I have fibromyalgia. I am taking neurontin for it. I recently notice a significant memory loss. Any answers?

Question

I can't remember things any more. I'll be watching a tv program and then think, wow, I think I seen this one before. And then I think yes, I seen it. But how does it end? And then there are times when I can't remember peoples names. My husband thinks I lost the car keys, but I think, no, he had the car last, and then I try to remember when I used the car etc. Plus there are things like spelling skills. I can't remember how to spell something, and even when I do spell it right, it just doesn't look right. I feel like I'm loosing my mind.

Answer 1

I have fibromyalgia, too, but I haven't tried Neurontin yet. Has it helped at all, other than the icky mental effects? How long have you been on it? Has your doctor told you how long it's supposed to be before you know whether or not it's going to work for you?

I have similar cogntive deficits (in addition to the ones normally caused by fibromyalgia) from taking Topomax for migraines. I and others often call it "Dopomax" as a result. It works too well to stop taking it, but I've found that taking Omega III fatty acids makes a major positive difference in how well my brain works.

All fibromyalgia symptoms, including "fibro fog," are worsened by stress, so the best way to reduce that (and therefore help your overall cognitive functioning) is to control the sources of stress that you can control in your life. Set firm boundaries in your life about not being around negative people. Make your home, and especially your bedroom or another room that's your retreat a special haven - a place that's purely comfortable, tidy, free of anything you're allergic or sensitive to, full of your favorite things, soft and sweet. Be very careful about getting enough sleep each night, drinking enough clean (filtered, although you don't need to bother with bottled) water, eating well, taking care of other health problems, etc. Declutter your life to the point that if you don't love if AND need it, it isn't there.

Those things have made a HUGE difference for me - and for my daughter, who also has fibro. I was diagnosed in 1993. She's 16 now and was diagnosed in 1999.

Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask further questions, and please let me know how you're doing.

Answer 2

I was on the same med for a muscle/nerve disorder and hated it. My doc finally agreed the problems the med gave me wasn't worth the tiny amount of help it did, so he took me off and the brain went back to normal in short order. As with any medication, I would weigh the help you feel the Neurontin gives you to the side effects you experience and then bring it up to your doctor. Don't stop it without letting them know as it can harm you to just stop it all at once depending on how long you have been on it. Good luck.

Answer 3

Well, neurontin is a very powerful pain medication (it also has psychiatric uses as well). Any medication has side effects. The only thing that I can tell you is to talk to your doctor. Only .3% more people experienced amnesia from neurontin than a placebo. If you are concerned just ask your doctor as they know you better than anyone.

Either way, I hope that you do find relief from your pain as that disease is very hard from the research I have done. God bless you.

Answer 4

The most common side effects of NEURONTIN in clinical studies were: dizziness, sleepiness, vision problems, swelling of hands or feet, clumsiness, diarrhea, and weakness. In children taking NEURONTIN for partial seizures, the most common side effects were: viral infection, fever, nausea, vomiting, restlessness and behavior problems. Side effects were usually mild to moderate.

Avoid alcohol during treatment with Neurontin. Alcohol may increase the risk of having side effects while taking Neurontin.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Neurontin and seek medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Neurontin and talk to your doctor if you experience
· dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness;
· blurred or double vision;
· irregular back-and- forth movements of the eyes;
· nausea and vomiting; or
· tremor.

Answer 5

It's the neurontin. I know people who take that stuff in order to get almost LSD like side effects. It does have psychoactive effects. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication or lowering your dose.

Answer 6

Memory loss is a part of Fibro...Those of us who have it do well by making lists. I have learned to do things in a certain way so at least i can keep some sort of order...I'm not taking that med, so check with your doc, but know this the memory thing just comes with this disease...