With this particular place, we continue our show that is biweekly on drugs used to take care of bipolar disorder and relevant symptoms. This week, we focus the spotlight on Neurontin (gabapentin) – an anti-seizure/anticonvulsant drug that’s combined results in preventing mania and controlling stress. Following are a few essential details about Neurontin:

• Neurontin is unrelated to other anti-seizure drugs when it comes to chemistry and the way that it works. It’s process of activity is poorly understood.
• Neurontin is not proven to work in treating depression or acute mania. To put it differently, if you’re now experiencing depression or mania, Neurontin WOn’t succeed in stopping the extreme mood episode.
• While some older studies indicated that Neurontin might possess a part in managing bipolar disorder, well designed and more recent studies haven’t supported these findings. Currently, it appears clear that Neurontin doesn’t reduce the indications of mania or depression or
• disposition cycling, even though prescribers and some consumers have reported success in these types of places, which is prescribed routinely.
• Neurontin may succeed in helping control stress, but no important studies have yet established this. But because it is not the same as the SSRI’s and ’s not addictive, it will most likely attempt in people who have bipolar disorder particularly in treating stress.
• Neurontin features an extremely benign side effect profile. (Weight gain is an uncommon complication.) Additionally, Neurontin is usually well tolerated and has few of another negative unwanted effects commonly related to anti-seizure drugs.
• No reports reveal Neurontin interacting negatively so it’s usually safe to prescribe as an add on drug.

Among the main uses of Neurontin will be to treat pain – particularly neuropathic pain (pain associated with the nerves). It’s also used, in treating migraines, off label.

Although Neurontin’s side effects are generally light and few, side effects usually reported include the following:

• Sleepiness (which can in fact be an excellent thing when you yourself have trouble sleeping)
• Edema – swelling of the extremities
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Loss in desire
• Blurred or double vision
• Muscle pains (although Neurontin is prone to cut back pain than cause it)
• Unsteadiness or tremors
• Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary change of the eyeballs)
• Behavioral and disposition changes for example irritability and hyperactivity
• As with most of the anti-seizure drugs, there happen to be some reports of new onset of suicidal ideation with Neurontin

One important disadvantage of Neurontin is that you simply must take up it compared to two times a day for other anti-seizure drugs.

There are blood levels or no blood tests when taking Neurontin to track. Fairly high – cans run up to 1200 milligrams per day – but higher doses means higher threat of negative effects.

Neurontin is not used by me substantially at all – I do it is prescribed by n’t for handling bipolar disorder or mood episodes. I ‘ve some patients who’ve been to get a very long time on it, plus they believe strongly that it is helpful to restrain their stress. It’s usually very well taken, though, therefore I do believe it gets used a lot although I also believe that for psychiatric goals its possible advantages are low, at the same time, since it’s considered as low danger of injury.

Warning: Never quit taking any drugs cold turkey, particularly an anti-seizure drugs. Removing an anti-seizure drugs too fast can in fact cause seizures. Always consult with your physician before you reduce or cease your medicine.

If you’ve taken Neurontin for bipolar disorder or are a physician that has prescribed it, please share your experiences, insights, and observations.