Neurontin In Generic form it is Gabapentin Review

Overall 3.67 of 5 view all 9 reviews

krislynn
Southern Belle, GA

Neurontin has made me life less painful!!!

a chronic pain sufferer, living with complex regional pain, living with nerve damage, on disability, very happy with this product

Pros

helps relieve pain, covered by insurance, sleep better

Cons

dizziness, drowsiness

NOV

2008

Neurontin
(Generic Name ~ Gabapentin)

Two years ago, I was injured in the hospital with an IV needle to my left foot. Since then I have been battling severe pain in my foot. I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (also called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) and nerve damage almost a year and half ago. I've been taking Neurontin for the past year to help relieve the pain. I‘m on two different dosages ~ I take 100mg in the mornings and 300mg at night.

About The Neurontin (Gabapentin)~
You should not use Neurontin if you are allergic to Gabapentin or have kidney, liver, or heart disease. This medication was developed to help control certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. It treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.

Since 2002, Neurontin has been used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (burning, stabbing pain or aches) and nerve related pain. This medication has also had success in treating certain instances of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It relieves the pain by changing the way the body senses pain.

The most common side effects of Neurontin are dizziness and drowsiness. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, lack of coordination, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, weight gain, and insomnia. This is not the complete list of side effects just the most common ones. You should always consult with your doctor if you experience any new or worsening side effects.

My Viewpoint
I was a little leery in taking an anticonvulsant medication. My doctor assured me Neurontin was safe to be taking for my situation. He first put me on a low dose of 100mg twice a day. I took this dosage over the next couple of months. The only side effects I have experienced while taking this medication is the dizziness and drowsiness. After taking an hour nap, these side effects will go away. My doctor prescribed a higher dose of Neurontin (300mg) because the lower dose wasn't lasting long enough. However, the higher dose totally knocks me out. Therefore, I take the 100mg dose during the day and I take the higher dose at nighttime.

My life before Neurontin was very painful. This medication doesn't totally get rid of my pain. It makes it more manageable. Before taking the Neurontin, I had insomnia so bad I couldn‘t sleep at all. The pain always kept me up at night. Since I've been on this medicine, I sleep better and I do not wakeup during the night. I also use pain cream, do yoga, and meditate to get through the pain.

As a patient who has been taking Neurontin, I would recommend it for nerve pain or neuropathic pain. I give it 4 stars!

The information in this review is NOT intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Thank you for reading. If you would like to read more of my reviews, please click here!
Krista Lynn

Last edited on Nov 23, 2008

Neurontin In Generic form it is Gabapentin is recommended by krislynn

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Comments about krislynn’s Review

I'm sorry to hear about your husbands pain. Since I wrote the Neurontin review, I'm on a new regimen. I take the Neurontin 800mg at night and 300mg during the day. I also put a Lidoderm patch (Lidocaine) right on my foot every 24 hrs. The medicine from the patch goes just deep enough to soothe the damaged nerves and relieves the pain. It is not a narcotic. I still have a problem with insomnia which is common for people that have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. There are some nights I can sleep well and other times I have a sleepless night. I'm happy that my review was helpful. Thank you for reading and sending me a message.

My husband's on gabapentin for sciatic pain but still can't sleep through the night. We'll ask his doctor about a regimen similar to yours. Sometimes it's just about knowing what to ask. Your information has been helpful, and I thank you.

I think this is one of the pain meds. my oncologist had me own when I first started treatment for bone cancer. However, my weight was so low that I absorbed and retained the med for too long and felt like I was in a drunken stupor all the time. I probably used it for about 6 months before they decided to pull me off it. I'm glad this helps to alleviate your pain. ~Gigi

In response to Katrena's comment from Nov 22, 2008 at 7:48AM:

I learned a lot about Neurontin while writing this review. Thanks again for reading my review and commenting. ;-)

I've given this to a lot of patients who have had nerve pain after chemotherapy, radiation, or the shingles. It seems to work well for many of them.

In response to LoveisJoy's comment from Nov 21, 2008 at 6:54PM:

I have taken every strong pain medicine there is and they all make me so sick. At least with Neurontin, I'm not like a zombie. I'm going to a pain management clinic next month. Maybe they will have some suggestions that my doctor doesn't know. God Bless! ;-)