[Joyce]

have been prescribed combination of Effexor & Neurontin (to battle depression) for many years. A couple weeks ago my physician did not call pharmacy to ok refill and we have been playing phone tag ever since. I didn't think it was a big deal and
completely ran out of the rx's and have been "off" both the neurontin & effexor for the last couple weeks. Thought it might be a good thing, but...

Question for someone--how "should" I be feeling? At first I think there may have been some sort of a withdrawal effect, and then in time, I've started to wonder if just maybe I was feeling better than I had in 15 years by being off the rx's. Last few days tho have experienced what I can only describe as an out of body feeling, even a "posessed" feeling if you will.
Have been the calmest,collected person one minute, and then in a complete rage the next. Must say tho--I honestly don't feel all that "depressed" but something is definately going on. I fear I may be close to losing my mind and destoying all that is good in my life, OR finding the real me again and not need the drugs. ?.
Completely irrational and ugly hostility for hours, then also somewhat blase' and peaceful other times.

Is this all part of having been off the meds for a couple weeks? I've never liked that my Dr. felt I needed to depend on constant medication---but it has been so many years, I just never questioned any of it.
Can I afford to wait this out or are there even worse chemical side effects yet to come? If it gets any worse I just won't be able to tolerate it, and I may have already ruined some important relationships.
I'm just not sure "who" I really am. Is this all becasue of the neurontin & effexor?

[Jasonc]

There is a problem with discontinueing both of those medications. You are not suppose to quit cold turkey. You can sue you doctor you know for bad judement and turn him or her into the medical board. This is wrong! I was done this way simply because my doctor wanted to be an asshole and is now in trouble after I tried to committ suicide after he did that. He was telling people I was the problem when he knew clearly not to discontiue lexapro and pain meds at the same time. Any anti- depression pill other than wellbutrin XL can not be stopped immediatly you have to be weaned off. neurontin can't be discontinued immediatly either. Get with you lawyer.

[psych74]

Please contact a psychiatrist re: meds. Without knowing diagnosis, dosages, history, etc. specific advice is impossible; but discontinuation symdrome from these meds usually does not last this long.

[JodyC]

How long have you been on Neurontin? My wife ws prescribed Neurontin for Bipolar Disorder and she went into psychotic mania!

[rseazow]

i was on nurontin for sever pain it did not work now they are saying it can cause or help those thinking about suicide do it.

RENEE SEABROOKS

[sandinmyears]

There is a major lawsuit against Parke-Davis for marketing Neurontin to be used for migraines, bipolar disorder, diabetic neuropathy, and panic disorders, (as well as other purposes). Neurontin's purpose is to control seizures and prescribing it for anything beyond that is questionable.

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/neuronti...ontin_suit.htm

[Scruffy_]

Been using Neuronton (1600mg per day) for anxiety and subsequent suicidal ideation for the past 9 months with good results.