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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 22:45:26
any experiences with neurontin for anxiety
Posted by brklyn233342 on March 13, 2013, at 23:28:27
In reply to neurontin for anxiety, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 22:45:26
Two weird things,first i only respond to the tables,which are in the dose of 600mg to 800 mg only,anything less is caps which for some reason i hate.
Second i actualy like the genric form GABPENTIN batter,getting passed that most people find it useless for anxiety alone,as montherapy,HOWEVER i personaly find if you combine a high dose wiith a benzo,mainly klonopin,it works great for anxiety,sleep,and anger,and mood stablization.
One good thing about it is its fairly safe,appearently theres no ld dose,ld is when a drug comes out they need to find a lethal dose on poor animals so they know what dose range is well lethal,with neurontin they could not reach at ld dose even when using very high amounts.
Posted by Catling on March 14, 2013, at 4:16:46
In reply to neurontin for anxiety, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 22:45:26
I was on generic gabapentin manufactured by Teva for around three years to treat anxiety (general anxiety, job anxiety and anxiety around crowds which is crucial when you live in big cities). I never experienced any side effects. I don't recall the specific dose I was taking but it was a "middle of the road" dose. Teva stopped manufacturing gabapentin and I tried every other generic the pharmacy could order in, as well as name brand which took them about two weeks to get because they said no one takes name brand anymore, and none of them were effective on my anxiety at the same dose that I had been taking previously. (Much like I cannot take any of the forms of generic Wellbutrin, apparently I only responded to this one formulation of gabapentin.)
I did some research on my own and found out that Pfizer had developed another drug, Lyrica, which is more potent than gabapentin but essentially the same kind of medication (similar to the relationship between Lexapro and Celexa). Lyrica, in addition to being approved in the EU for treatment of general anxiety disorder, has a much higher bioavailability of the medication than gabapentin and is also more quickly absorbed.
I have had the same benefit from the Lyrica that I had with the Teva gabapentin. I've been on it off and on (due to insurance issues) for about four years now with no weight gain or other side effects, taking 100mg 3x daily.
Posted by joe d on March 14, 2013, at 8:28:36
In reply to Re: neurontin for anxiety » joe d, posted by Catling on March 14, 2013, at 4:16:46
the only problem is lyrica is brand and will not be covered by insurance...
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2013, at 9:53:36
In reply to Re: neurontin for anxiety, posted by joe d on March 14, 2013, at 8:28:36
I heard here when first out that lyrica can also cause a lot of problems. Some were on doses up to 600mg. I heard fluid and swelling. No idea if true isn't it approved for fibromyalgia with cymbalta? Phillipa
Posted by Catling on March 14, 2013, at 10:48:43
In reply to Re: neurontin for anxiety, posted by joe d on March 14, 2013, at 8:28:36
I don't know what your financial situation is, but I am on the prescription assistance program with Pfizer and I get my Lyrica free even though it's an off label usage (here).
Not saying it's a good fit for everyone, just that it's really helped me. ;) But here is their website in case you are interested in checking out their programs:
http://www.phahelps.com/pages/Find/find1.aspx
Best of luck,
Catp.s. I have no insurance and without their program I wouldn't have access to this medication at all, so it has been a real lifesaver for me, no pun intended.
Posted by joe d on March 14, 2013, at 11:52:24
In reply to Re: neurontin for anxiety » joe d, posted by Catling on March 14, 2013, at 10:48:43
thanks cat...i do have insurance...byr its tier 3..expensive and dr. has to approve for fibro...dr can just script nerontin cause its generic for $6
Posted by b2chica on March 14, 2013, at 12:04:07
In reply to Re: neurontin for anxiety, posted by joe d on March 14, 2013, at 11:52:24
i use it (gabapentin- $9). have off and on for about 2 years. started with 100mg tablets and that was like taking sugar pills for me. am now at 300mg, but i take anywhere from twice a day to 6+ i try not to take more than 6 or 8 because by then i know i need to take something else to combat. that, that amount just makes me loopy AND anxious.
my rx is for 6xday and i average 4-5 (900-1500mg).
it works great for my low/med anxiety.
but i'm in a rough spot now and it is really not working, not even really touching it.long story short, give it a try but you might really have to play a little with the amount.
i have a friend who can barely tolerate 100mg BID, my amount freaks her out.i think the most i have taken is about 27-3000mg. never helped, felt like i drank tequila shots all night, really out of it. and had TERRIBLE headache next day.
so do becareful with your upper limit.also titrate up slowly.
dont jump from 100mg daily to 1500...you may be throwing up.Best wishes.
b2c
Posted by brynb on March 14, 2013, at 18:51:44
In reply to neurontin for anxiety, posted by joe d on March 13, 2013, at 22:45:26
> any experiences with neurontin for anxiety
Tolerance builds up quickly w/ Neurontin. Meaning, you could do well initially at 900 mg, but you'll find you'll need to constantly increase the dose in order for it to work. That said (and as other posters mentioned), people take high doses of this med w/ no problems.
For me, this drug was disastrous; it make me completely manic, and I've heard a few others who had similar reactions.
Good luck,
b
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