Are The Side Effects Worth It?
 

Granted, in seeing one doctor yesterday, whom I know quite well, and trust, my Neurontin dose was doubled from the regular 900 mg daily to 1800. As with anything, there are the "given" side effects (like dry mouth/constipation as with any medication). But, though still a "common side effect," with Neurontin, in taking it the last two days, I am incredible dizzy (trouble waking, serious), tired (but not the kind of tired that makes you want to go to sleep. Does anyone know if these side effects tend to go away during the course of treatment, or, is this something that is going to pursist?

IF these normal side effects continue to be bothersome, as they are for me today, shoud I talk to the doctor about it....if, after a "trial run" of a week or so? I just don't know what the normal dose is for most people, nor, what most people who take Neurontin experience as side effects.

Any help or answers would be much appreciated..thank you..

Hi star,

The bad news is that different drugs have different side-effects to the same drugs. Sone can tolerate Neurontin; others can't. they have to stop taking it.

The good news is that there are several drugs that have the same mechanisms of action as Neurontin (they are called GABAergic drugs). The more recent GABAs appear to have fewer, and less dramatic side-effects, but they cost more than Neurontin, and insurance companies don't want to pay for them.

If Neurontin doesn't work for you, you need a doc who will try others until he finds the one that works best for you, and who will insist that no other drug will do. If w.c. sent you to this doc, the chances are he won't do it.

The really bad news is that we have to fight for everything we get, and we lose a lot of fights. Just another trial that goes with this diagnosis. Pray you have a good dos, but be ready to fight if you don't...Vic

Just to say that my daughter, Alison, was put on Neurotonin when she was first diagnosed and had some horrible side effects as the dosage was increased. She was almost constantly sleep but never asleep if that makes sense - basically she was in a world of her own for most of the time
The consultant advised that we stop the drug and about two months ago she started on Lyrica (one of the newer Gaba's Vicc mentions). This seems to suit her much more. She isn't so tired and even manages to get a few hours sleep most nights - something sh hasn't done for months now
The only bad thing is that neither drug appears to have had any impact on her pain levels - but to have her sleep is a real bonus !!!!
Good Luck with the meds - let us know how you get on and what you decide to do
Love
Andrea