When I was on it the first time, it was actually an off-label use for controlling anxiety (I couldn't tolerate most of the usual medications they use for anxiety issues). Eventually, I decided that the side effects were not worth the limited benefit I was getting from the drug, so I discontinued. At that time, I think I was taking 1600 mg/day (400 x 4). I tapered down from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 capsule per day pretty easily. But it was hard to get down to 0 - I had to open the capsules and make my own dosages to bring it down in very small increments.

Currently, I'm on 1800 mg/day. (600 x 3) My neuro suggested going as high as 3600/day, but I don't really want to go any higher if I don't have to. I'm OK with the level of side effects I have now, but don't want them to get any worse, as they surely would at a higher dose. I've currently been on it since last fall. I started taking it before the neuropathic pain started, so I honestly don't know if it's doing anything for the pain or not.

I'm sure you've already figured it out, but none of these medications are magic pills - they all come with side effects. Each of us has to evaluate the symptoms we have, and what level of side effects we are willing to endure to get an improvement in the symptoms of our disease.