Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Concussion Syndrome For traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post concussion syndrome (PCS).

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Old 03-28-2013, 05:58 AM #1
camyam73 camyam73 is offline
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Default Gabapentin and depression?

I took my first dose of Gabapentin two nights ago. YEsterday I found myself feeling really down and I couldn't figure out why. I was on the verge of trears most of the day, very pessimistic, and really just unhappy/depressed... This is REALLY not like me.

DH told me last night that Pfieser has lawsuits against them associated with Gabapentin use (due to cancer, and due to suicide from depression)... I've decided not to take it today, and already I feel back to normal... If one day of Gabapentin made me depressed I cannot imagine what a week or a month of it would do.

Anyone else have these symptoms? Anyone else found they went away or, once I find I have the symptom should I just assume it'll be a side effect and stop?
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Feb 24, 2012 - Slipped on a large puddle of ice at work, hitting the back of my head. No loss of consciousness, so I assumed I'd be back at work within a few days. I was wrong.

When resting, symptoms are low. With exertion, I still suffer from fatigue, migraines, vision problems, problems thinking or reading, troubles sleeping, issues finding or getting words to my mouth when the headaches are bad, tinnitus, and thyroid issues which I think are due to the concussion. Seen one specialist, and now a few others through insurance review of my case. Hoping for further treatment.
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Old 03-28-2013, 06:30 AM #2
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Unfortunately, I have no experience with that medication, so I'm not sure.

However, I know with medications related to mental health, anytime it makes things worse (e.g. more depressed) you are to stop taking it and call your doc immediately.

I would talk to your doc and tell them you felt really depressed on it and that you don't want to feel worse than you already do. See if there is something else that can be prescribed without that side effect.

My best to you
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What Happened: On 3/8/11 I was stopped waiting to merge into traffic when I was rear ended by someone doing 45 mph. I walked away from the accident, to fall into the pit of PCS 5 days later... (I have had 2 previous concussions, but neither developed into PCS.)

Symptoms 3 Years Post: Physical: migraines, infrequent vertigo, neck and back pain (from accident), tinnitus, visual field deficits in left eye, problematic light sensitivity, (including visual seizure activity), noise sensitivity, EXTREME fatigue, semi-frequent disrupted sleep cycles,
Cognitive: semi-frequent Brain fog after cognitive strain, limited bouts of impulsivity, unable to concentrate for more than short periods of time without fatigue, word finding problems, slowed processing speeds, impaired visual memory;
Emotional: easily overstimulated, depression, anxiety;

Treatment so far: Vestibular therapy; Physical Therapy; Vision Therapy; Vitamin Schedule; Limited caffeine; Medications; attempting to limit stress and overstimulation; Yoga; Cognitive Therapy
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Old 03-28-2013, 07:09 AM #3
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Thanks... I did stop taking it, and it feels like night and day. Feeling MUCH improved today, no more depression or depressive thoughts... I wasn't suicidal, but I was very upset over some fertility issues that DH and I have been having... Which aren't new, and which till yesterday I was dealing with just fine. I spent most of the day fighting off tears, and just feeling really really down...
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Feb 24, 2012 - Slipped on a large puddle of ice at work, hitting the back of my head. No loss of consciousness, so I assumed I'd be back at work within a few days. I was wrong.

When resting, symptoms are low. With exertion, I still suffer from fatigue, migraines, vision problems, problems thinking or reading, troubles sleeping, issues finding or getting words to my mouth when the headaches are bad, tinnitus, and thyroid issues which I think are due to the concussion. Seen one specialist, and now a few others through insurance review of my case. Hoping for further treatment.
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Old 03-28-2013, 07:56 AM #4
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I had to stop take Gabapentin for the same reason you were experiencing. I was taking it for anxiety and pain, and it made me worse over time. Pain was relieved, but anxiety ended up getting worse. Combined with Cymbalta, I ended up in the hospital. ><
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College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012.

Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia.
2 MRI's and CT normal.

Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now.

Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy.

Was experiencing:
Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit.

Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm.

Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside!
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Old 03-28-2013, 07:59 AM #5
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Holy smokes Consider! I have to say I am glad it was caught early on my end... I'll need to call my doc today and let him know, since I think they need to report this stuff... I do feel so much better than I did yesterday though... what a difference!
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Feb 24, 2012 - Slipped on a large puddle of ice at work, hitting the back of my head. No loss of consciousness, so I assumed I'd be back at work within a few days. I was wrong.

When resting, symptoms are low. With exertion, I still suffer from fatigue, migraines, vision problems, problems thinking or reading, troubles sleeping, issues finding or getting words to my mouth when the headaches are bad, tinnitus, and thyroid issues which I think are due to the concussion. Seen one specialist, and now a few others through insurance review of my case. Hoping for further treatment.
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Old 03-28-2013, 08:11 AM #6
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It turned out that my anxiety in the end was from the brain being depressed. I didn't feel sad, just felt numb with depersonalization. I feel much better now, I can smile and be my goofy self but just with more rest. Also, if you need a medicine for pain, Remeron and Amitripiyline seem to be good choices. Remeron is for sleep, and for pain from my Occipital Neuralgia.
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College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012.

Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia.
2 MRI's and CT normal.

Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now.

Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy.

Was experiencing:
Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit.

Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm.

Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside!
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Old 03-28-2013, 08:18 AM #7
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I tried nortriptiline and I landed up with a horrible stomach ache from it (a common side effect)... I may ask to see my specialist to figure out if there is something else I can use. Mainly I needed the gabapentin to help increase my physical activity, since every time I try to add exercise back into my life, I land up back at square one.
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Feb 24, 2012 - Slipped on a large puddle of ice at work, hitting the back of my head. No loss of consciousness, so I assumed I'd be back at work within a few days. I was wrong.

When resting, symptoms are low. With exertion, I still suffer from fatigue, migraines, vision problems, problems thinking or reading, troubles sleeping, issues finding or getting words to my mouth when the headaches are bad, tinnitus, and thyroid issues which I think are due to the concussion. Seen one specialist, and now a few others through insurance review of my case. Hoping for further treatment.
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Old 03-28-2013, 08:21 AM #8
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Remeron will most likely work for you then, it contains an anti-nausea drug in it. It works great for mood disorders too, such as anxiety, OCD, or depression. It took 2 weeks for me to see results.
__________________
College Student in Information Technology and avid PC Gamer, hit the back of my head against a bunk bed and went unconscious for 3 minutes back in 10-28-2012.

Symptoms: Occipital Neuralgia.
2 MRI's and CT normal.

Currently going through Paxil withdrawals, and psych has me on L-Theanine, Benadryl for zaps, and Lemon Balm. It has eased it by a bit, so I am continuing the treatment till 1 month from now.

Made a 98% recovery on April 8, 2013 with only symptoms of pinched nerves/Occipital Neuralgia in the head and is being treated with injections and physical therapy.

Was experiencing:
Migraines, Headaches, Nausea and Vomiting, Panic Attacks and Anxiety, Depression, Major Insomnia, Brain Fog, Tinnitus, Lethargy, Loss of appetite, Major Heart Palpitations, Occipital Neuralgia has eased a bit.

Vitamins and Medicines: , L-Theanine, Omega 3 Super DHA 900mg, Stress B-Complex Extra Strength, Potassium Gluconate 1000mg, Magnesium Malate 1250mg, Vitamin D3 2000 IU, Methylcobalamin B-12 5000 mcg, Vitamin C 500mg, Lemon Balm.

Things that helped me: My Vitamin Regimen, Medication, Earplugs (Love these!), Nature Sounds, Hydrotherapy, Neck Pillow with Heat, Heating Pads, Resting, Being Outside!
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Old 03-28-2013, 08:27 AM #9
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Thankfully I don't have much anxiety or depression... The OCD... possibly, as sometimes when I close my eyes, images flash by so quickly, and it's very difficult to make them stop. Mainly I have symptoms induced when I exercise, headaches (behind my right eye), dizziness, fog, and exhaustion. The hope was that the gabapentin would reduce these symptoms so I could start with a normal life again.... Not so much though I guess.
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Feb 24, 2012 - Slipped on a large puddle of ice at work, hitting the back of my head. No loss of consciousness, so I assumed I'd be back at work within a few days. I was wrong.

When resting, symptoms are low. With exertion, I still suffer from fatigue, migraines, vision problems, problems thinking or reading, troubles sleeping, issues finding or getting words to my mouth when the headaches are bad, tinnitus, and thyroid issues which I think are due to the concussion. Seen one specialist, and now a few others through insurance review of my case. Hoping for further treatment.
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Old 03-28-2013, 09:09 AM #10
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Something for everyone - links I use , something you can keep, and ask your docs to link and talk over the side effects, syndromes, interactions, and withdrawal syndromes when they talk about new meds to start - the things they should be discussing when using these 'big guns' anyway, since we have special needs and sensitive brains.

The third one is one I find, from a person who is not a Doctor, that gives alot of straightforward discussions about the medications we are exposed to; with his personal experiences, as well as what information he has gathered around the net, and many resources.

RXLIST

DRUGS.COM

CRAZYMEDS
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.
Current: Changes of more insomnia, new reviews with findings of more Depression, tremors, vertigo, tinnitus, loss of focus, fatigue; SSDI - accepted on Depression, Cognitive Deficits; Seizures ruled out, mTBI changes including cognitive slowing/lapses.
Medication update: Topamax 200mg twice daily it seems to minimize daily headaches to a 1-2/10 quality(I still know they are there); and acute headaches erupt without warnings.
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