Neurontin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Neurontin has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 21 reviews on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 13% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Neurontin
- hisgirl
- March 27, 2012
For Peripheral Neuropathy "I've had neuropathy for around 8 months. My first dose of Neurontin (300mg) made me feel very 'loopy' for several hours. So loopy that I only took 150mg 1x a day for the next two weeks. I had a couple of good days on it and sometimes the medicine took the edge off my pain. But it didn't take the pain away fully and made me extremely moody and act out of character. I have two genetic diseases that make me sensitive to medication so that might be why Neurontin was not effective for me."
- Winni...
- November 24, 2008
For Pain "I have chronic pain in my thigh from degenerative disc disease in L4-L5. I have tried a couple dozen medications and this and Robaxin are the only things that help. I agree with the previous posts about the dopey feeling and would further suggest that you do not have to drive anywhere, even the next morning. I still felt like I was drunk about 10 hours after taking this medication."
Frequently asked questions
- Should gabapentin be taken with food?
- Lyrica vs Gabapentin: What's the difference?
- Gabapentin for dogs: Uses, side effects and dosage
- Is gabapentin considered a painkiller?
- Anonymous
- November 24, 2009
For Pain "I took Neurontin (Gabapentin) for three months as a treatment for chronic pain following a herniated lumbar disc a year and a half ago. Anti-inflammatories and other medicines such as Oxycodone, Tramadol, etc. had minimal effect. After increasing my dosage over the course of three weeks, Neurontin completely eliminated the pain. However, I gained weight rapidly (nearly 20 pounds in 2 months), retained a tremendous amount of water, to the point where my jewelry wouldn't fit and my shoes were very tight, and the constipation was awful and even laxatives didn't help. Also, I was fatigued all the time. Unfortunately, the side effects were just too much for me. I still haven't found a good replacement medicine for the pain. All the side effects!"
- Ritzie
- November 21, 2011
For Pain "I've been taking Neurontin now for 2 weeks, and it does help with the pain, but the side effects in my case are a hazy feeling, difficulty concentrating, feeling sleepy, and I've noticed I'm eating more. My doctor prescribed it together with Percocet for herniated discs, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, osteopenia, and a slew of other things. It does help, but I work as a secretary for a law firm, which means I have to greet everyone that walks in the front door. I cannot afford not to be alert, and this medication makes me feel like I don't want to or don't care to do anything. So what do I do? I need to take the medicines in order to be able to go to work, but when I get there, I don't want to do anything! Quite a dilemma!"
Are you taking this medicine?
- jenkay
- August 18, 2008
For Migraine "I started taking Neurontin 4 days ago for my migraine headaches, and I can already tell it is starting to help me in so many ways. I was having up to 3 headaches a day, and felt I was slowly falling down a hole I didn't have the strength to pull myself out of. I feel like I'm getting my life back. Thank you."
- antie...
- July 21, 2009
For Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 6 years ago after a toxin exposure. I recently had some flare-ups so bad that the pins/needles were back in both arms and legs. Finally, they gave me Neurontin yesterday. Other than really knocking me out, it relieved 80-90% of my pain. I did not take it this morning and am hoping by the weekend to be on the 2x a day as the doctor prescribed. I had the first full night's sleep in over 3 years. The first time I could walk without pain in the morning. Did anyone else get really tired when first taking this?"
More FAQ
- Does gabapentin help treat nerve pain?
- How long does gabapentin withdrawal last?
- Does gabapentin cause weight gain?
- Is gabapentin safe for cats?
- gdk
- October 3, 2009
For Trigeminal Neuralgia "Had post herpetic trigeminal neuralgia (one of the worst cases in history according to my doctors). Began treatment with medications available in 1995, which almost destroyed my endocrine system. I tried Neurontin when it came out and today find I can control what used to be chronic burning pain down the side of my face from my scalp to my upper teeth across my right eye with 600 mg of Neurontin taken before bed."
- Anonymous
- June 20, 2011
For Anxiety "I have had an anxiety disorder with some symptoms of OCD for most of my life. This medicine works wonders. I feel so much calmer with it. I feel a little slow after taking it, but when you have high anxiety, your 'slow' may be the average person's 'normal'. It is certainly worth a shot. I am a 250lb man, and I only take 300mg with great results. Never tried a higher dosage yet."
- freyb...
- April 6, 2010
For Anxiety "I have pretty severe PTSD with some generalized free-floating anxiety. When the Klonopin just wasn't cutting it anymore, and I'd tried so many other drugs (Atarax, Remeron, Buspar...) with no relief, I finally convinced my doctor to let me give Gabapentin a try. I also have chronic pain symptoms, so I thought that there was a chance it would help with that (it only helped a little), but literally, with my first dose, I felt like a ton of weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was happy and not anxious. Unfortunately, it petered out on me over a few months. I taper off and after a few months get back on. Still works!"
- Anonymous
- April 11, 2011
For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Neurontin 800 mg 4 times a day for several years. I can say it helped me in more ways than one. Been underweight for most of my life, and over the years Neurontin has helped me get an appetite back. Now I am the right weight for my height. Also, after 4 years addicted to Suboxone and Klonopin, I never would have been able to get clean without Neurontin. Overall I feel that Neurontin has saved my life. I haven't attempted suicide since I started on it. But for SEVERE bi-polar like I have, counseling really does help."
- Anonymous
- February 18, 2009
For Fibromyalgia "It has made a huge difference. I've tried everything including Lyrica, Elavil (which made me gain weight). Those were helpful but I get the best results with 600 mg Neurontin 3 x daily and flexeril 10mg 3 x daily or as needed."
- jesse...
- September 16, 2009
For Pain "After the timing of using this medication is adjusted correctly (activation time for myself takes 2 hours for peak performance), it has helped allow me to sleep and to take away the pain caused by nerve damage. Though it was not meant for it, it has also helped with chronic back pain and pain in my hands. A fairly effective drug. Please understand that my use of this drug is not related to seizures, and so I cannot comment on its effectiveness in that particular field."
- jeechee
- March 30, 2011
For Anxiety "I have had general anxiety most of my life, and occasional panic attacks. About a month ago, some personal issues tossed me into a week-long panic attack. I fell into a deep depression that made me have horrible physical pain. I started Neurontin 4 days ago and hours later, I was able to get up and move around. The panic attack stopped and I could feel it lifting. I'm still 'down' but I have things to be genuinely sad about. Today I am starting trazodone to help with sleep. I don't get drowsy on Neurontin. But for me, it worked immediately for the massive anxiety with no side effects except a foggy feeling which I no longer have with doses. The myalgia and pain from the depression is also nearly gone. I'm thrilled."
- Steam...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- September 18, 2019
For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I had an accident and broke my leg in half and had to be life-flighted to Pittsburgh hospital. I live in West Virginia. They wanted to amputate my leg, but I said no and ended up with 15 surgeries and 20 pins. I am disabled due to it, but I have my leg. The pain was the worst I have ever felt. I was on OxyContin 40 mg 3x a day with 30 mg oxycodone 8x daily instant release tabs, with Neurontin as well. But as I was weaning down on pain meds, I was left with Neurontin. I have severe nerve damage to my whole leg. I'm on two 400 mg tabs 3x daily, so 2400 mg total daily. I will be on it for the rest of my life. It has made my life so much better. I can walk without pain, but sleep is rough with night terrors for me. But short of that, I would recommend it for nerve damage. It helps me function mentally as well. It's great!"
- Anonymous
- March 5, 2010
For Peripheral Neuropathy "After being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy 6 years ago, I have tried many different types of drugs and other therapies to ease the burning, tingling chronic pain that I have. Neurontin seems to work the best for me. I take Neurontin in order to manage my pain. However, if I have an especially painful episode, an extra dose goes to work quickly - within 30 minutes or so. The one drawback for me is that it causes me to gain weight. 5 lbs the first month, and within 6 months approximately 10 lbs total gain. I know that is a side effect for me because I have been on and off Neurontin 3 times in the past 6 years and have had this same side effect. I am currently taking Neurontin and will continue to do so because of its effectiveness."
- Ajay
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 7, 2020
For Postherpetic Neuralgia "Due to a loss of oxygen to my brain (hypoxia) and two minor strokes, I have no feeling in my feet. My hands have some feeling, but only about 40%. Hands hurt really bad. Using Neurontin for four years. Pain is almost gone. I can flex my fingers. I take a high dose as I also have chronic neck and back pain: 800 mg three times a day. I have had no side effects whatsoever. Very safe and effective."
- Anonymous
- February 29, 2012
For Peripheral Neuropathy "At first I slept for about a week and every time I would increase the dosage, same effect. I've been taking it for over four years and the side effects are less severe than some other medicines. It does not rid the pain but makes it manageable."
- diamo...
- November 1, 2011
For Pain "I was on all kinds of pain medicines, naproxen, and Flexeril, and still had pain until I went to a new doctor, and he gave me this medicine. I don't understand why other doctors don't prescribe this medicine. It has helped my pain so much."
- Anonymous
- December 26, 2008
For Vulvodynia "Neurontin plus physical therapy for my previously unrecognized pelvic bone rotation has basically cured my vulvodynia, which also involved horrendous skin irritation (raw, bleeding skin) in the area between my clitoris and vagina. What a miraculous combination! I strongly urge women to find out if they have nerve issues created by pelvic tilt/rotation, etc., by going to a women's health/pelvic pain physical therapist. The therapy is sometimes painful, but the results are great, and people who specialize in this are very, very kind and sympathetic! Neurontin is the icing on the cake for the cure. Calms nerves and allows them to return to normal."
- kcisme
- January 11, 2010
For Fibromyalgia "Neurontin helps my fibromyalgia pain by loosening muscle fascia and giving me more energy. It also relieves my mild scoliosis/ ankylosing spondylitis pain. I usually take 800 mg in the morning then 1600 around 4 pm. Aside from an occasional very slight slurring of speech, I couldn't be happier. The only downside is you have to take a day off at least one day a week or it loses its effectiveness. My doctor advised me to do so because you get tolerance. This is not the same as an addiction."
- BadLeg
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 27, 2012
For Migraine "Neurontin was prescribed for migraines. After taking 1 x 100 mg capsule, my migraine was gone within 8 hours. The downside was my lymphedema leg developed a cellulitis problem. The cellulitis was due to an allergic reaction to Neurontin."
- Anonymous
- March 29, 2011
For Bipolar Disorder "I am currently on 3200 mg a day (was on 2400 a day, but after 5 years, started to develop a tolerance). I have been put on it for my bipolar, then taken off of it, then put back on it for an injury to my neck. After several nightmare drug trials, including Geodon, Tegretol, Lithium, Seroquel, and Zyprexa, and more... I will never again stray from this medication. The ones in the list that did help caused horrific side effects, mostly being a feeling like restless leg syndrome (except with Seroquel, it was all over my body), and with Lithium, I have never wanted to commit suicide as strongly as I did on the two times I attempted that medication. Neurontin makes me calmer, sometimes giggly I admit, and sometimes zoned out, but this is rare."
- gavinty
- March 9, 2011
For Restless Legs Syndrome "Of different medicines I have tried for the Restless Legs Syndrome, this has been the most effective. I was started with 3 pills per day but have been able to reduce the dosage to 1 pill per day. Have been using this drug for over 5 years now."
- cmsteve
- August 13, 2010
For Anxiety "My husband is on a 'light' dose of Neurontin (Gabapentin) and the medicine really works to relieve his anxiety. He has Parkinson's Disease and mild cognitive disorder, as well as Parkinson's depression. Neurontin works well on his tremor and his anxiety, but higher doses make him 'foggy.' His dosage is 800mg spread over 12-16 hours, with the option to increase the dose to 1000mg per day, depending on his anxiety level. He has been on Neurontin for many years and it continues to work well for him."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
More about Neurontin (gabapentin)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (4)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Support group
- Drug class: gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Neurontin drug information
- Neurontin (Gabapentin Capsules)
- Neurontin (Gabapentin Oral Solution)
- Neurontin (Gabapentin Tablets 600 mg and 800 mg)
For Postherpetic Neuralgia "My doctor started me on this after I had crazy nerve pain due to shingles. It works amazing for me! When I don't take it or it's time for my dose, it feels like I've been shot in the area where my shingles were worst. So I have nothing but great things to say about this medicine for me."