Lyrica, Topamax, Neurontin

[paindoc]

This is in response to equivalent doses of several of the anti-convusants used for "nerve" pain asked earlier on this thread. In my mind this is a mute point. I often try to equate these drugs to antidepressants in that some work for certain patients, others work for a differnt group of patients, and sometimes, none of them work at all. I ALWAYS taper off the former medication and start at a low dose of what ever new anticonvusant I am trying. They are all associated with numerous side effects and just because you may not experience side effects with one drug does not mean you won't experience them with the new drug...thus the reason I always start over and don't just try to find an equivalent dose. The side effects you describe with neurontin are very common in patients usually subside over time. There is no hard and fast time frame for this, but they do usually go away. The max dose on neurontin for me is about 3600mg/day. Generally speaking, I rarely have to go that high. There are alot of these drugs on the market and it may take "tinkering" with dosage and different options to achieve maximal effect. Be patient and good luck.

[Eddie G]

I prefer Neurontin over Lyrica. I guess it's just a personal choice but it seems to help my leg pain better. Everyone's different. I am foggy from the Oxy & Valium. I didn't notice foggyness from Neurontin.

[Poncho]

I "remember" trying the neurontin, ramped up to 1,200mg per day and was in an Altzheimer's type state. No relief from the traveling pain from the back down the leg unfortunately. Then, ramped down.

Eventually, the pain generators were found and surgical intervention was needed (ADR).

For the type of nerve pain that I had - it didn't work. However, if we are comparing or doing some kind of benchmarking - it has been my experience that many patients who experience the burning type pain tend to be more successful in obtaining pain relief from the neurontin. Paindoc, does this mirror any of your experiences with this drug?

For me it didn't work out. It did for Maria. I must say though - it was worth a try at the time.

[Maria]

I just wanted to mention that after my percutaneous discectomy on L4 in '92 when I had severe bilateral burning pain in my buttocks, anterior thighs, calves, legs and into soles of feet~ I used Elavil from 10-50mg/day from 1993-1997 and then stopped taking anything for a year until in 1998 I felt the need for something for residual burning pain in some bodily locations (below waist). I was very relieved with this medication and then starting MS Contin (later Methadone) in 2001 as well as ESIs, seemed to all but knock out all remnants of the burning pain. Just on occasion now when overdoing I still get it in anterior thighs lightly and maybe a smidge in my buttocks still...

[nopain]

Neurontin did nothing for me except give me massive brain fog. I stopped and moved on to something else. Can't remember what else

[CurlsGirl]

Following ADR in 2003 which resolved my spinal pain, I was left with severe right sided neuropathy from hip to foot, primarily affecting the foot. My pain management doctor trialled me on several anticonvulsants before settling on Neurontin 900mg three times a day. Brain fog, lack of concentration were all part and parcel of the drug however the relief it gave me was worth it. I went from being wheelchair bound as the pain precluded me from walking to being mobile at least.

I remained on Neurontin in combination with Oxycontin, Mobic and Endep, until mid 2005 when I was switched over to Lyrica, the dose of Neurontin was reduced as the Lyrica was introduced. For me Lyrica has been marvellous. The side effects are minimal, (excluding the weight gain!) and it gives me a far better pain coverage. I have also been able to return to work for a few hours per week, something I haven't done since 2003.

I still search for a resolution of the pain but at least it is bearable with the aid of Lyrica!

Happy days
Dette