Neurontin and paxil

I've been on paxil and elavil for 18 years. A year and a half ago I had a sharp pain in the right side of my head that turned into horrific head pain/facial spasms. I was put on 900 mgs 3 times daily of neurontin, it was the only thing that stopped the pain. Then I got a night bite, I wear to keep my teeth from grinding, I'm down to 100 mgs once a day. Now I'm taking it every other day and hope eventually to go completely off it. Angie

I've been on paxil and elavil for 18 years. A year and a half ago I had a sharp pain in the right side of my head that turned into horrific head pain/facial spasms. I was put on 900 3 times daily mgs neurontin, it was the only thing that stopped the pain. Then I got a night bite, I wear to keep my teeth from grinding, I'm down to 100 mgs once a day. Now I'm taking it every other day and hope eventually to go completely off it. Angie

I have been seeing a psychologist/counselor for anxiety and depression. I have a lot of anger that seems to burst out at times uncontrollably (verbally not physcially). The counsellor reccomended Paxil or Lexapro (for anxiety/depression/some Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms) and had me see a psychiatrist for the prescription. The psychiatrist did not prescribe any of the SSRIs and prescribed Neurontin instead to "even out my moods." I was not very comfortable with him and thought that he may have jumped to some conclusions without truly listening to me. I am on a total of 600 mg (200 mg 3x/day) though I am working up to that level over the next few days. (Right now I'm just taking 300 mg) I've been researching Neurontin on the web and this is the first site I've really found that talks about Neurontin being prescribed for things other than fibromyalgia and pain management. (I do get migraines and he thought the neurontin may help.) I have yet to experience noticable side effects though my back and knees are beginning to hurt. Does this sound like a possible side effect of neuntin? It appears that others have been prescribed Neurontin for the same symptoms (anxiety/anger management) that I've had. I'd appreciate any feedback or contact regarding it. I'm 29, married w/ two children and am homestly quite scared about starting any medication like this. My email is ****** Thanks.

I have been taking Gabapentine (neurontion 6000 down to 4200 mg. as of Jan. 2004),amitriptyline,baclofen,morphine in various forms,and paxil for a year. The worst side effect in my case is constipation and memory lapses.

Robert

I am totally suprised at the various things Neurontin is prescribe for. Neurontin is an anti-seziour medication. I am taking Neurontin, Lamictal for Bipolor as they say...which I truely do not believe in diagnoses at all. I just attended an all day conference put on by Dr. Glasser, intitaled, also his book, "Danger, Psychiatry can be dangerous to your mental health."
The pharmicutical companies are making lots of money off of us since we are ginipigs. I have expereinced on anti-psychotic, Prolixin, shouldn't be on in the first place, only 2nights..spent two hrs in ER. As for Paxil gained 100lbs on (Jan97-Aug.02), & when tapered of had withdrawal symptoms (week after I started withdrawal, I saw a story about it on 20/20) even though withdrawal symptoms left it took me a yr to recover, whats positive of getting off the med, I have lost the 100lbs, + 5 more. Depakote, also caused some weight gain and some hair loss (taken off this before yr before paxil) One thing dr. never tell you is the long term effects or if there is any withdrawals.
I think the best way is to learn the ends and outs of all your medications you are taking. You know your body better then they do. Even if prescribe medication, learn all u can about it before taking it. Expecially the medications that effects your brain. I also feel that some of this medications can cause harm to a brain. You do have choices and its your life. (There is much more to this story about me, for example, pinch nerve in neck for 13yrs). If u would like to know more about me or have any questions I will be more then happy to reply back. ******

I am taking Neurontin for Bipolar II. I have had great results thus far going into my 3rd month of being on it. I am however, taking 1200mg in the morning and night. I am experiencing brainfog, but I feel more stable than in my whole life (42). I should add that I am taking 37mg of Paxil as well. So, what are the side effects of Neurontin? Long term and short term! I had no idea this drug was being taken for other health issues than seizures.

RE: Neurontin and "anger problem".

The only FDA-approved use for Neurontin is for epileptic seizures, as the major effect is for involuntary muscle spasms. Describing something as an anger-problem is too vague to give a specific answer. Do you hurt people or yourself? Do you break things or do actions over which you have no control? Do you have insomnia that makes the anger-problem worse?

I have read of very bad side-effects from trying to get off of Paxil, and it's possible that the Neurontin is just an effort to try to deal with being on Paxil too long -- which sometimes happens, and the effectiveness of the drug goes down, something like heroin or cocaine.

Who told you the Neurontin was for an anger-problem, and do you have a choice of who you see or what you take? If it was me I would get off of both these drugs, and find out more about their physical effects on personal biology. Jan S. Kauffman, Neurontin userid, Master's degree in ounselling, alcohol and drug-abuse rehab professional.

I have been taking Neurontin (they said for my anger)for approx. 5 mos. I only take 300 mg even though I should take a lot more. I also take Paxil 40mg for anxiety, OCD and panic attacks. I have been on Paxil for almost 5 years. The reason I say I should take more Neurontin is because it definitely helps my well-being but I still get terrible anger outbursts. I am not inclined to ask for an increased dosage of Neurontin because there are some side effects that I do not like. The little stuff I can deal with but the two issues that are really bothering me are the feelings of lethargy I get and my short term memory loss/concentration. It seems like the higher dosage I take the worse the effects get. I do not believe that it's the Paxil because I have been on it for so long and the only side effects I seem to have are when I try to get off of it. I would also like to mention that I have tried LOTS of medications, I mean LOTS! None of them have worked successfully. Neurontin is the only one that seems to be helping me control my anger but I can stand feeling sluggish and out of it all day. Suggestions from anyone? Does anyone else take Neurontin for an anger problem? Or, does anyone know of any other meds work just as good w/o the side effects? Please let me know. Thanks!