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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 5, 2003, at 21:18:28
I was an active alcoholic for twenty-two years. Four years ago I was diagnosed bipolar II and prescribed Neurontin.
Within ten days of starting Neurontin I felt better and lost all desire to drink. After six months, I attended about 60 AA meetings to learn about living the sober life. I have had little difficulty remaining sober since -- even though I have switched to Lamictal.
My doctor says Neurontin often stops drinking and also marijuana use.
I wonder why this isn't more publicized. Comments and experiences welcome.
Posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:47:24
In reply to Neurontin and Alcohol, posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 5, 2003, at 21:18:28
> I was an active alcoholic for twenty-two years. Four years ago I was diagnosed bipolar II and prescribed Neurontin.
>
> Within ten days of starting Neurontin I felt better and lost all desire to drink. After six months, I attended about 60 AA meetings to learn about living the sober life. I have had little difficulty remaining sober since -- even though I have switched to Lamictal.
>
> My doctor says Neurontin often stops drinking and also marijuana use.
>
> I wonder why this isn't more publicized. Comments and experiences welcome.
hi,
what dosage of neurontin were you on?
thanks,
lori
Posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 6, 2003, at 8:42:57
In reply to Re: Neurontin and Alcohol, posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:47:24
> hi,
> what dosage of neurontin were you on?
> thanks,
> lori
1800 mg maintenence dose. You have to work up slowly to avoid a possible skin rash side effect (rare). I felt the effect I described when I was in the 600 - 900 mg range.
Posted by SpreadDaALoha on October 6, 2003, at 17:28:09
In reply to Re: Neurontin and Alcohol, posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 6, 2003, at 8:42:57
I don't think there's much concern about Neurontin and a rash. I think that's Lamictal. Also, my doctor told me that Neurontin does (in a way) have some type of effect on Gaba or something like alcohol. Also, I knew someone who relapsed into alcohol abuse after quitting Neurontin, but he didn't realize that possibility at the time. Neurontin has mild disinhibitory affects on me and relieves anxiety. I am thinking of going back on it at high doses. However, I hate its short half-life.
Posted by Harvester of Eyes on October 6, 2003, at 18:06:34
In reply to Re: Neurontin and Skin Rash? What?, posted by SpreadDaALoha on October 6, 2003, at 17:28:09
> I don't think there's much concern about Neurontin and a rash. I think that's Lamictal. Also, my doctor told me that Neurontin does (in a way) have some type of effect on Gaba or something like alcohol. Also, I knew someone who relapsed into alcohol abuse after quitting Neurontin, but he didn't realize that possibility at the time. Neurontin has mild disinhibitory affects on me and relieves anxiety. I am thinking of going back on it at high doses. However, I hate its short half-life.
I stand corrected. It is Lamictal that has a risk for rash. Neurontin has an unusually mild side effect profile.
It's notable that Neurontin has aspects of pain alleviation. Many drinkers use alcohol to mask chronic aches and pains.
My assessment of Neurontin is like many drugs, it can be your wonder drug or not be at all right for you. Most of the success stories seem to be anecdotal, not clinical, so it is hard to say what is going on, but I could kiss the ground that it helped me stop drinking.
This is the end of the thread.
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