Neurontin side effects
Question:
I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever had ! thanks ..a LOT
Response:
> I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever > experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking > Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a > little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. > all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. > anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever > had ! > thanks ..a LOT
I’ve been taking 4800 mg a day for almost a year and have had no side effects at all. Sorry to hear about your depression, maybe you should discuss this with your doc first before you decide it’s the Neurontin.
Response:
I’d call your doc up right away…everyone has different side effects, and I think depression can be a side effect to any drug we take. Don’t live with it–have your doc try a different pain killer.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever > experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking > Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a > little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. > all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. > anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever > had ! > thanks ..a LOT
Response:
: I’d call your doc up right away…everyone has different side effects, and I : think depression can be a side effect to any drug we take. : : Don’t live with it–have your doc try a different pain killer. Neurontin is not a painkiller. WB :
: > I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever : > experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking : > Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a : > little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. : > all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. : > anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever : > had ! : > thanks ..a LOT : > : : — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Response:
>: I’d call your doc up right away…everyone has different side effects, and >I >: think depression can be a side effect to any drug we take. >: >: Don’t live with it–have your doc try a different pain killer. >Neurontin is not a painkiller. >WB
It’s prescribed my some doctors "off label" as a pain killer, specifically for neuropathy. Michele
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->: I’d call your doc up right away…everyone has different side effects, and >I >: think depression can be a side effect to any drug we take. >: >: Don’t live with it–have your doc try a different pain killer. >Neurontin is not a painkiller. >WB > It’s prescribed my some doctors "off label" as a pain killer, > specifically for neuropathy. > Michele
agreed, it’s helped my migraines, as well. Cat
Response:
I took Neurontin for awhile but had to discontinue it for this reason. I got up to the same dose as you. For an hour or so after taking it I was horribly depressed. When I told my physician he discontinued the medicine. (I was taking it for nerve pain in legs from back injury.) My 14 year old son was taking Neurontin up until today as an adjunct (sp?) medication for bipolar disorder. My wife took him to his psychiatrist today and it was discontinued for the same reason – for a few hours after taking the medicine he was severely depressed. I know others who have taken the medicine and haven’t had problems, but I will never take it again. Talk to your doctor (if you don’t have an appointment really soon, call him/her). Severe depression is not something to mess around with. Take care! Martin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever > experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking > Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a > little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. > all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. > anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever > had ! > thanks ..a LOT
Response:
Off-label, it’s still not a pain killer. It works prophylactically from all I’ve heard about it. You can’t pick up a Neurontin script and pop one and make a headache or diabetic neuropathy go away. It PREVENTS them, or prevents them from being so bad as before. Even Imitrex stops the pain of a migraine too, but it’s not a painkiller either. It deals with the symptomsor cause of the headache, thereby easing the pain. A painkiller is something that KILLS or numbs the pain at the time of it happening, and only suppresses the symptom of pain, but does nothing to prevent it or to alter the cause of the pain in the first place. A prophylactic prevents the pain from happening in the first place or prevents it from being more painful than it used to be. And I don’t know what you’d call Imitrex, but it’s not a painkiller either. But off-label or on, Neurontin is NOT a "painkiller" and to call it so is inaccurate and misleading. WB
: >
: > : > >: I’d call your doc up right away…everyone has different side effects, and : > >I : > >: think depression can be a side effect to any drug we take. : > >: : > >: Don’t live with it–have your doc try a different pain killer. : > > : > >Neurontin is not a painkiller. : > > : > >WB : > : > It’s prescribed my some doctors "off label" as a pain killer, : > specifically for neuropathy. : > : > Michele : : agreed, it’s helped my migraines, as well. : : Cat — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Response:
Wellll WB…I somewhat have to disagree >It works prophylactically from all >I’ve heard about it. You can’t pick up a Neurontin script and pop one and >make a headache or diabetic neuropathy go away. It
For headaches you are correct…it does work prophylactically…however for neuropathy it actually does work as a pain reliever…not saying the neuropathy goes away..but the physical symptoms of it (ie pain) can be dramatically diminished..It is also used in this fashion for trigeminal neuralagia and "shingles" and quite successfully…In my "definition" this makes it a pain reliever ,,,not a preventative.. Hawk Eye
Response:
whoops hit send too fast…again.. >But off-label or on, Neurontin is NOT a "painkiller" and to call it so is >inaccurate and misleading.
In the medical literature I read..Neurontin is definitely being called a "painkiller." rb Hawk Eye
Response:
WB I just looked Neurontin up in PDR.net… we are BOTH right…in a sense.. >It works prophylactically from all >I’ve heard about it. You can’t pick up a Neurontin script and pop one and
prophylactic===prevention Neurontin does NOT prevent neuropathy….nor does it do a thing for keeping it stable..or prevent the neuropathy from getting worse… What this med DOES is to "prevent pain related response to several models of neuropathic pain" (PDR) It also "decreases pain related response to peripheral inflammation"(PDR) Actually "mechanism of analgesic action is unknown"(PDR) yikes…no one is even too sure HOW or WHY this stuff works in humans!!! PDR does list it tho for pain of "neuropathy"…tho not of headache prevention So….it DOES or can prevent headache..and it CAN "block neuropathic pain" response…but actually isn’t that the way opiates work too??? I mean by blocking pain response? >But off-label or on, Neurontin is NOT a "painkiller" and to call it so is >inaccurate and misleading.
again..partially true..tho what I read in the PDR sorta explains how it is… rb ps…it is actually being used MORE for pain,,then seizures!! Hawk Eye
Response:
I guess it’s not the first drug that they don’t really know how it works, all they know is it works, but it’s still mindblowing. Not only can’t they say how it helps those with pain, but they also can’t say what makes it cause depression in some or the arm jerking I now get as a result of taking it! So they say to take it but can’t really tell us what it’s doing to us. How can they say that in ten years someone taking it all along won’t start having weird problems as a result? Surely they never studied it that long? Too strange for me. Hey, but thanks for the info. Now I’ve learned something new today. First time in a long time! : ) WB
: WB : : I just looked Neurontin up in PDR.net… : : we are BOTH right…in a sense.. : : >It works prophylactically from all : >I’ve heard about it. You can’t pick up a Neurontin script and pop one and : : prophylactic===prevention : : Neurontin does NOT prevent neuropathy….nor does it do a thing for keeping it : stable..or prevent the neuropathy from getting worse… : : What this med DOES is to "prevent pain related response to several models of : neuropathic pain" (PDR) : : It also "decreases pain related response to peripheral inflammation"(PDR) : : Actually "mechanism of analgesic action is unknown"(PDR) : : yikes…no one is even too sure HOW or WHY this stuff works in humans!!! PDR : does list it tho for pain of "neuropathy"…tho not of headache prevention : : So….it DOES or can prevent headache..and it CAN "block neuropathic pain" : response…but actually isn’t that the way opiates work too??? I mean by : blocking pain response? : : >But off-label or on, Neurontin is NOT a "painkiller" and to call it so is : >inaccurate and misleading. : : again..partially true..tho what I read in the PDR sorta explains how it is… : : rb : : ps…it is actually being used MORE for pain,,then seizures!! : Hawk Eye — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Response:
Here’s a discussion group/mailing list just for Neurontin: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/neurontin-l.html Neurontin is a pain stopper for me, whether it’s classified as a painkiller or no. HTH! Eased Up Hugs from Rosie — "If you wanna get it done, you gotta fight for yourself." – Meat Loaf, Bat Outta Hell II
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I guess it’s not the first drug that they don’t really know how it works, > all they know is it works, but it’s still mindblowing. Not only can’t they > say how it helps those with pain, but they also can’t say what makes it > cause depression in some or the arm jerking I now get as a result of taking > it! So they say to take it but can’t really tell us what it’s doing to us. > How can they say that in ten years someone taking it all along won’t start > having weird problems as a result? Surely they never studied it that long? > Too strange for me. Hey, but thanks for the info. Now I’ve learned > something new today. First time in a long time! : ) > WB
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Off-label, it’s still not a pain killer. It works prophylactically from all >I’ve heard about it. You can’t pick up a Neurontin script and pop one and >make a headache or diabetic neuropathy go away. It PREVENTS them, or >prevents them from being so bad as before. Even Imitrex stops the pain of a >migraine too, but it’s not a painkiller either. It deals with the symptomsor >cause of the headache, thereby easing the pain. >A painkiller is something that KILLS or numbs the pain at the time of it >happening, and only suppresses the symptom of pain, but does nothing to >prevent it or to alter the cause of the pain in the first place. A >prophylactic prevents the pain from happening in the first place or prevents >it from being more painful than it used to be. And I don’t know what you’d >call Imitrex, but it’s not a painkiller either. >But off-label or on, Neurontin is NOT a "painkiller" and to call it so is >inaccurate and misleading.
From my perspective, you’re splitting hairs. Also from the perspective of my neurologist <g>. Michele
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I took Neurontin for awhile but had to discontinue it for this reason. I > got up to the same dose as you. For an hour or so after taking it I was > horribly depressed. When I told my physician he discontinued the medicine. > (I was taking it for nerve pain in legs from back injury.) > My 14 year old son was taking Neurontin up until today as an adjunct (sp?) > medication for bipolar disorder. My wife took him to his psychiatrist today > and it was discontinued for the same reason – for a few hours after taking > the medicine he was severely depressed. > I know others who have taken the medicine and haven’t had problems, but I > will never take it again. > Talk to your doctor (if you don’t have an appointment really soon, call > him/her). Severe depression is not something to mess around with. > Take care! > Martin > I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever > experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking > Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a > little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. > all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. > anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever > had ! > thanks ..a LOT
I wouldn’t call what I experienced severe depression, but I certainly did notice a lifting of my mood after I stopped a long course of Neurontin a couple of years ago. I am taking it again now, and I don’t notice any depression, but I am at a much lower doseage. I am going to taper off for a while to see if I see a change in my mood. I don’t want to keep taking it anyway since it does not do me any good that I can tell. RoryDog
Response:
> Here’s a discussion group/mailing list just for Neurontin: >http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/neurontin-l.html > Neurontin is a pain stopper for me, whether it’s classified as a >painkiller or no.
thanks Rosie..from the ‘other one’ rb Hawk Eye
Response:
>From my perspective, you’re splitting hairs. Also from the perspective
WB admits that now…after I looked the drug up in PDR>net…but perhaps now we are all wondering what the hell we are doing taking something no one knows how it works!!! rb Hawk Eye
Response:
>How can they say that in ten years someone taking it all along won’t start >having weird problems as a result? Surely they never studied it that long?
WB for sure for sure!!! perhaps you recall the hoopla over Premarin this summer??? And we’ve been sucking that down for decades!! Me thinks that whatever the intervention…medicinal…diagnostic..even surgical..somewhere down the road "they" will shake their heads and say "hmmm" maybe we shouldn’t have done that!!! Remember medicine is an ART not a science!! actually I am glad you posted that..as it forced me to look it up..so we BOTH learned something (yeah I know..hard to believe…eh??) rb Hawk Eye
Response:
>From my perspective, you’re splitting hairs. Also from the perspective > WB admits that now…after I looked the drug up in PDR>net…but perhaps now we > are all wondering what the hell we are doing taking something no one knows how > it works!!! > rb > Hawk Eye
Who the hell cares???? I know I don’t! All I know is that it works, I don’t need to know how or why. I just want my pain to go away and the Neurontin helps. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if we call it a painkiller or
Response:
>I’m taking 300mg X 3 a day for cervical spine pain..and has anyone ever >experienced SEVERE depression from this medication.?. I have been taking >Neurontin for about a month and a half ..and this stuff has helped a >little with the pain but this very bad depression is abnormal for me .. >all I want to do is SIT and do nothing!..I want to taper off this med.. >anyone tell me how to do it? this depression is the worst I have ever >had ! > thanks ..a LOT
IBefore you discontinue the neurontin, please talk with your doctor. Neurontin is not to be stopped abruptly, it needs to be tapered. Good luck to you! Sue We survive together or not at all.
Response:
>Neurontin helps. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if we call it a painkiller or
but I’d rather have a gumdrop..green ones please!!! I agree totally tho…it sure does help my sleep… rb Hawk Eye
Response:
>Who the hell cares???? I know I don’t! All I know is that it works, I >don’t need to know how or why. I just want my pain to go away and the >Neurontin helps. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass if we call it a painkiller or
Be nice, Hawkeye was only trying to help. Sue We survive together or not at all.
Response:
>Be nice, Hawkeye was only trying to help. >Sue >We survive together or not
Sue …I don’t think she was trying to be mean…and I did get her drift… rb unless I was flamed and missed it!! Hawk Eye
Response:
Wedgieboy writes: Neurontin is not a pain killer. WB
I’d call your doc up right away…everyone has different side effects, and I think depression can be a side effect to any drug we take. Don’t live with it–have your doc try a different pain killer. >>>>>>>>No, WB, "technically" Neurontin isn’t a "pain killer"…it is
an anti-convulsant, BUT it is now being used for Neurological symptoms. For me, it has greatly helped my Sciatic pain & nerve spasms. So it actually works AS a pain killer for nerve pain. It’s been a God-send to me, when my butt feels like there’s a "meathook" in it…LOL! Peace!Stacie
Response:
CAT says: It’s prescribed my some doctors "off label" as a pain killer, specifically for neuropathy. Michele agreed, it’s helped my migraines, as well. Cat >>Cat, as a preventative for Migraines or when the Migraine hits? if
take only 900mg/day…thanx! Would be GREAT if it helped! I can’t take ANY of the "triptan" meds. Peace~Stacie
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I jsut started on neurontin last week in the with the goal of being takin off > depakote ina month. I am a rapid cycler and depakote didn’t seem to be doing > the job. > I am up to 300 mg twice a day and will increase to 300 mg three times a day > next week. > My problem; I can’t stay awake and I have diahrrea, nausea and stomach cramps a > few hours after the medication is taken. Will this continue or subside. > Anyone with this problem, please let me know. I’m not sure if I should call my > pdoc. I think he will want to stop the med and I was Sooo sure this was going > to be my wonder drug. It will be a real bummer if it isn’t. > Peace, Barb
from my reading these are transitory problems that should resolve quickly. your should contact your pdoc and discuss this. certainly let him know that you want to continue the neurontin and find out if the problems subside. best of luck
Response:
> I jsut started on neurontin last week in the with the goal of being takin off > depakote ina month. I am a rapid cycler and depakote didn’t seem to be doing > the job. > I am up to 300 mg twice a day and will increase to 300 mg three times a day > next week. > My problem; I can’t stay awake and I have diahrrea, nausea and stomach cramps a > few hours after the medication is taken. Will this continue or subside. > Anyone with this problem, please let me know. I’m not sure if I should call my
pdoc. I think he will want to stop the med and I was Sooo sure this was going > to be my wonder drug. It will be a real bummer if it isn’t. > Peace, Barb
from my reading all of your problems can be (and probably are) side effects of the neurontin. the side effects are supposed to subside after a few weeks. most people experience few if any side effects. i hope yours will pass quickly, i have found neurontin to be a wonder drug. i have only small mood fluctuations and don’t feel "flat" as i did on depakote ( nor psychotic, courtesy of lamictal.) do contact your doctor, maybe you need to start with a smaller dose. let him know that you want to continue and see if the problems stop. best of luck.
Response:
I jsut started on neurontin last week in the with the goal of being takin off depakote ina month. I am a rapid cycler and depakote didn’t seem to be doing the job. I am up to 300 mg twice a day and will increase to 300 mg three times a day next week. My problem; I can’t stay awake and I have diahrrea, nausea and stomach cramps a few hours after the medication is taken. Will this continue or subside. Anyone with this problem, please let me know. I’m not sure if I should call my pdoc. I think he will want to stop the med and I was Sooo sure this was going to be my wonder drug. It will be a real bummer if it isn’t. Peace, Barb
Response:
Related Posts