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pooby · 09-22-2007, 09:14 PM

Just wondering since being on Neurontin (gabapentin) I am fatigued a common side effect. One other prominent side effect is that I crave sweets. I have very strong sweet cravings that I never have experienced before these drugs. It is very hard to control my diet when these cravings take over. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I wonder if part of the fatigue I am experiencing is due to low sugar levels.

Bekah61 · 09-23-2007, 06:38 AM

I was prescribed neurontin a couple of weeks ago for nerve pain, I got the script filled but I haven't taken it yet read all the side effects and I didn't want to try it. I was just wondering about other people that have taken it and if it works for nerve pain and what the side effects have been. I already have a sweet tooth and I don't need to enhance it even more. Thank-u, Bekah61

ozzybug · 09-23-2007, 06:46 AM

I take Neurontin and it has been a LIFE saver for me. Yes, I did have some problems with drowsiness for the first couple of weeks or so, but that subsided rather quickly, and when my doctor got me titrated to the right dose, I noticed a world of difference in my nerve pain levels. This is a medication that takes a bit of time to find the correct dosing, and also takes some time to build to a steady level in your system, so please don't be looking for instant results, because it won't happen.

As far as the sweet tooth, I had that problem with Lyrica. I've never been one to have any kind of sweet tooth, but that Lyrica gave me one and I gained several pounds in the month or so that I was on it. I'm not on it anymore because I can't handle the weight gain- it's just not for me.

I have to admit that I was scared to try the Neurontin at first, but I also realized that it would be such a shame that something that could possibly bring me some relief was right there, but wasn't given a fighting chance because I was affraid to take it. Your doctor will start you with a low dose, and then titrate you up, so please do give it a try. If it's not a fit for you, then there are other things to try, but you won't know unless you give it a chance, ok?

Take care guys, and I do hope you will get some relief with it. For me, it's been a life-saver for sure. This is just me though....

ms_west · 09-23-2007, 09:19 AM

Personally, if you have pain it is definitely worth trying it. In my case, I had a severe reaction to it and was unable to take it. If you have any joint achiness or swelling, do not ignore it and call you doctor.

pooby · 09-23-2007, 11:13 AM

For sure don't let the fear of side effects deter you from trying this drug. I have been on Neurontin, Lyrica and Topamax at different times for a over 2 yrs. Presently I take Neurontin and Topamax. These drugs give nerve pain relief like nothing else. Lyrica gave me the worse appetite stimulation. It made me ravenous from morning till night. When combined with Topamax the ravenous appetite went away. The problem of weight gain is an individual response to both Lyrica and Neurontin and overeating is not necessary for this to occur. I gained weight on Neurontin without any change in my eating habits but then after about 9 months on the drug the weight gain of 20 lbs just suddenly dropped off me.

I elected to go back to my original drug for pain relief Neurontin coupled with Topamax because when taken at bedtime at a higher dosage it gives me enough pain relief to allow me to sleep for a few hours. Sometimes sleepiness is a good thing. I only take a dosage of 300 mg Neurontin in the morning while at night I take 1200 mg Neurontin and 100 mg of Topamax.

Side effects will be much more pronounced during the first week or so. I did have some dizziness and sleepiness when I first started on these types of drugs but now on the lower daytime dosage I don't experience these symptoms.

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