Went to a doctor today and was told I need a upper and lower scope. I am taking 1800mg of Neurontin a day. It was last increased 300 more each week for 3 weeks to get to that level. They want to do my scope next week. I was thinking it may have to be decreased that way too.They want me totally off Neurontin 3 days prior to test. Will also have to have a IV. Scared of the needle stick too. Will call my neurologist tomorrow about this but was just wondering if anyone else had to be weaned off Neurontin to have a procedure. When it rains it poors!!!!
I am scared to get off neurontin

Hi murgir, yes, you must wean off Neurontin, but at what rate? That would be a question for your doc hon. You should not just abruptly stop taking it. May I ask why you have to be off the drug prior to the scope? Not sure what kind of scope you're having so that may have something to do with it I guess. Seems like they would want to be sure your nerve pain is good and under control, but I'm not a doctor, so I have no idea. Try not to worry about the needle stick. I know it can be scary, but just don't borrow trouble.

So sorry that you will have to have any procedure. That stinks! Just added stress I'm sure. Hang in there hon!

Upper and lower GI scopes ?

Why do you have to be off Neurontin for that ? I've just never heard of that.

Sorry you are needing the scopes, hoping all is well and that there are no other issues added to your plate afterwards.

I've tapered off Gaba many times without any issues. If I remember correctly you haven't been on it that long so that should ease the side effects of tapering. Remember though when you ramp back up any of the side effects you had the first time will likely reoccur.

Good luck!

PS., ditto what Vrae said about "not borrowing trouble". I know needle sticks can be scary but the actual cases of spread from this is very, very small. Worrying will only heighten your nervous system and increase pain overall. Think positive and believe all will be okay.

Having rectal bleeding. Bad. That's why they want to do it next week. Saw a PA that said I had to be off it due to it being an anti-inflammatory drug. From what I have read it is a anti-convulsive but not a anti-inflammatory. (after you questioned it Vrae) I possibly have Barrett's esophagus too and if so my stomach meds need to be increased. On prior scope (2011) I was told that a biopsy would be done to verify that and after reviewing it today no biopsy was done just on stomach acids. When I was told biopsy was neg. I thought it was for barrett's but was stomach acid only so I probably have Barrett's esophagus.
Since I was tender in upper area as well as lower I need a upper GI endoscopy too.
So here is my list of ailments, RSD, kidney stone, probable Barretts esophagus, diverticulosis, HTN, bilateral adrenal neuromas and who knows what else!!!
Also with me just going back to work I have to take off 2 days for this due to the prep the day prior. I start it at 7am the day prior.

oh dear, that's no good at all. Yes, get this scope done. yeah, I've never heard of Neurontin having anti inflammatory properties. That would be a wonderful perk if it did. One that I have never experienced and I am at a max dose of the generic version. What comes to mind is that Neurontin can definitely cause GI issues. I am wrestling with some of that now. I am wondering if you had a GI issue that was already going on and now Neurontin is making it worse? idk.

Best of luck on your scope murgir, and I pray the bleeding stops real soon. Keep us posted!

Good thing I am on anticonvulsants because I'm about to convulse Ha Ha

Yes I think so. Barrett's is a irritation of the esophagus that makes you have a greater chance of cancer of the esophagus. It is actually a precancerous condition. Diverticulosis is pouches in the large intestine that is easily irritated. That can also cause bleeding. Having my blood level checked and compared to last one done in Sept. Thank You all so much. I really feel better already. So glad I asked before having to call neurologist who probably isn't in tomorrow anyways

Murgir, just wanted to wish u luck for the scopes and let you know I'm thinking of you. You are dealing with such a lot right now and I'll be hoping that everything goes well and that your docs can sort some treatment that helps you feel a lot better than you do now.

I had a lot of gastric issues on neurontin - it made me very sick and caused lots of pain in my GI. I came off it and was a lot better very quickly. My pain doc said it was nasty stuff and it wasn't uncommon to have GI problems on it. She said they always try it because if you tolerate it, it can often be quite effective. From what I've read since, if you have the GI issues, it's maybe not being absorbed very well anyway. I'm on low dose lyrica now, and before this flare it was doing a pretty good job cosidering...

Take care of yourself, and remember that you're never alone because we are here thinking of you and wishing you well

Bram.

I too never heard that Neurontin was anti-inflammatory. Perhaps google it or call your pharmacist who also might be able to suggest how to wean off Neurontin if that IS necessary but substitute something else in its place for this procedure.
Good luck hon!