NEURONTIN AS MOOD STABILIZER??

Diseases & Conditions Bipolar Disorder
1
Was talking w my therapist yesterday.   I'm changing anti-depressants---off Effexor----she suggests either Lexapro...or Celexa.   Feedback there is appreciated.  BUT.....my BIG question.....she wants me on a "mood stabilizer".....(I'm taking Seroquil 100mg for sleep)......but she is suggesting...as her FIRST choice.......Lithium (i prefer not to take it).....& as her 2nd choice...& one I prefer....Neurontin.   
 
Please...someone......anyone have ANY success as Neurontin as a "mood stabilzer"?   Thanks---Robert
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You might find the following links useful :

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.gabapentin.html
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/sfx/a/sfx_neurontin.htm
http://www.priory.com/focus8.htm

Some patient comments for what they are worth :-)

http://www.remedyfind.com/rm-2823-Neurontin.asp

For science buff's :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurontin
The data sheet :
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/n/Neurontincap.htm

Post Edited (SMSIRL) : 1/18/2006 8:45:10 PM (GMT-7)

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Well I take it as a nerve pill, but I do feel it is helping as a mood stabilizer as well, I treyed the celxa, but after four years of different antis, xoloft the longest, wlebutrin, this that and the other I went back to prozac, I am taking nuotin as a nerve pill for neupathy, prozac for depression and anxiety and valiu, for anxiety, it sems to be finally helping, so thats my experience, good luck hope you get more feedback...

-Love-Sheryl-"God plz grant me the courage to change what I can & cannot change & the wisdom to know the difference Rx Neurotin=300mg PMlowbackpain,sleep,nerves. Prozac=40mgsDepression,Valium=5mgsPRNanxiety,Norco 325 and Tyelenol,lowback pain, Atarax25mg=IC,sleep,pain. Hypermobile,Fibrolikely, Protopic=Ezcema, Vicks=ChronicBronchitis PT=back,PFD.Have endoscar tissue,fatigue.. Haveboy11,ADHD,Bipolar.Girl6Bipolar,OCD,HFA,Anxiety, ADHD,Tourettes. HisRx500mgDepekeneAM,PM, Celexa10mgAM.HerRx 5mgBusparAM,PM.250mgDepekeneAM,PM.25mgImpermineAM50PM.Acidophilis bowels,yeast infections. HW best support I've seen. To help HW help others: http://www.healingwell.com/donate/    http://www.webmd.com/content/article/60/67113.htm : Informative site on disorders that frequently occur with ADHD/ADD....

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Hi wotan - In my experience I have seen Neurontin used as a mood stabilizer.  I cant say if it works or not in this way or not.  A lot of these medications physicians are finding that they have cross benefits.  However, SMSIRL has given you some web sites to check out.  The best thing I can tell you is listen to your physician and be proactive in your care as you are.  Good luck. ~elisha
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Hi all--Well after close to a week on Neurontin (AND...2 weeks OFF Effexor)---I'm sleeping MUCH better (75mg of Seroquel at nite)......& feeling "smoother" during the day. :-) .altho a bit sleepy in afternoon---i'll take that ANY day of feeling "WIRED" confused ...That Effexor did a "job" on me!!!     Anyway --I'm taking 2 100mg capsules of Neurontin a day----only LITTLE problem...a bit of "acid" (& I DO take Protonix...proton pump inhibitor)----Any others..get back......Robert 
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Wotan, I take 600mg of Neurontin at bedtime and 300mg in the morning but I take it for Multiple Sclerosis pain not as a Mood Stablizer.  I have not had any problems with upset stomach.  Of course I take a bunch of other meds that make me sick too so I take zantac 300mg for this.
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Hi Woton,

Ask your doctor about Lyrica.  I was on Neurontin the past year for nerve pain due to Lyme disease.  My doctor just switched me to Lyrica, which is Neurontin's successor.  It's supposed to be less toxic on the liver.

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Glad you're feeling so much better Robert. I have an appt. on the 24th and am very nervous. I've been off all meds since the pregnancy and miscarriage. It's been unseasonable warm here all winter (not today, its sleeting and snowing) so something in my head thinks its spring and I'm nearly bouncing off the walls. Looks like its time to get this back under control before I lose my focus and all productivity with it. This thread has been very interesting for me. It's given me alot of med info to go into the dr with. Thanks all.
Ellie

Good judgement comes from experience and alot of that comes from bad judgement.
 
Unknown
 
 
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I have been on neurontin for many years...I take 800 in the am and 1600 at bedtime. It's for the stabilization of my moods since I am bi-polar. I think this drug works really well for me. Of course I also have mood swings like most people do anyway but they are much much better since being put on this drug. Hope that helps.
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Hi newmanandjimy,

Moving your post to a new thread.
The thread is old. We ask that members refrain from posting on threads more than 4 months old and they kindly start a new thread for your question. We always encourage new members to take some time to introduce themselves in a new thread. This can be easily done. Simply click on the "New Topic" button and the program will open a box for you to post your intro. This will help members see your first post and extend a welcome to you. You may also get more responses when you start a new thread of your own. I started a new post for you :-)

UA
Moderator - Bipolar

Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder.
Chronic Pain - Cervical Kyphosis, Cervical Spondylosis, Thoracic Scoliosis.