QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I have been prescribed Neurontin for treatment of bipolar. My doctor gave me this instead of Lithium because I have had seizures. My question is about dosage. He started me 1200mg a day and would like to get me to 1800mg. Is this a lot? I've been taking it for three days and I'm not happy with the side effects, I feel very spacey.
Thank you for your help.
ANSWER:
Neurontin is an effective anti-epilepsy medication for many individuals with bipolar.
Most bipolar treatments are with "mood stabilizers" which are anti-epilepsy
medications. Depakote, Lamictil and Tegretol are other options.
The dose of Neurontin is variable, and can go up to 4800mg per day. It's a medication
that is dosed based on effectiveness and side effects. Side effects like feeling spacey
usually go away within a month.
