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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Neurontin Is Working 4 Me - I'm CH Free
        
(Message started by: Batch on Sep 11^th, 2006, 2:30am)

Title: Neurontin Is Working 4 Me - I'm CH Free
Post by Batch on Sep 11^th, 2006, 2:30am

Hi to Moderators and All,

Is there any information in the cluster headache (CH) database or from anyone using Neurontin (gabapentin)? I’ve just completed three days treatment with gabapentin and am CH free with the first full nights of sleep in over a month.

I started taking Neurontin (gabapentin) about four hours following an acupuncture treatment at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Neurology Clinic in Bethesda, MD around noon on Thursday. The CH attacks were mid cycle, building at KIP 7 to 8, and coming every three to four hours around the clock. The acupuncture clearly prevented at least one attack and possibly a second. I took the Neurontin (gabapentin) as an adjunct to the acupuncture as the next treatment is on Monday.

My CH History:

Male, Age 62, 10 years left side episodic CH sufferer with spring cycles lasting 6 to 9 weeks.
Best Abortive: 100% O2 (early and late cycle) and a combination of Imitrex nasal spray and 100% O2 during strongest mid-cycle attacks.
Best Prophylactic: 2 to 5 mg prednisone/day

Comments on Neurontin (gabapentin) and how it’s worked for me:

Gabapentin is a prescription medication, and clearly a CNS depressant. I found myself walking around with a very pleasant, two martini buzz not long after taking the first capsule. Other than the buzz, I've not noticed any of the obvious or remarkable side effects listed in the Parke-Davis/Pfizer Neurontin (gabapentin) Product Information sheet. Clinical studies indicate its use for adults with postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles), and epilepsy. There’s no mention of Cluster Headaches. The clinical pharmacology and mechanism of action listed in the product information indicates “the mechanism by which gabapentin exerts its analgesic action is unknown.” More information can be found at the following URL. http://www.neurontin.com/

My initial prescription called for 300 mg gabapentin every 8 hours. I was advised not to stop taking it “cold turkey” and that discontinuing the dose should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week. I discussed the “buzz” with my doctors at NIH shortly after taking the first 300 mg capsule and they suggested holding the dose to two 300 mg capsules for the first 24 hours. All went well until 10 hours after the second dose when I felt the CH beast starting to burn through. I took the third gabapentin capsule and it aborted the CH in less than 5 minutes. I’ve been back on the initial prescribed dose of 300 mg every 8 hours for a total of 900 mg/day since then and life is wonderful! The “buzz” has subsided to a warm glow spiced with moments of elation that I’ve finally gained control of the CH beast. I’ll provide updates if there’s anything new to report.

In keeping with the tenets of the CH web site, I want to make it clear that the information I’ve provided is neither an endorsement nor a recommendation for the products or treatments I’m taking. I do feel this information may be of interest so have taken the time and opportunity to share it with other CH sufferers and those who care for them.

V/R, Batch

Title: Re: Neurontin Is Working 4 Me - I'm CH Free
Post by Katherinecm on Sep 11^th, 2006, 1:26pm

I'm happy it's working for you.

Watch your pschological state closely though- last I heard there was a class-action lawsuit going on regarding the manufacturer covering up how it dramatically increases the likelihood of suicide.

Title: Re: Neurontin Is Working 4 Me - I'm CH Free
Post by chopmyheadoff on Sep 12^th, 2006, 7:36am

im happy your having some pain free times - please pop back from time to time to keep us informed and maybe help some others out too !!!

;;D
chop

Title: Re: Neurontin Is Working 4 Me - I'm CH Free
Post by Charlotte on Sep 12^th, 2006, 1:44pm

Dear Batch, I don't expect to see you again - just posted your success story. And I am happy for you, very happy.

Those of us who use (or have used gabapentin) do not have pronounced success. A frequent small dose helps me, but my standards for relief are low. Most people I've asked can't even tell if it does anything at all.

Charlotte