Gabapentin Studies for Off-Label Uses Cooked? (with audio discussion)

**Justin** · 12-07-2009, 10:24 AM

Primary outcome measures were apparently a moving target in many company-sponsored studies of gabapentin (Neurontin) for off-label uses such as neuropathic pain and bipolar disorder, researchers have suggested...

Gabapentin Studies for Off-Label Uses Cooked? (with audio discussion) (click here for the full article at MedPage Today)

**Cindylou** · 12-07-2009, 12:12 PM

Very interesting Justin. That's enough to make me want to get off this drug. Everything (ok, alot) was skewed for sales. Disgusting.

**ajj1001** · 12-07-2009, 04:15 PM

However I and others I have spoken to have found this effective to some degree for nerve pain. In the search for pain relief possible options are worth trying.

**Justin** · 12-07-2009, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by ajj1001

However I and others I have spoken to have found this effective to some degree for nerve pain. In the search for pain relief possible options are worth trying.

I agree, Alison. For those interested, follow the link in my post above and click on the audio file (next to article text)--it is an interesting listen.

**Kokanee** · 12-18-2009, 08:36 PM

I was just placed on this medication by GP after my base hospital couldn't get Lyrica which my Neurologist prescribed. I'll definitely have to keep an eye on things, thanks to the OP for the link.

**Ben** · 12-19-2009, 11:44 AM

I used gabapentin/neurontin after my adr surgery and it saved me. My legs were on fire with nerve pain every night for two months and 300mg of gabapentin really helped me. I have seen no adverse side effects of any kind.

I still use 100mg of gabapentin from time to time if I have nerve pain after overdoing exercise or fun.

**Cindylou** · 12-20-2009, 11:08 AM

That's good to hear Ben. I was on Lyrica after my 3 level lumbar surgery and it saved me as well.

I am starting to taper off the Gabapentin/Neurontin as I don't believe I am dealing much with nerve pain at this time, so consequently it's just not necessary. I am feeling quite light-headed this morning tho, so tomorrow I will call pain management folks for more instruction on how to get off with the least side effects.

**Kokanee** · 12-22-2009, 10:11 AM

After about a week on 200mg/day Gabapentin I'm starting to notice some positive effects, namely a slight reduction in pain to the point that the x6 T3's a day I am also taking are enough to manage my pain.

I am experiencing moderate nausea, but chewing on ginger seems to keep it in check. Hopefully that will go away as I get used to the medication.

Checkup this Wednesday w/ my MO, I believe he is going to increase dosage so perhaps the holidays will be enjoyable!

**Kokanee** · 01-09-2010, 04:20 PM

Update to my previous post

Seems that the reduction in pain I experienced was due to my decreased activity level during my first week of holiday leave when I basically became a couchborne hermit. Once I started going to holiday parties, visits and excursions things went south pretty quick.

On an increased dosage, but I don't think this will work.

**Moni** · 02-06-2010, 03:43 PM

However I and others I have spoken to have found this effective to some degree for nerve pain.

Gabapentin is a double edged sword for me....My current pain management program right now is 2 x codeine 100mg and gaba 3 x 300 mgs plus 2 T3's per day....as you can well imagine I have a bit of a spacey outlook.( and still hurt!)
I recently tried cutting out all but the gaba and to my surprise found that IT WAS the med that takes away most of the nerve pain BUT it is ALSO the med that causes the most brain fog....
oh to be able to find a relatively saf epain managing med without all the debilitating side effects....

MORE research......

mg