advice on Neurontin

[outdamnspot]

Hi,

My GP has prescribed Neurontin for pain (tension headaches), anxiety, and akathisia/overstimulation/restlessness.

I had a couple of questions:

1. Lyrica wasn't very effective for the above symptoms .. was anyone helped by Neurontin where Lyrica failed?

2. I took Neurontin years ago for sleep. I was on 900mg at night. Strangely enough, I had to take it in about a 40-minute window before I fell asleep .. otherwise it would keep me up. I tried it again as-needed during the day at lower doses and also found it energizing, which I've heard is common in CFS patients, though I never stuck with it for more than a day at a time. Does tolerance tend to develop to the energizing effect? Did anyone find there was a difference between low and high doses in terms of the energizing effect?

3. Finally, how do people split their doses? I'd suspect there would be some rebound happening between doses .. so what was your dosing strategy?

Thanks!

 

[Ecoclimber]

Neurontin or the generic Gabapentin is used off label for neuropathic pain. It affects different receptors.
It is always best to start low and then build up. Usual dosage is 2X of 300mg in the morning, 5X 300 mg in the evening.

Here is the kicker. NOT ALL GENERICS ARE THE SAME....very important. There are different grades of generic drugs and pharmacies buy the cheapest to increase profits. These generics have different binders and fillers that may cause side effects. Some of the capusles of the Gabepetin can be twice as large as the original brand.

2. Each person metabolism is different as well so one generic may have no affect or you may experience side effects. Switch generic manufactures if Gabapetin doesn not work or you have side effects to the medication.. FDA rules require that generics can be manufacturer with a certain tolerance of the brand. I believe 85% -110% rule. So you may be getting less or you may be getting more with different fillers and binders.

3. You can request the pharmacy to fill the prescription with a certain generic brand that works for you. If you fine one that works for you, do not allow the pharmacy to change generic brands on refills. They normally buy the cheapest brand out there. So when patients complain fo side effects or the drug not working, is the brand or generic that are talking about....very important to be precise.

4. Greenstone is on the higer tier level of generic manufacture for Gabapentin and seems to work similar to the original brand of Neurontin.

Eco

 

[minkeygirl]

I had huge weight gain on it. It didn't help me sleep either. I can't remember if it helped my migraines.

@Ecoclimber Not all pharmacies get the same generics. I had to switch to another for my trazodone because they changed wholesalers who did not get the specific generic I needed. You have to call around to find what you want.

 

[Ecoclimber]

@Ecoclimber Not all pharmacies get the same generics. I had to switch to another for my trazodone because they changed wholesalers who did not get the specific generic I needed. You have to call around to find what you want.[/quote]

Correct, but some pharmacies will allow you to oder a specific generic mfr. over their normal generic brands especially if you tell them that you had experience serious side effects or complications from the current generic mfr. It may not be true if living in another country but give it a go.

 

[minkeygirl]

My usual pharmacy, the only one that delivers, could not get the one I wanted. They are restricted by what their wholesaler carried. I called around to several places and all but Target and the one who will mail me my RX only carried Pliva/Teva.