Posted by Robaire on August 26, 2000, at 11:24:08
In reply to Neurontin for GAD, posted by Terry on June 26, 1998, at 22:44:42
I have been through the grinder of medications and diagnosis for various degrees of depression over the past 11 years, with at least a dozen different psychiatrists who have led me to try imprimamine, klonapin, effexor, paxil, lithium, zoloft, pamolar, prozac, serzone, ativan, sonata, ambien, xanax, etc. Some have been effective (prozac, paxil) for brief periods of time but then wore off. Others, ineffective or with intolerable side effects. In addition to dealing with all of the side effects and withdrawl nightmares, insomnia has been my most debilitating problem... I had to take at least 10mg of ambien to get 5 hours of sleep for the past 5 years.
Last year, a psychiatrist (who seemed quite thorough in his evaluation of me--our first session was 8 hours long!!!) said he didn't think I suffered from depression, but I did have generalized anxiety disorder... and he believed valium was the most safe and effective treatment. He said the common dosage for adults with GAD was 20-40mg/per day. I was at about 30 mg and it was quite effective in diminishing some of my anxiety symptoms, but most importantly, I was able to get off of ambien and could get in 6 hours of sleep without it.
OK, one year later, I'm addicted to valium and I moved to a new city... and the valium is no longer nearly as effective--insomnia returns. A psychiatrist down in my new city recommended neurontin, both to strengthen the valium and eventually to replace it. But he left it up to me to determine the dosage, although he did say I might go up to 3600 mg. neurontin/day!!
Right now I'm at about 2000 mg of neurontin/day along with the same amount of valium and some nights I actually sleep for 8 hours for the first time in years. My first days, especially when I increase the dosage are always disorienting--I feel very spacey, dizzy, fatigued--but the next day I am fine. I just have to reiterate that I'm only able to increase the neurontin dosage because the longer I am on it (2 months now) the fewer and less noticeable side effects.
This is a very stressful time in my life (relocation, unemployment, etc) so I really don't want to attempt to ween myself off of valium and deal with withdrawl effects. Incidentally, I called the psychiatrist who first diagnosed me with GAD--he told me that his patients who are on valium for GAD usually take 400/mg of neurontin per day. So now I'm totally confused. Is the psychiatrist who sees me going up to 3600mg of neurontin a complete quack. Basically, he is treating me like a guinea pig, and just tells me to let my body dictate how much valium or neurontin I take. He gives the generic explanation that effects and dosage vary per individual. A little more guidance and structure would help.
If anyone out there has any information on where I can find articles, research, or has personal experience with GAD and neurontin--especially at the mega-dose that's been recommended, I'd be most appreciative.
Thanks for listening.
poster:Robaire
thread:60
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000822/msgs/43774.html