Hello,
I only took Neurontin (generic version though) for two days (300mg) each time, but I got very bizarre side effects. I felt a rush of anxiety both times and the first time took it at night and stayed up all night even though I ended up taking a valium too a few hours later. It made me drop things and feel really unstable and when I'd close my eyes, all of these weird images would appear. I was just wondering how unusual it is. I stopped taking it, but the doctor told me that it would make me drowsy. I've never had a reaction like this to any medication before.

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

I have been on Neurontin for over a year now. I started off with 100 mg 3x a day....and am now on 200 mg 3x a day....initially the only side effects I had were dizziness and drowziness....they went away, but now I find to get any relief I must keep upping the dose (I dont, doc does)...so I asked to take 300 mg 3x a day and she told me the side effect will probably be swelling of the ankles but I could try it and see....sure enough, when I take 300 mg, my feet swell up.....at this point I am not sure what to do....Have heard of other meds like Cymbalta and Topamax but will have to wait for next visit in June to ask doc.....today pain was off the wall....I am also on a Lidocaine patch which helps greatly during the day....supposed to last 12 hours, but doesnt.

Beaderbubbe and edugirl,

I have been on gabapentin, generic for Neurontin for almost 4 years now. I too started out on a low dose, 100 x 3 daily = every 6 -8 hours.

It did take my dr and I some time to titer the dosage up slowly. Are you taking your dosage at regular intervals and allowing some time for your body to get acclaimated to it?

I was titered down off of gabapentin after two years on it to see if there was any change in my pain levels. For a couple of days there were and then right back in extreme nerve pain and spinal pain.

Neuro titered me back up slowly and now I am on gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily at the same time everyday. I have been given Ultram 10mg x every six hours as needed as a chaser in between my gabapentin dosages. It does help me.

I have also incorporated exercises into my regimen. Slow and deliberate stretching of all joints and some yoga 3 times a week.

They both help me as I can get pretty stiff from the pain.
You might try deep breathing exercises too. I found some online that can help. Just google deep breathing exercises and it might help you.

I go to a massage therapist also once a month along with chiropractic care. It sure does help my bad days and makes the good ones last a bit longer.

But that is me .... you have to find what works for you as we are all different.

Make sure your neuro, pcp or rheumy drs know what you are taking or doing ourside of what they offer you. It might help or hurt your progress.

Good luck and praying you find relief soon. God is the great healer and all you have to do is ask for his help and he will be there for you or at least guide you to someone who can help you.

Oh and let family and friends in on what you are feeling. It took me a long time to do this and when I sat down and explained what is wrong with me and what I have to deal with on a daily basis, they have come to realize that I am not the (B_) they thought I was, lol.

Love you all and hugs too you