İMarilyn Kerr 1998-2001
Submitted anonymously:
I was introduced to the idea of taking Neurontin by my Neurologist since the present medications that I was on for FMS were losing their effectiveness. I was an immediate responder to Neurontin's pain relief, cognitive improvement and stamina-increasing abilities. On Day 2 I was "reorganizing my bathroom"--when 2 days prior, I didn't hardly know which drawer to put things in!
The main relief that Neurontin has given me is: increased energy & stamina, return of many of my cognitive skills (speech "dyslexia" still common for me, but I can "type up a storm, now"), and reduced joint pain (it has not touched the burning muscle pain in my shoulders, neck and head, however). I still have bad days, and still have to pace myself....but I have a "chunk" of my life back!
The main side effects that I experienced were during the first 2 weeks of increasing the dosage. They were dizziness and staggering & some sleepiness. I later found out from others using Neurontin that increasing my Protein intake along with taking the medication decreased the side effects, and increased Neurontin's absorption (I believe that their information came mostly through Dr. Seastrunk's' literature and the few research documents available on Neurontin lab tests). I have had some edema (swelling), but have kept it minimal by drinking lots of water each day & am going to add Vitamin C to help counteract this, also.
My dosage increase rate was (as per my Neurologist):
week 1 300 mg
week 2 600 mg
week 3 900 mg
week 4 1200 mg
week 5 1500 mg
week 6 1800 mg
week 7 2100 mg
week 8+ 2400 mg
Some other hints that I have gleaned from others are to take any Magnesium supplements 1 hr. prior, or 2 hours. after the Neurontin medication--my understanding is that this keeps Magnesium from competing with Neurontin for absorption. I also heard that chomping a stalk of celery/day keeps edema (swelling) at bay
I'm still on my other medications--Anaprox 500 mg, Amitriptyline 5 mg, and Verapamil 80 mg, Synthroid 0.225 mg (thyroidectomy) and herbs/natural supplements of St. John's Wort 900 mg, Melatonin 2 mg, and Vitamin B2 400 mg (for headaches)
Not every day since has been "rosy," but I have adjusted to this new and lesser level of pain hope that it lasts. Neurontin may not be for everyone, but I am sure glad that I am able to give it a try!!
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