Posted by Ritch on November 16, 2002, at 17:10:46
In reply to Re: Neurontin -- titrate to 400mg down to .25mg Kl » Ritch, posted by Simcha on November 16, 2002, at 11:52:47
> Mitch,
>
> > Simcha, does your pdoc have an intention on having you dose Neurontin during the daytime as well for possible bipolar, or do you think that he is just staying focused on replacing the Neurontin for Klonopin to treat bruxism?--Mitch
>
> Actually my pdoc is not leaning toward a bipolar dx. Right now he believes that the diagnosis is unipolar depression (Major Depressive Disorder).
>
> He gave me the book "Moodswing" to read so that I might evaluate my life to see if I identified with any of the cases in the book. I can say that I don't identify with the manic side of the condition at all. I do remember waking up wanting to be dead even as a child. This was an everyday experience before medication. I do remember having at least 4 distinct major depressive episodes.
>
> The pdoc is attempting to use Neurontin to treat the bruxism in replacement of the Klonopin. So far it seems to be working. I'm still on a small dose (.25mg) of the Klonopin at night so we can't be 100% sure if this is going to be a long-term soloution or not.
>
> He did say that Neurontin might help my mood throughout the day. He said that it can increase the effectiveness of the anti-depressants that I'm taking. I'm finding this to be true. He also said that we could even work toward using Neurontin during the day too if I felt that it might be beneficial.
>
> Also he was concerned about my weight. I've lost 7 pounds since I've started the Neurontin and reduced the Klonopin. I've also gotten a bit more exercise on the job. Also I've been eating small meals throughout the day. Therefore it could be a combination of med change and lifestyle change. Also I believe that some of the 7 pounds could be water. I find myself thirstier on Neurontin. I do drink more water but I urinate and sweat a little more too.
>
> All in all I think this trial is going well. I'm satisfied with where this is going for now...
>
> Mitch,
>
> Do you see any problems with the theory in your experience and knowledge of Neurontin?
>
> Thanks,
> Simcha
>
>No, it seems fairly consistent with my experience with Neurontin. It does seem to make my throat kind of parched and dry as well from what I remember, especially in the winter. I had a good synergy between Neurontin and Celexa, also Neurontin and Adderall worked fairly well during one depressive episode. I just get this weirdo side effect from taking Neurontin (thumping in my ears-eustachian tube, and a spasm in my chest wall, kind of like costochondritis). It really pisses me off because I really *liked* the stuff (and I didn't have to take much either 300mg 2x daily was PLENTY). The best I have ever felt was when I was taking a combo of Depakote+Neurontin+Celexa+Klonopin. I'm hoping that if and when Pregabalin comes out (a refined version of Neurontin), maybe I won't get those sfx from it. Neurontin works good for sleep, social anxiety/panic, it quieted my head out quite well. It seems to be a decent "augmentor" for a variety of anxiety/sleep/depression issues. There is one thing I found with it though, it seems that the benefits were dose-limited and increasing the dose past a certain point didn't seem to bring any further benefits. For me 900-1200mg/day was that threshold. I am med-sensitive so that might explain it.---Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:126922
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021116/msgs/127953.html