mel333
06-28-2003, 11:32 AM
Hi everyone,
I just started taking neurontin for arm pain and am finding the side effects are awful. The first time I took it I felt like I was hallucinating and the second time I got a shocker headache the next day after taking it. I am taking 1 300mg pill nightly. Has anyone noticed any side effects? especially headache? Do they stop after taking it for a while? I can't even be sure it's the neurontin as I am taking so many other meds also. I am waiting for surgery c5/6 in 3 weeks and am actually feeling ready for it.
Mel
I just started taking neurontin for arm pain and am finding the side effects are awful. The first time I took it I felt like I was hallucinating and the second time I got a shocker headache the next day after taking it. I am taking 1 300mg pill nightly. Has anyone noticed any side effects? especially headache? Do they stop after taking it for a while? I can't even be sure it's the neurontin as I am taking so many other meds also. I am waiting for surgery c5/6 in 3 weeks and am actually feeling ready for it.
Mel
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catgirl
06-28-2003, 01:05 PM
Did your doc start you out at 300 mg's? Mine started me out at 100mg for 5 days, then 100mg for 5 days at twice a day & now I'm on 100mg 3 times a day. I have not experienced any side effects. I hope you find an answer soon. Cat
I'd rather be Running
06-28-2003, 01:16 PM
I had the same experience as Cat with the increasing dosage. I found that the fatique was the worst when I first started the medication. Unfortunately, I have had to increase my dosage every couple weeks, or the arm pain returns. I also experience some fatigue every time I increase the dose, but it does somewhat subside. I think that this medication wil definitely cause you to be more tired, since it is a CNS depressant. I have found it to be the only answer for decreasing my arm pain enough so I can sleep.
Maybe you can talk with your pharmacist regarding the dosage?
Holly
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C3-4 through C6-7 disc herniations, three with cord contact.
C2-C7 Severe right facet degneration with significant forminal stenosis.
C5-6 & C6-7 Severe spondylosis
Maybe you can talk with your pharmacist regarding the dosage?
Holly
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C3-4 through C6-7 disc herniations, three with cord contact.
C2-C7 Severe right facet degneration with significant forminal stenosis.
C5-6 & C6-7 Severe spondylosis
lifeonhold2003
06-28-2003, 01:34 PM
I've been taking Neurontin for sbout 8 months now. I take 800 mg 3 times a day. They did start me out on a lower dose; however, it was still for 3 times a day. I really don't recall any side effects. I also can't say that it has really helped. I guess if I quit taking it, maybe I would find out if it does or not. I can't imagine having more pain than I'm already experiencing. I know a lot of people say it has caused them to gain weight, which I have. I'm not so sure that I can contribute that to the Neurontin in my case or the fact that I have been so inactive. I just really wish they could find a miracle drug that would take this pain away!
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AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
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AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
Kortney
06-28-2003, 05:16 PM
I've been on it for years and I was started out on 100 mg's 3 x day. It was just easier for me than to take it all at one time. It just helped curb some of the initial side effects for me.
When I need to increase it I get sleepy and feel about as dumb as a box of rocks for a few days but it goes away after a few days for me.
My best friend was rx'd it and it gave her horrible headaches so she had to stop it.
I tried the 300 mg's at bedtime when I first started it and found out real quick I couldn't tolerate it that way. I had to divide the doses up. Easier for me personally.
It works good for me though. I hope it works out for you as well!
When I need to increase it I get sleepy and feel about as dumb as a box of rocks for a few days but it goes away after a few days for me.
My best friend was rx'd it and it gave her horrible headaches so she had to stop it.
I tried the 300 mg's at bedtime when I first started it and found out real quick I couldn't tolerate it that way. I had to divide the doses up. Easier for me personally.
It works good for me though. I hope it works out for you as well!
KeithEugeneW
06-28-2003, 06:03 PM
Hi Mel,
I started out gradually on neurontin like the others, first 100mg 3x daily, up 100mg each time every 8 days until at 400mg 3x daily. That worked well and actually eliminated my migraines and eased the pain in my neck for several months, but then I started needing a higher dose to get the same effect (migraines came back with a vengence), ended up at 600mg 4x daily (2400mg total per day). I gained about 20 lbs, was in a fog most of the time and couldn't concentrate or remember things. I got off it, went to topamax and ultracet for a couple of weeks, and then when I switched to a different pain doc, finally got enough relief to get off the pills altogether. I still take one if I have a bad spell, but only a time or two each week. He recognized that the muscle spasms were causing much of my pain and has been giving me cortisone shots and PT. Turned out my right shoulder was unrelated to the neck (contrary to the first pain doc's opinion), and was a rotator cuff injury, and now my shoulder is good as new, in just a few weeks! Sure glad I changed docs, I had been very limited physically due to that shoulder pain. I'm actually back to doing the work around the property I missed out on before, like cutting trees and lifting rocks for my new sidewalk. A month ago I would have never believed I'd be able to do that again. I still have to take it kind of easy, don't want to make my neck any worse than it is with the bulging discs, but at least I can be reasonably active again. Maybe finally get all of that 20 lbs back off!
Please let us know how this Bryan artificial disc surgery goes, I'm very excited for you! :D
Keith
I started out gradually on neurontin like the others, first 100mg 3x daily, up 100mg each time every 8 days until at 400mg 3x daily. That worked well and actually eliminated my migraines and eased the pain in my neck for several months, but then I started needing a higher dose to get the same effect (migraines came back with a vengence), ended up at 600mg 4x daily (2400mg total per day). I gained about 20 lbs, was in a fog most of the time and couldn't concentrate or remember things. I got off it, went to topamax and ultracet for a couple of weeks, and then when I switched to a different pain doc, finally got enough relief to get off the pills altogether. I still take one if I have a bad spell, but only a time or two each week. He recognized that the muscle spasms were causing much of my pain and has been giving me cortisone shots and PT. Turned out my right shoulder was unrelated to the neck (contrary to the first pain doc's opinion), and was a rotator cuff injury, and now my shoulder is good as new, in just a few weeks! Sure glad I changed docs, I had been very limited physically due to that shoulder pain. I'm actually back to doing the work around the property I missed out on before, like cutting trees and lifting rocks for my new sidewalk. A month ago I would have never believed I'd be able to do that again. I still have to take it kind of easy, don't want to make my neck any worse than it is with the bulging discs, but at least I can be reasonably active again. Maybe finally get all of that 20 lbs back off!
Please let us know how this Bryan artificial disc surgery goes, I'm very excited for you! :D
Keith
StillWater
06-28-2003, 07:05 PM
I started Neurontin for Shingles 3 months ago, gradually increasing dose til now it's 600 mg 3 x a day and 1200 mg at night. The shingles progressed to PHN, and I also have Spinal Stenosis at L5/L6 level. Being tired, dry mouth, & gaining weight are the most noticable side effects. Actually I hadn't thought to blame the weight gain on the med, until the past day or two when I read that it could cause that. I'm still not sure if it's that -- but I might as well blame it on that and not on low will power and chocolate! I have noticed that neurontin has helped with depression. With the last increase I noticed the biggest improvement. It doesn't help with the pain from Spinal Stenosis, I don't think. Only vicodin and percocet help with that, and they don't take it away. I do think Neurontin has helped with the PHN and neuropathic pain, however.
Catherine with a C
06-28-2003, 07:45 PM
Hi Mel,
I never got any side effects ~~probably 'cause I never took it.
I just wanted to pop in & say hello!!
Boy, time is sure speeding by eh? I can't believe your surgery date is right around the corner.
Hope to see you here before then!!
Until later,
Catherine
I never got any side effects ~~probably 'cause I never took it.
I just wanted to pop in & say hello!!
Boy, time is sure speeding by eh? I can't believe your surgery date is right around the corner.
Hope to see you here before then!!
Until later,
Catherine
mel333
06-29-2003, 11:08 AM
Hi all,
Thanks everyone for the info. I am finding it has been going ok for the last few nights with only that tiredness which helps me sleep anyway. I do find it wears off quick and the arm pain returns. I wonder why the weight gain? depressant, slows metabolism? increases appetite?. I may look into this. Yet I'm thinking may as well gain a few pounds and indulge before surgery.
Keith,
so glad your feeling better! Fantastic news and the weight will fall off with normal activity.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for popping in.
Mel
Thanks everyone for the info. I am finding it has been going ok for the last few nights with only that tiredness which helps me sleep anyway. I do find it wears off quick and the arm pain returns. I wonder why the weight gain? depressant, slows metabolism? increases appetite?. I may look into this. Yet I'm thinking may as well gain a few pounds and indulge before surgery.
Keith,
so glad your feeling better! Fantastic news and the weight will fall off with normal activity.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for popping in.
Mel
Mattsmummum
06-29-2003, 01:25 PM
I posted this before in May under a different header:
My husband has been taking Neurontin for many years, with a lot of success. He is on 3000 mgs. daily, split up over 5 doses. His neurologist started him on this after too many years of continuous, chronic pain. He is paralyzed and his pain is characterized as "phantom pain." He has had none of the side effects described above, including weight gain, even though he is not physically active. He was told that this was the one medication for this type of pain that didn't have a lot of side effects and you don't become tolerant to the meds.
My husband has been taking Neurontin for many years, with a lot of success. He is on 3000 mgs. daily, split up over 5 doses. His neurologist started him on this after too many years of continuous, chronic pain. He is paralyzed and his pain is characterized as "phantom pain." He has had none of the side effects described above, including weight gain, even though he is not physically active. He was told that this was the one medication for this type of pain that didn't have a lot of side effects and you don't become tolerant to the meds.
mel333
06-30-2003, 11:38 AM
Hi,
Thats great to know that your husband was able to find something helpful. I am finding the neurontin very good for nerve pain and not many side effects except one new one - dizziness or mild shaking. Has anyone had that?
Mel
Thats great to know that your husband was able to find something helpful. I am finding the neurontin very good for nerve pain and not many side effects except one new one - dizziness or mild shaking. Has anyone had that?
Mel
KeithEugeneW
06-30-2003, 05:14 PM
I had dizziness, especially if I moved too quickly. If I got up from a chair and started walking quickly I felt like I was drunk. I don't remember any shakiness, except a couple of times when I was outside for a walk and when I got back to the house and sat down my hands were trembling pretty badly, couldn't even hold a glass of water! My biggest complaint was the foggy memory, it was frustrating to start to say something and then completely lose the though, or forget even my wife's name!
Keith
Keith
mel333
07-01-2003, 11:36 AM
Hi Keith,
Glad to know I am not the only one who felt drunk with trembling hands. I am getting a hazy feeling also and I'm only on 300mgs, what a wimp!. It's frustrating as it really helps nerve pain. How are you doing?
Mel
Glad to know I am not the only one who felt drunk with trembling hands. I am getting a hazy feeling also and I'm only on 300mgs, what a wimp!. It's frustrating as it really helps nerve pain. How are you doing?
Mel
KeithEugeneW
07-01-2003, 12:42 PM
That's the funny thing on neurontin, eventually the foggy feeling gets less, but when you have to jump up another level you start all over again. I noticed the first 3 or 4 days were the worst in getting used to the next level, but never really ever got completely used to it even after a long time.
Thanks for asking, I'm doing great! I'm so excited to have my right arm and shoulder functioning well again that I'm besides myself! If I ever get this stiff sore neck thing under control I'll be one happy guy. If it settles down in 3-5 years like the surgeon thinks it will, I'll be throwing one serious party!
I can't wait to hear about your artificial disc surgery. That has got to be very exciting for you. I think that these artificial discs have great promise. I'll bet that in 5 years they will be done more often than the fusions.
Keith
Thanks for asking, I'm doing great! I'm so excited to have my right arm and shoulder functioning well again that I'm besides myself! If I ever get this stiff sore neck thing under control I'll be one happy guy. If it settles down in 3-5 years like the surgeon thinks it will, I'll be throwing one serious party!
I can't wait to hear about your artificial disc surgery. That has got to be very exciting for you. I think that these artificial discs have great promise. I'll bet that in 5 years they will be done more often than the fusions.
Keith
mel333
07-03-2003, 01:58 PM
Hi Keith,
Stay well! and if you need it oneday perhaps you can have the ADR. Apparently you don't have to wear a collar and recovery is faster! I hope so!
Mel
Stay well! and if you need it oneday perhaps you can have the ADR. Apparently you don't have to wear a collar and recovery is faster! I hope so!
Mel
NASCARchic
07-03-2003, 02:44 PM
Hello everyone,
I am kinda new here and had to post to this topic. I have been on Neurontin for 4 years now and I am at 3600mg daily (3 doses 1200mg). When I first started taking the med I noticed alot of side effects like weight gain (40lbs), brain fog or CRS, nervousness, the shakes. To this day I still have the brain fog, but with the help of slim fast and a 1/2 mile on treadmill 3x week I have lost the weight I gained and some extra. My docs tell me the side effects are from the Neurontin but I wonder how they can tell since they have me on so many meds. I am trying to get into a pain specialist but there are only a couple in our town and I just can't take the out of town drives to the docs anymore. For 2 years I drove 6 hours roundtrip 2x month. But really how do the docs know what is causing what side effects when alot of the meds have the same side effects listed. I so desperately want off the meds but docs want me to stay on them. I did try cutting down the doses myself but found the pain returned with a vengence. The docs tell me there are no long term side effects from the meds, but I find that hard to believe. The human body was not made to down 30 pills a day.
Ok enough rambleing, I do feel better now LOL.
Deanna
I am kinda new here and had to post to this topic. I have been on Neurontin for 4 years now and I am at 3600mg daily (3 doses 1200mg). When I first started taking the med I noticed alot of side effects like weight gain (40lbs), brain fog or CRS, nervousness, the shakes. To this day I still have the brain fog, but with the help of slim fast and a 1/2 mile on treadmill 3x week I have lost the weight I gained and some extra. My docs tell me the side effects are from the Neurontin but I wonder how they can tell since they have me on so many meds. I am trying to get into a pain specialist but there are only a couple in our town and I just can't take the out of town drives to the docs anymore. For 2 years I drove 6 hours roundtrip 2x month. But really how do the docs know what is causing what side effects when alot of the meds have the same side effects listed. I so desperately want off the meds but docs want me to stay on them. I did try cutting down the doses myself but found the pain returned with a vengence. The docs tell me there are no long term side effects from the meds, but I find that hard to believe. The human body was not made to down 30 pills a day.
Ok enough rambleing, I do feel better now LOL.
Deanna
jdog
07-04-2003, 12:14 AM
I experienced the weight gain while on Neurontin. I was eating even when I was full.
My doctor switched me to another med called Topomax. I don't think I've had any sides from it yet, and I've been on it for 6 months.
jdog
My doctor switched me to another med called Topomax. I don't think I've had any sides from it yet, and I've been on it for 6 months.
jdog
mel333
07-07-2003, 12:20 PM
Hi jdog,
I will ask my dr about topomax. Is that the drug or brand name I presume brand name but just checking. I am getting that 'I want to eat constantly feeling on neurontin' so maybe time for a new drug.
Mel
I will ask my dr about topomax. Is that the drug or brand name I presume brand name but just checking. I am getting that 'I want to eat constantly feeling on neurontin' so maybe time for a new drug.
Mel
mel333
07-08-2003, 09:15 AM
Hi Jdog,
I will look into topomax as I am eating like a maniac!, thanks.
Deanna,
I am sorry there are no PT dr's near you. I can relate to taking lots of pills and you do feel weird like you shouldn't be doing this to yourself. I am having surgery which I hope will cut the meds. Please try to find a Dr who knows something about pain, and perhaps try an epi or some cortosone shots to try to cut back your reliance on the drugs.
Mel
I will look into topomax as I am eating like a maniac!, thanks.
Deanna,
I am sorry there are no PT dr's near you. I can relate to taking lots of pills and you do feel weird like you shouldn't be doing this to yourself. I am having surgery which I hope will cut the meds. Please try to find a Dr who knows something about pain, and perhaps try an epi or some cortosone shots to try to cut back your reliance on the drugs.
Mel