Neurontin

[save_me]

I've been trying to find a study to see if Neurontin is effective in treating this problem. Haven't seen one. Anyone helped by this drug? Hurt by it?

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[Richie]

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[MB]

Neurontin is a hit or miss depending on individuals. It is worth a try. It makes you like a zombie and you easily gain weight on it. Lyrica, which is marketed as Neurontin's replacement, has a bit less side effects.

[londoner]

Richie's right - there ARE a lot of postings on Neurontin. Though, I can't add anything particularly new, I'll just outline my experience.

I started taking Neurontin about 2 yrs ago. Reading the contraindications on the packet I was forewarned that it could provoke the user into uncharacteristic or irrational behaviour. Undeterred, I decided to try the drug and an hour or so later I found myself in my boss's office having a massive - and uncharacteristic - row! Half way through my rant I managed to get a chink of clarity and explained to him that I was on some new painkiller. That was not so positive - so watch out for it.

However, later that day I was standing outside a pub with friends enjoying a drink and, for the first time in 2 years, I felt 'normal'. No pain, no sensation of discomfort or something being 'wrong' down there. I'd almost forgotten what that was like. It was amazing - and, of course, it didn't last. But I've used Neurontin, on and off, ever since. I can remember times where I had a really nasty flare-up and an hour after taking the Neurontin, I can feel the pain just melting away.

The uncharacteristic behaviour disappeared (I like to think) - though some people do have an intolerance to the drug or get other side-effects. On balance I'd definitely give it a try - it won't cure you but it may ease your symptoms.

[GP2]

Londoner,

Can I ask how you are getting on with your PT (the lady with the AHIP on her desk if I remember rightly)?

P.S. Off down your way in a few weeks. Always like a few beers in London!

Thanks,

Greg in Brum

[Howden]

I have been using Neurontin on a daily basis for about 3 years. I was titrated up, without effect, untill I reached 900 mgs. 3 times a day. At that dosage Neurontin just took the edge off my pain, but that was enough to keep me using it. The only side effects I have experienced are those you are warned about: somnolence (though, if I keep busy that isn't a problem, and weight gain). My doctor has just prescribed Lyrica as a substitute. Incidentally, he is a neurologist and head of a pain clinic. He commented that he has had some good results with Lyrica and two 'astounding' results in men with CPPS. I will not start taking Lyrica for about 3 weeks, but I will keep you posted.

[Howden]

I have just finished titrating down the Neurontin dosage to the point where, in the next couple of days, I will be using Lyrica at 150 mgs. twice a day without the benefit of Neurontin. I believe that is the maximum dosage for Lyrica. The net result so far is a decrease in the sleepiness, but no increase in the relief of pain. I fact, I have had a flareup starting about a week ago. Better today.

[carld]

I do know that my Urologist is conducting a study with Lyrica in Los Angeles as part of the Prostatitis collaborative research network I think that's what it's called. Next time I speak with him I can ask how the study is going.

[londoner]

Does anyone know if the Neurontin weight-gain effect happens even at lower doses? And does Lyrica have the same effect?

Thanks!

[DavidinLA]

I do know that my Urologist is conducting a study with Lyrica in Los Angeles as part of the Prostatitis collaborative research network I think that's what it's called. Next time I speak with him I can ask how the study is going.

I'm about four weeks into this study at UCLA. I still can't say for sure if I am on the real drug or the placebo. However, my symptoms seem to be more quiet lately. I'll know more later.

[Howden]

Some general observations about Lyrica. I have now titrated the Neurontin down and I am off it. I am using Lyrica at 150 mgs twice daily. My pain is definitely less than it was and I think it is attributable to Lyrica. I say "I think" because my urologist recently found an increase in the number of white cells, and some clumping of them in my EPF, so he put me on Mobicox in the belief that there has been an increase in prostate inflammation. Neither NSAIDS nor Cox-2 specific inhibitors have previously had any effect on my pain so, as I say, I am inclined to think the Lyrica is having some effect. I think I am past the placebo effect, and I still have a long way to go, but I am quite hopeful.

[ZR]

I started taking Neurontin about 2 1/2 years ago and started taking 900 mg per day for about 6 months but for the last 2 years I have been taking 1,100mgs per day. I have not noticed the symptom of weight gain that many have been saying their experience with the drug has been. Also I to have had two different doctors tell me about replacing the Neurontin with Lyrica and both have given me a couple of boxs of sample packs of Lyrica to try but I have yet to try it because I know the insurance that I am on will not pay for the Lyrica because it does not have a generic form and only medications that have a generic form is covered by my insurance.
I have also started to question lately that I have been on the Neurontin for too long now since it has been 2 1/2 yrs now has anyone else had the same questions that have been on Neurontin for several years now?

THANKS

[Howden]

ZR. I've asked myself some questions about the duration of my Neurontin therapy, but I have not had any increased side effects in the years I have been taking it. At least for me, high doses of Neurontin for a long time have been acceptably benign. But everybody responds differently to different drugs. Your doctor is the person to answer your concerns. I have experienced weight gain and I don't like that. I'm hoping the Lyrica will not have the same effect. Yes, Lyrica is expensive; very expensive. I'm lucky enough to have insurance to cover the cost and if I didn't I would be reluctant to start on it too.

[DavidinLA]

Yes, Lyrica is expensive; very expensive. I'm lucky enough to have insurance to cover the cost and if I didn't I would be reluctant to start on it too.

I just checked a couple of pharmacy web sites and Lyrica (pregabalin) goes for around $300.00 for a one-month supply. Unbelievable!

According to what I have been told by those conducting the study, when I finish the six-week trial at UCLA they will give me the option of extending the study for another six weeks in an unblind trial (they will be giving me the real drug). Knowing how expensive this drug is, I think I'll except that offer so that I can (at no cost) get a real good idea if this drug helps.

[kenn101]

I am on 1600mg twice daily so 3200mg a day. I have weight gain and have not been able to reduce my weight in the 1 1/2 year since I have been on the Neurontin therapy. I reduced the dosage in October and found that the pain was much worse on 1600mg per day. I also noticed anger problems since I have been using Neurontin but I also have not been able to work for over 2 years so that could be part or all the reason. I would like to know how many others have mood swings or angry problems since starting a Neurontin therapy. I would not be able to change to Lyrica because of the cost.