Neurontin (Gabapentin) Side effects? Stomach?

[Lori707]

I was just given a script for Neurontin (Gabapentin) from my neurologist. Need to know side effects. Also, how tolerated is this for a persons stomach or digestive track?

[FurballsMom]

I have peripheral neuropathy.  I had bad reactions to Neurontin when I took the higher doses of it.  So, the doctor prescribed it at 100 mg doses that can be taken up to four times a day for the peripheral neuropathy.  A friend of mine warned me that Neurontin can be dangerous.  And, if you're changing meds, you should not abruptly stop taking Neurontin.  It needs to be tapered down and through directions from the prescribing doctor.  I am very sensitive to meds, so I took my friend's advice seriously.

Recently, someone told me about a supplement called Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).  I bought some that came in 300 mg doses.  The maximum amount that can be taken in one day is 600 mg.  I noticed a difference in the amount and severity of the peripheral neuropathy I experience when I took this supplement twice a day.  I told my PCP that I was taking this supplement instead of the Neurontin and she is fine with it.  She works in a clinic that has graduates of the natural health university doing their internships in the rooms that are not exam rooms for the conventional doctors.  So, she has heard of this supplement and knew what it was for.  It hasn't gotten rid of all of the neuropathy, but it has taken care of the debilitating waves of the neuropathy.

[Barbara101]

So glad to hear others that can't remember anything after being on Gab.  Being 70, I was beginning to think I had Alzheimers!!!

I am completely active - work every day - real estate and sale of hair combs imported from South Africa.  But just today talking on the phone with a friend it seemed I could not remember every other word.

You have eased my fears

Thank you!!

Barbara101

[Barbara101]

Wow!  I was beginning to think it was just me.  Normally I take a small dose of omaprazole (Prilosec brand name) and everything fine.  I started Nuerontin (generic brand - I'm on medicare and can't afford the brand name of any drugs except my Advair which is absolutely necessary) about 3 months ago and have had to sleep sitting up all night - so with your history I cannot imagine you will find this medication does not further irritate your stomach problems.

Barbara 101

[Lori707]

Does Neurontin cause weight gain? Also, I'm SOOOO scared it's going to mess up my kidneys.

[ggreg]

May I suggest that if any of you folks are taking several medications at one time, irregardless of the sequence or length of time, that you check ALL of them for various side effects.  Lori, you mentioned you've always had constipation...I hope you have followed the usual rules for how to eat to make waste pass easier: water, exercise, and fiber.  Altho your conditions have snowballed so badly that a systemic disease is probably at work in you.  Finally, for all, not everyone does well with Neurontin or its cousins, and yet it is indeed prescribed and successfully for all sorts of discomfort, sensitivities, anything to do with nerve pain.  So, since not all meds work for all conditions, if it doesn't work for you or you are suspicious of it, then ask for something else.  For me, it is a miracle drug...I literally could not get out of bed for months, and then after just one pill of Lyrica, I woke up the next morning with NO PAIN.  So, naturally I'm gonna stick up for it, been on it for years.  But everyone is different.  I hope all of you find comfort and good treatment to help you thru your very disastrous medical problems.  I gotta bunch too and it drives me nuts sometimes.    

[kim196642]

I am on Gabapentine- I have headaches everyday! They dont help the pain. I fall asleep driving, I forget everything. I have givin it over 5 month's and I need to get off it.

I was told about Zomig. for headaches. So I am going back to the Doc. Again( I have an icecream pale full of medicine ) loads of money spent, nothing works, I am getting very scared for my health.  I am 42 and had head and neck pain for 7 year's now. Nobody seem's to be able to help me out.