neurontin - side effects - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

mel333 · 06-28-2003, 08:32 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

catgirl · 06-28-2003, 10:05 AM

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, 10:16 AM

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

lifeonhold2003 · 06-28-2003, 10:34 AM

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

Kortney · 06-28-2003, 02:16 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!