[BamaSurvivor]

My pdoc called my an hour ago and told me to quit taking my Lunesta for sleep and start taking Neurontin. I went and picked up the prescription but forgot to ask what exactly Neurontin is for and how it effects people.

Have any of you taken Neurontin or currently taking it? What's it for exactly? What are some common side effects you've had taking it? Any information is appreciated, thanks!

[Gemstone]

I think it is used as a mood stabalizer psychiatrically. I took it a few years ago, but didn't have any effect.

It is also an anti-epileptic. It's used for petit mal seizures I believe.

[kimmydawn]

i was given it for pain years ago. it didn't help the pain and i had side effects as well, but it's been so long that i don't remember what.

gl! call the pharmacist...they'll give ya the complete lowdown.

be safe,

[CedarS]

I also tried it for chronic pain, did not work for me and side effects didn't help, like KD I don't recall specifics.

Definitely talk with your pharmacist and get the scoop. Neurontin is prescribed for many off-label uses.

Sarah

[BamaSurvivor]

Thanks y'all... I'll call him and figure it out.

I'm guessing since my pdoc took me off my Lunesta for my sleeping and put me on this instead, she's wanting me to use it as a sleep aid. Do y'all remember if it made you sleepy when using it?

[oofti]

It worked as a sleep aid for me as long as I didn't use it every day. In other words, it won't necessarily work multiple days in a row.

[Gemstone]

I don't think it made me tired Stacy, but again it was a couple years ago. I may not remember correctly.

I hope you have good luck with it.

[dottie]

Neurontin was briefly prescribed to help me with my migraines. Unfortunately..it did not help.

It's also used as an adjunct to treat partial seizures. One of its' side effects is drowsiness. Your pharmacist could probably go a little more indepth with this!!

One of the Best Drug info books I've ever used is the Davis Drug Guide for Nurses. It's definitely a cut above the rest.

I plan to buy a more currant copy soon.... as mine is getting a little out of date.

Take good care...Dottie

[BamaSurvivor]

Thanks... I'm hoping it helps me sleep peacefully because we're running out of options for sleep aids. Tried natural stuff, didn't work. Was on Seroquel for over a year and it finally stopped working. Was on Lunesta and although it got me to sleep, I woke up multiple times during the night and also had nightmares. So now we're trying this... We'll see if it works.

[dottie]

Hi!

Have you tried Remeron? Comes either in a tablet or in sol-tabs...which disolve on your tongue. I have used it in the past as a sleep aid. Knocked me out all night without any tiredness in the morning.

I stopped taking it as it does increase your appetite and therefore can cause weight gain. Ugh!!

~Dottie

[BamaSurvivor]

I try staying away from stuff that causes weight gain. I'm trying to lose a lot of weight right now, so I wouldn't wanna try anything that'd put that in jeprody. Thanks for that suggestion though. If nothing else works, that may end up having to be a last resort med.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

This med was orignially marketed as an anti-epileptic drug.
It is used "off label" for nerve pain, Bi Polar as a mood stabilizer and also for ansiety and sleep.
I have not gained a pound and I have taken it to help me sleep for some time.....along with other meds...It has a low incident of side efffects and also works very well with other meds. It is also used to prevent seizures in persons coming off drugs like detox.....It should help you sleep

[BamaSurvivor]

So far not so good... It hasn't helped me with my sleep. Every since I started, I've had restless nights. But I talked with my pdocs nurse Thursday evening and he said she'd probably up the dose and try that when I go back to see her.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

I was popped up from 300 mgs to 600....then 900 then at bed only then back down... it made a difference....I will say though my PDOC left me on the sleeping meds with it...I now take 300mg for weeks then jump to 600 mgs and back..It helps me to keep my dose of sleep med lower..
Nothing else worked for me ...Mind saying what dose you are on??

[BamaSurvivor]

it's 300mg, take two at bedtime... so I guess 600mg all together.

I had to go to the hospital late lastnight. I was laying in bed and all at once my heart started racing, I couldn't catch a good breath, and my chest was hurting. I was scared I was having a heart attack but he said I was allergic to the Neurontin. I said I've been on it for almost a week now and he said sometimes with allergic reactions it takes that long to tell. So I can't take it anymore.

[h0kie]

Sounds like this is too little, too late, but here ya go. Hope it helps. Glad you are ok.

[i]
Neurontin

Active Ingredients: Gabapentin
Representative Names: Neurontin

What are gabapentin capsules or tablets?
GABAPENTIN (Neurontin®) is effective in helping to control partial seizures (convulsions) in adults with epilepsy. Gabapentin is also used to help relieve certain types of nerve pain, and may be prescribed for other nervous system disorders. Generic gabapentin capsules and tablets are available.

If your prescriber directs you to break the 600 or 800 mg tablets in half as part of your dose, the extra half tablet should be used for the next dose. If you have not used the extra half tablet within 3 days, it should be thrown away.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with gabapentin?
•antacids
•cimetidine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking gabapentin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•difficulty breathing or tightening of the throat
•swelling of lips or tongue
•rash
May occur in children:
•fever
•hyperactivity
•hostile or aggressive behavior
•mood changes or changes in behavior
•difficulty concentrating

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
•dizziness, drowsiness
•dry mouth
•back pain, joint aches and pains
•indigestion, gas or heartburn
•loss of appetite
•nausea
•pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
•restlessness
•sexual difficulty (impotence)
•skin itching
•slurred speech
•sore gums
•tremor
•weight gain

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how gabapentin affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking gabapentin.

Drug Digest

[BamaSurvivor]

thanks for posting that, but yeah, already got discontinued from it. I almost died, that was so scary.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

OMG I am so glad youre OK.....Yeah sadly you can take something for years and then wham become allergic to it...
Can he give you the Lunestra back or Ambein?

[BamaSurvivor]

They've got me on nothing right now as far as my sleeping meds go... It's 2:25am and I'm still not asleep. I feel sleepy, but when I lay down I get wide awake.