Sounds crazy to me! - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

lilc · 04-20-2007, 12:17 PM

I'm only posting this because so many of us are on Neurontin.
My friend saw a specialist about her thyroid (slightly enlarged). While there, she asked for HRT for her terrible hot flashes. He said he couldn't prescribe HRT, but gave her a scrip for 300mg neurontin, 3 TIMES A DAY, citing a fairly lame study that said it reduced hot flashes in 30% of the study patients.
She didn't fill the scrip, particularly after I told her that's what I take for the MS numbness and pain.
Has ANYONE heard of neurontin for HOT FLASHES???

MSNik · 04-20-2007, 03:06 PM

Hey Lilc,
Actually, I have. However, I also know from the person who was prescribed it, that it did nothing for her. You already know that Nurontin is an antiseziure drug, right? Prescribed for Epilepsy primiarily...its not even approved for MS, however, it is widely prescribed.
If you friend wants to try it....why not? Hopefully it will help her. And, let us know if she does, and if it does...I have hot flashes too! (For me, it didnt work for my hand, but maybe for the hot flashes...???!!)
It was my stepmother, who is in near perfect health who was prescribed this by her GYN during menopausal hot flashes, she elected to take it for only a few months, she said it made her too tired! Imagine that?!

Take care,
Nikki

lilc · 04-24-2007, 06:29 AM

Nikki, thanks! My friend brought home 2 scrips: Neurontin and Atenolol. I had taken Atenolol years ago for my tremor (didn't help much) and I take Neurontin now. Since she has neither tremor nor MS, she was agitated to say the least!
She did not fill the Neurontin (though it would be a 3 month supply for ME!) I told her it is an anti siezure drug, she wasn't interested. Thanks for letting me know it did NOT work for your stepmom!
Oh, and the Atenolol is a beta-blocker for hypertension in her case.

MSNik · 04-24-2007, 02:33 PM

wow. You would think with all the money pharmaceutical companies are dumping into research THEY COULD COME UP WITH SOME SPECIFIC DRUGS FOR SPECIFIC SYMTOMS, huh?? IM kidding, but IM not- not really. I get so sick of reading the different things which are used for so many blanket issues...why not something specific, for something specific??

Hot flashes and Neurontin, Ive heard of, even though it didnt work- but Atenolol for hypertension is a new one for me. Last week, My huband was told to take Advair, for allergies...he isnt using it, since it is specifically prescribed for Asthma and COPD related issues, he was alittle weary. As am I...hes seeing an allergist next month (his GP attempted to prescribe this).

Nevertheless, its interesting to hear how varied the symtoms which the docs prescribe this stuff, isnt it??

Hope your friend feels better soon- and hope you are doing okay too.
hugs,
Nikki