Neurontin for Bipolar (Gabapentin)

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Neurontin for Bipolar (Gabapentin)

by Sarah from Bipolar-Lives
(FL, US)

US BRAND NAME: Neurontin

GENERIC NAME: Gabapentin

TYPE: Anticonvulsant

USE: Main use is to prevent epileptic seizures. It increases the amount of GABA in the brain (that is, the chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid), and works on the theory that epileptic seizures occur when there are low levels of GABA in the brain. Initially it was used off-label to treat bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions as it seemed to act as an antidepressant and an antianxiety medication at the same time. However, it is now acknowledged there is no evidence that it is effective as a mood stabilizer or anything else, and may make mental health deteriorate.

COMMENTS: Some people respond well as first but the effects do not seem to last.

EVIDENCE: There are no clinical studies showing it to perform better than a placebo (for treating bipolar disorder), and in one study it performed worse!

SIDE EFFECTS: Include but not limited to: Dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema (swelling of extremities) in adults. In children side efffects include mild-to-moderate mood swings, hostility, concentration problems, and hyperactivity.

CAUTIONS: Gabapentin should not be discontinued abruptly after long term use. Abrupt or over rapid withdrawal may provoke a withdrawal syndrome similar to alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal.

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Neurontin for Bipolar (Gabapentin)

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Aug 08, 2011
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Nuerontin Works for My Bipolar!
by: Anonymous

I have been taking neurontin/gabapentin for about 2 years now and for me it works great. I have tried countless other meds that either had unbearable side effects or just did not work. Of course, the most important thing was finding the right doctor who determined the correct diagnosis. (bi-polar not depression etc.)

I think what needs to be recongnized in this area is that what works for one person is not always going to work for another. The fact that I have a very good relationship with my doctor and I am completely open with my doctor makes a tremendous difference in the level of care I receive. I have had other doctors where I felt like I was just a number and that kind of care does not work with me.

I also feel that the more in-tune I am with my mind/body, it helps me recognize when I am cycling and my dosage can be adjusted if necessary.

Jun 18, 2011
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Seeking Solutions
by: Patty

I have been on neurotin for a year now, It has helped some with mood swings but I also have fibromyalgia with peripheral neuropathy. Neurotin has helped decrease the intensity of my symptoms. So I'm looking more at stabilizing my life than just my moods. I've been through a lot, I've nearly trashed my career experimenting with lyrica and cympalta and suffered with the side effect of crazy. I did take lamictal for awhile it helped. I don't give up trying to find help through the use of medications and healthy lifestyles. Don't you give up either!

May 13, 2011
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Why do Pdocs prescribe Neurontin and other inefffective meds for bipolar disorder?
by: Sarah from Bipolar Lives

Why do Pdocs prescribe Gabepentin and other inefffective meds for bipolar disorder?

I don't know the answer!

There is NO research to support this drug for treating bipolar disorder. In fact, what studies there are indicate it does not work. This is why it is NOT included in any of the treatment guidelines psychiatrists are supposed to follow.

If your doctor gives us a diagnosis of bipolar disorder PLEASE ASK IF:
1. THE MEDS THEY PRECSRIBE ARE PROVEN MOOD STABILIZERS
2. ARE THEY FDA APPROVED FOR TREATING BIPOLAR DISORDER?
3. ARE THEY A FRONT LINE TREATMENT IN A RECOGNIZED TREATMENT GUIDELINE?

May 12, 2011
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Gabapentin is not the one for me
by: Anonymous

I have been on this for about 8 months.. It helped at first but when at a higher dosage made me feel way to hyper and over energized. Im new to the bipolare definition but I guess that mean it made me feel more manic? I recently lowered dosage as i think it was making me feel worse, and was supplementing it with lamictal. i broke out with a splotchy red looking rash, it wasnt really raised accept one small area on my chest that could have been hives i guess. its so hard to tell, but i had to stop taking it because of the potential that i was allergic to it. i was starting to feel better too. So now im still on just gabapentin and it does absolutely nothing to help my depression which is the worst part of this for me.

May 04, 2011
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Neurontin withdrawal
by: Bev

I've been on Neurontin for a long time now and even though it helps somewhat with the mood swings and anxiety, it also makes me very forgetful. I also seem to have lost my enthusiasm for things I once enjoyed doing...and I now feel sort of "jaded" instead. I'm upset to learn that the withdrawal from Neurontin is the same as benzo withdrawal. My doctor told me it was a non-addictive, safe drug.

Aug 03, 2010
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Non-event (except for weight gain)
by: Sarah from Bipolar-Lives

Did absoutely nothing but help me stack on weight - just as the research indicates. However, the pdoc I was seeing back then insisted that many of his patients found it effective as a mood stabilizer, anti-anxiety agent, and as an antidepressant. If someone out there is a long time Neurontin user with positive things to say it would be great to hear from you.

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Neurontin for Bipolar (Gabapentin)

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Neurontin for Bipolar (Gabapentin)