what is neurontin????? - Pain Management Message Board

kathy23 · 01-28-2003, 11:30 AM

i just an rx for neurontin-300mg to take at bedtime for 3 nights and then take 3 times a day after that. the physiolgist(sp?) said it is not a narcotic but actually an anti-seizure drug. she said it could make you very sleepy-that is why she wants me to take it at night for the first 3 days to see how it effects me.

i thought i read somewhere that this medication will make you gain weight. i know i want the pain to be bearable but i surely don't want to gain 10ibs from it.
i also told her i nervous about how it effects the heart since my dad died at age 44 of a massive heart attack. i am 40 and smoke. i also had a little probelm prior to surgery when given versed. they had to call in a cardiolgist. she said the rx won't effect the heart.

any info anyone could pass along regarding this medication i would greatly appreicate. i also have to have an epidural next week w/o sedation, so any info on that would be great too!!

thanks. as always., for the help!!
kathy

Nervepainsux · 01-28-2003, 03:28 PM

The epidural steroid injections are not bad... trust me

I have had approximately 7 of these done in the past 5 months and none were unbearable.

I have also taken neurontin for my nerve pain. I have had none of the reactions you are worried about. From what i've read, heart problems should not be irritated by neurontin.

Hope this helps a little

kathy23 · 01-28-2003, 04:14 PM

thanks for answering. i guess if i can handle needles and wires in my breast w/o sedation this epidural can't be much worse.

i still don't know about this new rx though. i'll be honest, i'm a little nervous taking it. i just spoke to the pharmacist and she assures me it's ok. i'll take it a little later and see what happens. hopefully. the pain will disappear.....somewhat!

fracback · 01-28-2003, 09:21 PM

Kathy,
I've benn taking 800mg Neurontin 3 times a day for the last 4 months without any side effects whatsoever. In the beginning, they made me really sleepy(that was good!) My neuro started me out at 100mg 3 times a day and told me I could increase the dosage as necessary. The 2400mg works good for me, although I've heard of people taking 4000mg or more. It really helps with the leg pain but really doesn't do much for the back. I,m very happy with the results.

Hope this helps a little,

frac

------------------
04-11-02 Injury Date
Initial Findings:MRI herniated disc at T10-11
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Dessicated Disc At L5
Weakness and Numbness in both legs
3 Months of PT - Didn't Help
3 Epidural Steroid Inj. in Thoracic and Lumbar
Saw neurologist - Had EMG/NCV - Normal. Hyper-reflexic in Upper and Lower Extremities - Neuro says I must have impingement of spinal cord in neck - orders MRI - WC won't pay
Had CT Scan of Lumbar in Oct. Showed bilateral Spondylolysis and Grade I Spondylolisthesis
Spine Surgeon wants to do fusion - Elected to go to PM doctor first
01-22-03 Had Facet Block L4-S1 - No relief yet

maildawn · 01-29-2003, 02:56 AM

Hi Kathy. I have been on Neurontin (400 mg / 3x day) for about three years and I can tell you this... I take a couple of strong (narcotic) pain medications as well and I could live without the narcotics easier than I could live without the Neurontin. It is extremely effective against the burning/stinging nerve pain. It is very, very expensive - $400+/month for mine and I have to pay cash because we have no insurance - but it is well worth the relief it gives me. For me the worst side effects are the sleepiness/loopiness and short term memory loss. Good luck.