United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Just curious, but what is your neuro considering "max" dose of neurontin?
I am just curious, as I was on a high dose, but could have gone a little higher (now take less to be able to actually focus better for school, though in slightly more pain... not a great trade off, but we'll see?
Marieke

800 mg 3x day

Hmm. that's a lot, but the highest dose is actually 3600 mg a day, though at that dose you may have trouble concentrating. I had trouble at 2400 mg a day, so went down the 1600 mg. I have Lyrica too, I take 75 mg at night if my pain is bad. It works quite well.
Good luck and let us know what happens.
Marieke

You mean the neurontin could be part of the reason I can't concentrate on things? Does it affect your memory too? I swear I'll go to the fridge to get something and by the time I get there and open it I can't remember what I was looking for.

Yes, for some it can affect memory and concentration. It's not a listed side effect, but YES it CAN be the reason. I take it for the neuro pain I have from Transverse Myelitis, and have no choice really, but am considering changing to Lyrica now that our provincial health insurance covers it. It is said to have less side effects.
Good Luck, and keep the questions coming!
Marieke

Hi Kissygoose
One of the reasons it may not be working as well as you need at higher doses is because Neurontin is one of those weird drugs where the bioavailability decreases the more you take. It's in the Patient Information sheet, "As dose is increased, bioavailability decreases. Bioavailability of gabapentin(neurontin)is approximately 60%, 47%, 34%, 33%, and 27% following 900, 1200, 2400, 3600, and 4800 mg/day given in 3 divided doses, respectively."
You can try to squeeze out a little more absorption by taking it with food, but you buy a whopping 14% increase, on average, in the bioavailability. Sometimes every little bit helps.
I'm not taking it myself but it's one of the drugs I get asked about more often than others. Almost everybody also reports those memory problems!
Hope that helps
Jen NZ

I have this problem with a few drugs. Works great for a few months then nothing. I just assumed it was my weird body!

I am currently taking Lyrica. I started out on the 75 mg dose. There was relief but I had hoped for more. So we went up to 150 mg. More relief but still felt I could get more. I know take 300 mg daily. I am fairly satisfied with the relief I get from the 300 mg. I still have pain. However, not nearly the same as without the drug.

I had memory issues when I first started on the Lyrica. They were part of the warnings. It said they would/should go away in time. For the most part I don't notice any issues now. It took about a month before I was back to my normal forgetfulness! LOL During that month I played memory games to try and keep myself sharp. I think it helped. Or perhaps I was just looking for an excuse to play games!

Another thing I have noticed with the Lyrica. It does not seem to stay in your system very long. If I miss a dose I notice it! That was actually how I figured out the Lyrica was actually helping. I missed a full day of meds. By the next day I thought I was going to die. Very painful!

I'm getting so frustrated. When they put me on the Neuronton in worked for a few months real well then started not owrking so well so the doubled it. Again it worked great for a few months unless I overdid it and now all the sudden it's just not working. I'm in major pain everyday particularly in my left elbow and now shoulder. I almost can't pick up my daughter it's so bad. I don't want to have to increase my meds anymore. I mean how much further can I go up before they start telling me I can't drive on this stuff or something. And wha'ts to say it won't stop working after another few months. It was so nice those few months that it worked why can't I find something that is going to continue to work like that?

Does anyone else have this problem?

I recommend seeing a pain management Clinic specialist.
Carolyn J
LBPI/75+++++

After years of pain meds, I ask my doctors to discontinue them. I use naproxen, meditation, ice, icy-hot, and accupunture.

Tony/ASC
ROBPI/Adult
"Just One More Step"