Hi edugirl, welcome.

Issues with Neurontin/gabapentin are... complex. It significantly alters brain chemistry (which is how it works for the things it works for), and has a huge list of side effects. I would venture that it would be unusual not to experience some side effects.

Thing is, with many medications, side effects are temporary as your body acclimates to them, and some medications can take time to acheive efficacy. Gabapentin is both. The question then becomes, are the side effects tolerable enough (for you) that you can tough out that "honeymoon" period? Then the question becomes the same as for all medications—do the benefits outweigh the risks/side effects—and only time can tell that. OTOH, if the side effects are that intolerable, there really isn't much choice but to try to find an alternative—either dosage buildup or alternative medication/therapy.

Gabapentin does come in smaller dose capsules—100 mg is the smallest, IIRC. Perhaps tapering onto it more slowly over a few days might lessen the severity of side effects(?)

These are all matters best left between patient & doctor. One thing you can do to be proactive and try to help him/her help you is learn about the med so you can discuss it in an informed way. Feel free to ask questions here, but also make use of the archives (Search facility). Neurontin/gabapentin is one of the most discussed medications on this site, so most questions have probably already come up.

Doc