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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Nickengland on May 6, 2005, at 11:19:24
Just wondering what peoples thoughts and experiences on Neurontin/gabapentin as monotherapy are for bipolar..
Is it effective basically long-term as theres seems to be alot of controversial information about it, especially that the company lied about its "off label" uses.
However it seems clear from this board that people with bipolar are still using it "off label"
So whats the story..does it work?
Posted by Ritch on May 6, 2005, at 12:31:04
In reply to Neurontin effective monotherapy for bipolar?, posted by Nickengland on May 6, 2005, at 11:19:24
> Just wondering what peoples thoughts and experiences on Neurontin/gabapentin as monotherapy are for bipolar..
>
> Is it effective basically long-term as theres seems to be alot of controversial information about it, especially that the company lied about its "off label" uses.
>
> However it seems clear from this board that people with bipolar are still using it "off label"
>
> So whats the story..does it work?
As far as my experiences go, I was on Neurontin + Clonazepam + Effexor (all low dose) for about a year and a half and I didn't have any major spinouts while on it. However, after lots of tinkering with gabapentin with other combos, it definitely seems to precipitate some hypomanic symptoms in me. Without the clonazepam being present I might have had a clear manic episode while on it. That said however,.. I've found that it can "switch" me out of a bad depressive funk (just taking it for 2-3 days i.e.), kind of like an emergency measure that I know will work. It definitely will improve my sleep despite everything. Gabapentin has been tested in acute mania and it flopped (but then Lamictal hasn't been shown to work for acute mania either from what I understand). Overall, I think it might be worthy as an *addon* for anxiety/sleep maybe depressive symptoms, but I think it doesn't have much of a track record to support using it as a monotherapy for bipolar. It's a strange med and people react differently to it, not to say that you may find some bipolars actually find they can do monotherapy with gabapentin (but I think that would be a small minority).
Posted by bark2323 on May 6, 2005, at 16:08:05
In reply to Re: Neurontin effective monotherapy for bipolar? » Nickengland, posted by Ritch on May 6, 2005, at 12:31:04
I agree almost completely with the previous poster. Although sometimes it was sedating, other times it pushed me into hypomania. I did get significant antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits from it though. On the other hand, I think it made me a bit dumb, but that is uncommon.
matt
Posted by Slinky on May 7, 2005, at 10:12:44
In reply to Re: Neurontin effective monotherapy for bipolar?, posted by bark2323 on May 6, 2005, at 16:08:05
Hi Nick..
I don't think monotherapy would be a good idea..but in high doses maybe for some.
It actually makes me hypersexed--not due to lessened anxiety but the physical symptoms that come with hypersex -- being erect/sensitive even though the mind isn't thinking sexual thoughts.
That seems a pleasant state but it's not.
If you've ever been a person who drank alot like me it also gives that feeling of wanting something more a fix like needing just another drink feeling..suppose agitation ( higher dose )
Hope this makes sense.Slinky
Posted by Nickengland on May 7, 2005, at 12:31:48
In reply to Re: Neurontin effective monotherapy for bipolar? » bark2323, posted by Slinky on May 7, 2005, at 10:12:44
Thanks for your input people : )
It maybe I have to try it, as its my last option.
The Trileptal has been the best so far for my moods. Unfortunately the kidney pain is abit too much. I stopped taking the Trileptal for 2 days - and no kidney pain.
Really dont want to go back to Tegretol, as ive experienced a new me on this Trileptal - but I can't have my kidneys f*cked up..
Nearly a year of trying different medications, I find the one that works for the reason im taking it, and it creates a whole new problem - and therefore I can't take!! What a sick joke.
Oh well, theres always cocaine, skunk and vodka that was a good combo for a few years.
I am really pitying myself at the moment..ignore that last comment...I'll get there in the end I know I will, just takes time..
Thanks again guys & girl for your thoughts
Take care
Nick
Posted by ed_uk on May 7, 2005, at 14:59:22
In reply to Re: Neurontin effective monotherapy for bipolar?, posted by Nickengland on May 7, 2005, at 12:31:48
Hi Nick,
Perhaps you should try 75mg Trileptal twice a day.
Ed.
This is the end of the thread.
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