

Sorry. I'm really not trying to be mean, it's just frustrating, you know?

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by Phillipa on October 13, 2006, at 22:06:08

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by willyee on October 13, 2006, at 18:59:22

Willee are you saying that neurotin in not a med you would chose on it's own for a condition of pain? At least not for more than three days? And that it's not an antidepressant without another one to augment it. And that it will make you groggy? This is my interpretation of your post. Love Phillipa

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 13, 2006, at 22:17:33

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

I've taken neurontin for several yrs to help w/ anxiety. It did make a noticable difference at first, but I don't know if it still does anything. My old pdoc liked to put people on it, but my new one rarely does.

I do NOT think that the medical literature has supported its use for anxiety.

It makes some people sleepy, but I don't know abt weight gain.

My understanding is that it is a good drug in terms of interactions b/c it is metabolized through the kidneys rather than the liver. It is considered to be sorta harmless, so it might be worth a try.

Best,
EE

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer

Posted by Karen44 on October 13, 2006, at 23:30:57

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

I have taken Neurontin for a couple of years for chronic cervical pain. After cervical spine surgery that corrected the major problem (bone spur stabbing into nerve root), I continue to have some problems with other areas of cervical spine. I currently take 300 mg. in the a.m. and 600 mg. at night. It helps some with the pain and helps me to sleep through the night so that the pain does not awaken me. I am told I am taking a very low dose of Neurontin. Some people take up to 1500 mg. or more for chronic pain.

My psychiatrist says that it is not really effective for depression which I also have, and I would have to agree. I take Lamictal, 100 mg., for depression.

Karen44

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer

Posted by exquilter on October 14, 2006, at 0:04:50

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

Like Karen44, I take it primarily for neuropathic pain in my neck and arms. I'm not sure about its mood effects, but did notice a significant increase in my depression when my dose was reduced to the 1800mg I take per day now. I haven't gained weight because of this med, that is more likely to be the others I take. Its probably worth trying as an adjunct drug.

Exquilter

 

Re: It sets the table for other meds

Posted by UgottaHaveHope on October 14, 2006, at 4:15:28

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

Thats the way docs described it to me: That it sets the table for other meds to work better. I took it for 3-4 years. Didnt notice a difference when I stopped taking it. But as you know, every med affects everyone differently.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by Triolian on October 14, 2006, at 8:21:56

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

I took Neurontin supposedly for my anxiety and found it to be totally useless. It actually made me more nervous and I had trouble with word-finding. I stopped pretty quickly. Doctors are prescribing it "off-label" for purposes for which it was never intended. Somebody is getting kickbacks....

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by valene on October 14, 2006, at 9:31:22

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by Triolian on October 14, 2006, at 8:21:56

Speaking of kickbacks, have people seen this article?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3079883/

It is not new but very interesting. Seems it is a cure for "everything".
Val


> I took Neurontin supposedly for my anxiety and found it to be totally useless. It actually made me more nervous and I had trouble with word-finding. I stopped pretty quickly. Doctors are prescribing it "off-label" for purposes for which it was never intended. Somebody is getting kickbacks....

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by ramsea on October 14, 2006, at 9:47:01

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by valene on October 14, 2006, at 9:31:22

I can only speak from experience, over five years. I have taken it and not taken it for long periods. When my social anxiety is at its most paralyzing, as it is now, neurontin truly helps me get out and about.

and i was afraid of it due to the well-known stories of the company making it a cure-all. well it doesnt cureall, for sure, but it can help some people with anxiety. that much seems to be clear. no med helps everyone. so please remember that when you all are knocking it as a terrible med, it is a lifesaver for some of us. xxramsea

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by willyee on October 14, 2006, at 11:24:54

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by ramsea on October 14, 2006, at 9:47:01

> I can only speak from experience, over five years. I have taken it and not taken it for long periods. When my social anxiety is at its most paralyzing, as it is now, neurontin truly helps me get out and about.
>
> and i was afraid of it due to the well-known stories of the company making it a cure-all. well it doesnt cureall, for sure, but it can help some people with anxiety. that much seems to be clear. no med helps everyone. so please remember that when you all are knocking it as a terrible med, it is a lifesaver for some of us. xxramsea

I agree with you,upon getting it back into my system recently after stopping it,i felt so much better right off the bat,i know it helps for me,and definatly know its not a sugar pill in everyones case.

Sometimes people use there own experiance on such a broad spectrum that they will even argue peoples success.

What more proof could there ever be,or more precise than a person say,THIS WORKS FOR ME,lol yet people out there will actualy go on to try and convince these people they are experiancing placebo or something.Lol anyway again agree with your assesment.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin?

Posted by bassman on October 14, 2006, at 12:34:16

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by valene on October 14, 2006, at 9:31:22

Valene, thanks! What an eye-opener of an article. Why aren't there people in jail because of this? Oh, yeah, I forgot-they made billions, so it's O.K. Ugh.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » bassman

Posted by valene on October 14, 2006, at 14:57:23

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin?, posted by bassman on October 14, 2006, at 12:34:16

> Valene, thanks! What an eye-opener of an article. Why aren't there people in jail because of this? Oh, yeah, I forgot-they made billions, so it's O.K. Ugh.

You're welcome, Bassman. I only was passing on the info and did not mean to aggravate anyone who is using Neurontin. Actually I have read it can be of help while tapering benzodiazepine, and I am considering trying it but I want to try some natural stuff first. I take 1.75mg. xanax and would like to go down to below 1mg.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer

Posted by Phillipa on October 14, 2006, at 20:17:44

In reply to Question about Neurontin?, posted by Racer on October 13, 2006, at 1:55:54

Valene one of the reasons I trust the benzos they are old before the drug companies were using meds meant for on thing for another. That makes me think of klonopin an antiseizure med in doses up to 20mg but used in lower doses for anxiety. It doesn't add up to me. Love Phillipa

 

Actually, Klonopin *is* a benzodiazepine (nm) » Phillipa

Posted by Racer on October 14, 2006, at 22:27:33

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer, posted by Phillipa on October 14, 2006, at 20:17:44

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Phillipa

Posted by Phillipa on October 14, 2006, at 22:35:44

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin? » Racer, posted by Phillipa on October 14, 2006, at 20:17:44

Racer okay. I was really surprised at that article. What do you think of it? I think it's horrible but the drug companies are doing to all of us. That was really the essence of my answer. You're right it's a benzo in low doses. But at 20mg isn't it considered an antiseizure med? I'll google it. Love Phillipa. ps I hope you find a good med for your husband. You've been through so much and I'm sure he has been too.

 

Re: Question about Neurontin? » Phillipa

Posted by cecilia on October 15, 2006, at 3:38:42

In reply to Re: Question about Neurontin? » Phillipa, posted by Phillipa on October 14, 2006, at 22:35:44

Most of the benzos are also anti-seizure meds in varying degrees. Valium and Ativan for example, are often used for hospitalized children with seizures. But the market for anti-anxiety meds is a lot bigger than for anti-seizure meds, so of course the drug companies have focused more on the anti-anxiety effects. Cecilia


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