156 responses so far ↓

• Jill M. Kleczko // Apr 6, 2003 at 11:53 am

  Hi-

  This comment is for Dr. David P. Franklin- can you please email me your lawyer’s name and phone number? A similar thing happened to me that involves the circumstances of this case.

  Thank you!

  Jill M. Kleczko

• Eric G // Jul 11, 2003 at 6:33 pm

  I just discovered this - on Dateline of all places. My wife was improperly prescribed Neurontin for bipolar disorder and subsequently had a very destructive manic episode from which we are still recovering 3 years later. Is there a class-action lawsuit that could make some noise about this and maybe help us recover some of the enormous sums of money we went through trying to stabilize her illness?

• Nelson Lee Knipple // Jul 12, 2003 at 3:36 am

  I was put on massive doses of Neurontin in 1995 after a motor vehicle accident, I was hit by a drunk driver.

  I had to have neck surgery and I have burning pain that is RSD.

  The hospital doctor and my doctors put me on Neurotin and I suffered for years until 1998 when I almost died from Acute Pancreatitis (which is a side effect in the PDR with a small percentage of patients).

  The amount of Neurontin that I was given was ridiculous but they kept upping it when the pain did not go away.

  I lost my job and could not get disability do to too much red tape and the cost of fighting it.

  I was a minister but had to leave all that and just sit home.

  I have had breathing problems and loss of balance.

  It has been a nightmare.

  I just saw the Dateline last night and I am so angry.

  It cost us 30,000. for the hospital for the Acute Pancreatitis after all the insurance from the accident paid. We are STILL paying that off.

  Is there anything or any attorney that we can call to get in on litigation?

  We have lost all our savings and we are being helped by family.

  It has caused us such hardship and pain emotionally and me physicially.

  It is terrible to have the accident but NOW to find out that the medication was not helping me and caused me to almost DIE.

  I have NEVER been the same since the acute pancreatitis with my breathing.

  I had 105 degree fever and they thought I would die at the hospital.

  I was there for close to a month.

• Len Goforth // Jul 12, 2003 at 4:55 am

  The litigation against Warner-Lambert regarding off-label prescriptions is just the tip of the iceberg. Neurontin is not the only drug that has been marketed agressively and unethically. Pfizer’s own Zoloft has been pushed on the public in the same manner, and I’m certain that there are many other drugs that have been marketed illegally.

  Gimme a break! Just look at the price of Neurontin and/or Zoloft. These drugs are manufactured by machines, are plentiful, and there is NO REASON that these drugs need to carry such a high tag. Yet, they are being prescribed at an alarming rate for illnesses in which they have no proven efficacy! THIS HAS GOT TO STOP, and the only way to make it stop is to get angy and get involved. The cost of medical care in the US is way out of line, and the rate that the costs are going up is out of line with ‘normal’ inflation. It is YOUR responsibility to do something by speaking up. Write your congressmen. Write your senators. Opt in to the class action suits. DO SOMETHING TO MAKE THE PHARMACEUTICALS STOP THESE GREEDY PRACTICES, or your children and grandchildren will be left to wallow in the same situation that you’re in.

  ANY DRUG THAT IS “NOT HABIT FORMING”, yet requires a tapering off schedule is a dead give-away: This is a dangerous, addictive drug! It is no wonder to me why these drugs come with such a high price tag. These pharmaceuticals are nothing more than white collar drug pushers. Do your best to make them go away!

• Brenda Marks // Jul 12, 2003 at 3:48 pm

  I too was just made aware of this. My son was switched to Neurontin last year. I had been wondering why we have had to endure the year from hell until last night. Dateline said it all. My son has suffered severely, unneccessarily. To say nothing of the destruction this drug has done to our family, my marriage, our finances, and our life. Somebody start a class action, I will gladly be an initiating Plaintiff, because the whole neighborhood can document the change in my son! Keep it up Dateline!

• Frank Chisholm // Jul 13, 2003 at 6:15 am

  I hadto retire after starting Neurontin for peripheral neuropathy. I never connected the retirement issues with Neurontin until I read the Dateline story. How do I join the class action lawsuit?

• faye tinstman // Jul 13, 2003 at 10:04 am

  iused neurontin for trigemenal, started about1997 pain all the time even with pain center when o new dr. was taken off neurontin pain stop 4 days later only one pill more aday with tegertol.

• Jill Buxie // Jul 13, 2003 at 12:31 pm

  I am 23 year old female who has been on neurontin for almost a year in combination with zoloft. The Neurontin was supposed to be treating slight mania, impulsive behavior, and sleep problems. After the dateline special I’ve completely stopped taking it and I am furious. Not only did I have a terrible year full of self doubt and guilt that I wasn’t improving, we’ve wasted tons of money on drugs and untrustworthy doctors. What can we do now?

• Deb Borrego // Jul 14, 2003 at 2:00 pm

  My father was prescribed Neurontin for peripheral neuropathy pain. Since taking this drug, his physical health has taken a downslide. His doctor insisted he take NEURONTIN and that he increase the dosage. It created a landslide effect with his health.

  It’s amazing to me that doctors would compromise their integrity and put their patients in harms way for a buck.

  Please contact me regarding placing my father on the list for the class action suit. The Warner Lambert company needs to held accountable. Deb Borrego

  debra_borrego@hyperion.com 408-220-8210

• karla creely // Jul 14, 2003 at 2:05 pm

  My sister was prescibed high doses of Neuronton for years, for anxiety attacks. She was a software engineer. Now she is totally permenately disabled. I am sruggling to find a way to care for her. Can someone please help me with a lawsuit?

• David Kerr // Jul 15, 2003 at 10:56 am

  I was treated for an ongoing bi-polar condition with the use of Neurontin for 8 months. During that time my condition worsened and I was unable to work. The doctor’s repeated solution waqs to increase the dosage. This medication only made me disorientated and did not address the bi polar in any way, in fact that condition progressively got more severe.Immediately after stopping the medication and being put on a proper pharmaceutical, I regained my life back again. I am still struggling to repay 3/4 of a years debt,but am now mentally and physically sound. I am outraged at the recent findings regarding the releases to the medical community that ficticious results for off label purposes were submitted in such a fashion that doctors actually prescribed this medication for a list of ailments.

• Sandy Colombini // Jul 18, 2003 at 7:30 am

  I was prescribed Neurontin by my family doctor on 3/15/2002. I have a previous knee injury from playing sports 20+ years ago. First I was given Vioxx, which provided no relief within seven days, at that time I called my family doctor office and they prescribed Neurontin 300 MG, which I took for three weeks , from one cap 1st wk, 2 cap the second week, and 3 cap the third week. At the third week I experienced inflamed muscles and lost all my strength. I was tested for every disease known to man, MS, MD, Lupis, MRI with dye shot into my arm, I was sent to physical therapy, given a tens unit that provided electric current to relief pain and finally the specialist that I was sent to by my family doctor sent me to another specialists. He gave me steroids which did help me get on my feet. For five months after I took the Neurontin I was bed ridden, I had to roll off my bed to the floor and pull myself up to get out of bed. I live in a four level split and had to crawl up the eight stairs to my bedroom when I did go down to the kithen area. I could not pick up a gallon of milk, I was so weak.

  I kept saying that this Neurontin did this to me but the doctors kept dismissing this information.

  I am somewhat better now but know that things are not normal and would like to know if my body will gradually heal? When I saw the information on Dateline I almost cried to know that I was always right about this Neurontin. Please put my name on class action suit.

  Sandy Colombini

• Brenda Annichiarico // Jul 19, 2003 at 10:04 am

  I STOPPED IN MY TRACKS when I was clicking thru the channels and heard that Pfizer/Neurontin was under attack…

  The next day, I BRIEFLY viewed the story about the woman who took Neurontin and had a problem with it/why Pfizer’s in trouble AND WAS APPALLED to read that A SCIENTIST (AT HARVARD???) said there is no proof that Neurontin is either good or bad…OH, MY, GOD….THIS SO-CALLED SCIENTIST SHOULDN’T CARRY THE TITLE

  “SCIENTIST”….

  I took Neurontin for Bi-Polar for OVER ONE YEAR and it was the GREATEST PILL I EVER TOOK for such a horrible/have trouble diagnosing/treating psychological “disease”.

  …granted, I DID TRY TO KILL MYSELF one year later and ALL PSYCHOLOGICAL DRUGS CAN TURN ON YOU THAT WAY, but Neurontin, for me, was WONDERFUL….

  The psychological community STILL HAS A VERY LONG WAY TO GO TO UNDERSTAND “THE BRAIN”…but this so-called Harvard Scientist IS AN IDIOT!!!

  I am still being treated for bi-polar with a different psychological drug, and things are going well….

  No one, especially a so-called Scientist has a right to say “Neurontin does or doesn’t have any affect on a psychological disorder.” Psychological disorders AND THE DRUGS PRESCRIBED affect each individual IN A DIFFERENT WAY!!

  Brenda Annichiarico

  (bjarico@aol.com)

• M. Davis // Jul 19, 2003 at 10:35 pm

  As of approx. 1 mo.ago, I was prescribed Neurontin, now up to 900 mg per day for pain which it doesn’t seem to be helping.In that short time I have developed severe water retention, dry throat, dry mouth, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath & joint pain. Am I qualified as a client in a class action suit? Thanks

• Loree Pollack // Jul 20, 2003 at 12:57 pm

  I am so angry!!!! My life was stolen from me. I am bi-polar. I was precribed neurontin many times over the pass 6 years. It was a drug that most of my doctors wanted to go back to when nothing would work. I lost my husband because of how violent I became during manic episodes. I finally told my doctor I knew the neurontin was the cause of my most recent manic episodes. I told him I wanted off it. I new that if I did not get off this drug I would end up killing someone. I may never get my life back! Please tell me how I can help make some noise and hold the drug company accountable for the lives that they have destoyed. Thank you- Loree Pollack

• Lisa D // Jul 28, 2003 at 6:03 am

  I would like to say that after be prescribed Neurontin, My life has changed for the better. For 20+ yrs I have suffered with severe headaches and I have a drug store of medicines @ my home from different doctors. Most of them say they were from stress( which is a crock). This past Spring I was having headaches so bad I could not work, sleep or drive. I went to see my doctor about them again and he prescribed Neurontin 1200 mg/day and let me say for 5 months now I have been HEADACHE FREE. This has been the best thing to go in medicine cabinet in years.

  Thanks

  Lisa D.

• Mark A. Miller // Aug 3, 2003 at 7:18 am

  My son Joshua, age 12, has been taking Neurontin since March 2002 along with celexa for treatment of Anxiety. I am just appalled that some people in the Medical field, ie. doctors who prescibe these types of presciption drugs to adolescent kids like mine, knowing there is a chance these off-label uses will not work, it’s called experimentation and my son is no guinea pig. I will do whatever I can to fight for his right to live a normal life. I beleieve this medication has had adverse effect on his behaviors over the past year. He is just now comming off Neurontin. Thank God.

• Colleen Rauschenberg // Aug 5, 2003 at 8:01 am

  My mother-in-law was prescribed this for her legs and now she is having serious breathing problems. I am wondering what helped other people get their breathing returned to normal. I am also interested in finding out if she can get in the class action suit and who we need to contact. Please- if you know- let me know. Thanks.

• Dana Hoffman // Aug 7, 2003 at 10:35 pm

  I was prescribe Neurontin w/ another drug called Bacofen after a MVA that was responsible for a condtion I now have called trigeminal neuraligia. I was first placed on tegretol for this conditin and almost died. I have pics to prove it. I was taken off the medicatin immediately and put on the neurontin & baclofen. When my medication dose was increased I could not function as well on the higher dose so i was told that I needed to stay on the lower dose for a little while longer because my body was sensative to thos medication. It made me feel like I was floating and I talked like I had a thick tongue. Can someone email me about the dateline story, i missed it and from reading everyone else’s posts I am really scared now after the first med that almost killed me. I am interested in the story so I can speak with my doctor about it. Thanks in advance.

• lisa Mullinax // Aug 10, 2003 at 7:48 pm

  someone please email me about how to get in this class action lawsuit Ihave been on neurotin which has caused anumber of other health problems I was not able to see h info on Dateline which I am going to try and find my doctor just keeps upping my dose on it whch continues t make me sicker and sicker if anyone knows the problems it has caused people please email me because I have been in out o the hosptital 8 to 10 times a year and theygave it to me for my bioplar I am on 1600mg a day. someon pleas help I am alreadydisabled an now haveseveral health problems which neurotin is probablycaused or made wrose

• Deanna Johnson // Aug 26, 2003 at 9:40 am

  My mother was put on Neurontin for sugar neuroapathy and has since been just about a vegetable. She has also bee diagnosed with Parkinsons and the combo of meds that they had her on made her NON HUMAN! She is 57 and has to be handled like a 3 year old. Please email me with info. on this suit as well (for I am her primary care giver)

  Thank you! I keep holding on hoping the side effects will wear off, but they never do….

• Pat Phillips // Aug 29, 2003 at 10:46 am

  I am appauled! I take Neurontin for a seizure disorder when other drugs caused elevated liver functions. I’m here to attest that it DOES work, for SOME people. As with any drug, if you experience intolerable side affects you should look into trying something else. If you don’t agree with the way your doctor is treating you, ie upping the dosage and you don’t agree with that, get a second opinon. It’s the responsiblity of the patient to become informed, just because he has MD or DO behind his name doesn’t make him/her right all of the time. I must also point out that after starting Neurontin my restless leg syndrome disappeared completely so I know it works for RLS, at least for me. Many drugs are used for off lable use, not just N. I agree that they shouldn’t have been promoting it in the manner they did an punishment may be in order but to sue over every little side affect (when the person should have insisted the doctor take them off of it because of side affects or they should have gotten a second opinon) is ludicrist!

• gary rainbow // Sep 3, 2003 at 6:02 am

  hi i have just been put on neuroniton and now taking 3,000mgs a day i did not see the dateline program ,but can any body send me a transcript or information of what was said .

  thank you.

• Suzanne M. Hurlburt // Sep 5, 2003 at 4:43 pm

  In the Spring of 2002 I was given neurotin as a mood stabilizer for my Bipolar disorder. I became very unstable which caused me many problems. I would like to get involved in a class action suit. Please let me know any information you have on this. Thank you.

  Suzanne M. Hurlburt

  Stillwater, Minnesota

• R. A. Sneddon // Sep 17, 2003 at 4:16 pm

  I was placed on neurontin for bi-polar disorder in 1998 after adverse side effects from depakote. This medication didn’t do the job Pfizer or my doctor claimed would be an alternative drug to treat bi-polar disorder. I have weaned myself off the neurontin after the dateline expose. I’m disgusted by this whole ordeal. Not only did I sleep away 5 years of my life from being over medicated but the problem has not been addressed!

  I would like to get involved in a class action suit. Please let me know any information you have on this.

  Thank you

  R. A. Sneddon

• Andre Pearcy // Sep 18, 2003 at 12:28 am

  I would like any info about laywers,lawsuits,anything about that damned neurontin.I lost a year and a half of my life to that damned drug when I was prescribed it for venous stasis pain.My memory is almost blank about the last year and a half and my muscles are just getting strong enough to get me out of bed.My doctor dropped me without warning on the day of an appointment because I was getting upset about the pain and suffering I was in.I still can’t be up for than a few hours wiyhout getting sick having to go to bed for anywhere from a few hours to a day or more.And it did nothing for my pain.

• Bill Simpson // Sep 29, 2003 at 8:34 pm

  I was on this drug and it caused all kinds of wierd things and made me bedridden. I would like to sue but not in a class action suit but as a single lawsuit.

• Anne McGatha // Sep 30, 2003 at 12:34 am

  I was put on neurontin for pain W/ neuropathy & since then I have been having very severe losses of balance, which I attributed to my neuropathy. Also, I have had severe memory losses & thoughts of suicide that I now have learned can be blamed on the medication I simply took for pain. If there is a class-action lawsuit, I would like to be a part of it.

• Candy Crawford // Sep 30, 2003 at 5:10 pm

  I was placed on Neurontin in 2001-2002 for axiety. During that time on several occasions I attempted to jump from moving cars, and jump from my balcony on three occasions. If my husband wasn’t I would have been successful. During this period of time, all I ever thought of was suicide. I have been off this medication for 1 year and no longer try to kill myself. I didn’t see the program but I would be interested in joining a class action lawsuit. Please contact me.

• Mark A. Hayne // Oct 1, 2003 at 4:40 pm

  I was placed on Neurontin for a short time, which has changed my life forever. I was placed on it for an Anxiety disorder and at a low dose but it really messed me up. I was having memory loss, increased anger tendencies, I jumped out of moving car and lucky my wife was with me and I survived the incident. After about 2 weeks of Neurontin use I was hospitalized with servere pancreatitis and now suffer from CHRONIC pancreatits, cannot work and have had to seek social security disability. As soon as I was hospitalized the first thing my docotor did was take me off this medication and when I confronted him at my first office visit after being discharged I flat out ask him and his works were NEUROTIN will not cause pancreatitis. Bull shit…I was a social drinker and that was there way out..I still suffer with memory loss, I do get occasionally violent with manic episodes and NEVER remember the incidents the next day. It is hard for me to distinguish between reality and non reality at times. Even though I no longer take this medication, my lack of memeory and anger do scare me that I might hurt myself or my family. I am on other medications that are trying to fix what problems neurotin caused. This is no life. I no longer do much of anything with my family because I am in constant pain with my pancreatitis which NEVER lets up. This has put a BIG strain on my marriage due to the fact I cannot do anything without have paranoid thoughts. the past 4 years of my life have been Hell for me , my wife and my daughters. Any help would be greatly appreactied. thanks

• MARY BARRON // Oct 1, 2003 at 6:32 pm

  I WAS SHOKED AND STUNNED TO SEE ON A COMMERCIAL THAT IF ANYONE KNEW SOMEONE WHO HAD OR ATTEMPTED SUSICIDE DUE TO THE DRUG NEURONTIM SHOULD CALL A SPECIFIC NUMBER. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE NUMBER BUT HAPPY TO FIND THIS ON THE INTERNET. I USED TO BE A BRIGHT AND SHARP PERSON BEFORE TAKING THIS DRUG! I HAD SURGURY ON MY LOWER BACK IN 2000 AND WHEN I CAME OUT OF SURGERY I WAS IN SEVERE NEVERE PAIN. THE DOCTORS TRIED EVERYTHING BUT WHEN I WAS GIVEN NEURONTIN I WENT TOTALLY CRAZY!! I WOULD PUT THE MILK IN THE OVEN, I COULD NOT COMPLETE A SENTENCE AND WAS UNABLE TO REMEMEBER ABOUT 6 TO 9 MONTHS OF MY LIFE. DURING THIS TIME I THOUGHT OF VARIOUS WAYS TO KILL MYSELF. I WOULD THINK OF A GUN, BUT THAT WOULD MESS THE RUG, I WOULD THINK OF HANGING BUT THAT POSSIBLY WOULD NOT DO THE TRICK, I WOULD THINK OF PILLS BUT I THOUGHT I MIGHT GET DISCOVERED AND WAKE UP. I TOO THOUGHT OF JUMPING OUT OF THE CAR. I AM A CATHOLIC, ALL MY LIFE AND FIGHTING WITH MY RELIGION AND THE ANGONY WAS ALMOST UNBEARABLE. I KNEW IT WAS TO DRUG BECAUSE THINGS GOT WORST WHEN I WAS TAKING UP TO 3 PILLS 3 TIMES A DAY. THE FINALLY WAS WHEN I DECIDED TO NOT TAKE MY INSULIN AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GO INTO A DIEBETIC COMA. THAT’S WHEN “THE TROOPS” CAME IN AND STARTED LISTENING TO ME. AND SLOWLY I HAVE STARTED TO RECOVER FROM THIS “ALL PURPOSE DRUG”. I, TO THIS DAY HAVE SHORT TERM MEMEORY LOSS AND CAN NOT REMEMBER APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR OF MY LIFE. FOR INSTANCE, MY HUSBAND AND I WENT TO HOLLYWOOD VIDEO I PICKED OUT SEVERAL MOVIES AND MY HUSBAND STATED THAT WE ALREADY HAD SEEN THEM. THIS WAS EXTREAMELY UPSETTING, YES!!! I WANT TO SUE THE ASS OFF THIS COMPANY!!! MARY BARRON

  THIS IS MARY’S HUSBAND….WHEN I READ MARY’S STATEMENT, IT IS HARD TO ACCEPT HER CONDITION. MARY USED TO HAVE UP TO NINE PEOPLE WORKING UNDER HER AS AN OFFICE MANAGER. SHE WAS THE TOP PRODUCER AS A LOAN UNDERWRITER MONTH AFTER MONTH. SADLY, SHE IS NO LONGER THE WOMAN I MARRIED 22 YEARS AGO. DR FRANKLIN, PLEASE SEND US YOUR LAWYERS NAME AND PHONE NUMBER. THANK YOU TIM BARRON

• Kathleen Linen-Lamm // Oct 2, 2003 at 6:17 am

  I was put on Neurotin for headaches I was having as a result of side effects from Alpha Interfuron Rebetrol treatment. I walked into walls, couldn’t hold my Grandson and forgot everything I had done of late. Yes I attempted suicide, I actually put the rope around my neck but couldn’t do it, it hurt. I have and still do have suicidal thoughts. I am on antidepressant now. The Doctor took me off because of what it made me do. I would like to be involved in the Class Action Lawsuit. Thank You

• Dave Ross // Oct 2, 2003 at 8:33 am

  Our 13 year old daughter was prescribed neurontin for chronic pain/RSD following an automobile accident. While she experienced no pain relief her personality and demeanor changed significantly. She was no longer the daughter that we had always known. A straight “A” student who was always very popular with her classmates and teachers and coaches and who had always made good decisions became an angry, confrontational, confused young lady who could not control her actions and had no idea why. After doing research on the “unusual” side effects of neurontin, my wife and I contacted our doctor and told him that we wanted to discontinue the neurontin immediately. He agreed, and our daughter has shown some signs of recovery over the past few months. We don’t know, however, the extent of the damage or how long it will remain apparent. For us nerontin was a terrible experience that did nothing that it was supposed to do. any information on the class act lawsuit would be welcome.

• Andy Zmolek // Oct 2, 2003 at 3:41 pm

  My worst suspicions about the drug were confirmed today while tracking down the status of the forthcoming generic version (I care because my plan now has me paying $75 each quarter for Neurontin due to a change to a 15% copay). Needless to say, I’m not terribly concerned about finding a generic version anymore.

  I was first given Neurontin to treat bi-polar symptoms several years ago after experiencing significant weight gain with Depakote (which otherwise seemed to work fine). For the first year, it seemed to be a wonder drug without any significant side effects and it appeared to tone down my manic swings. But three years later I have significant issues with memory loss, inability to focus, a chronic floating sensation along with occasional balance issues, a constant stream of suicidal thoughts that I’ve learned to mostly ignore, and an mood that can swing rapidly from angry and confrontational to distant and escapist but rarely feels “normal” anymore.

  While I have come to expect a certain amount of experimentation when it comes to treating conditions like bi-polor, it is clear from Pfizer’s actions that profits were the only motive in pushing this off-label use. I would be much less upset with this detour had it occured with a generic drug that did not result in such rediculous out-of-pocket expenses–and that’s exactly what would have happened if Pfizer had not fraudulently blocked generic versions of gabapentin by claiming that Neuronton was protected by additional unrelated patents that don’t expire for decades. This sham was so transparent that summary judgement was found against Pfizer in several cases they filed against generic producers. Now a class action suit is proceeding against Pfizer: http://www.prescriptionaccesslitigation.org/neurontin.htm

  Drug companies will find that it is hard for ordinary Americans to be sympathetic to the argument that equitable solutions for funding drug research require patent protection and cost recovery in the form of higher prices for new drugs when the system is abused like this. Unfortunately, the result damages everyone.

• P. Peach // Oct 2, 2003 at 6:30 pm

  I just saw a commercial today saying ” If you, or anyone you know, commited or attemted suicide, while taking the prescription drug Neurontin, call:

  1-800-XXXXXXX.

  Well, I about fell off the sofa. I knew nothing about the “Dateline” episode, or any lawsuits, until just now, from searching the net. And, I certainly didn’t know I could actually get involved in a class action suit, myself.

  I have truly mixed feelings on all of this, though.

  Neurontin was the only medication that my shrink, and I, found that seemed to manage my Bi-polar disorder, with the least side effects.

  Depekote was like having food poisoning. With Lithium I always felt like some kind of zombie, and ended up with 7 cavities in 6 months, from the drymouth. My doctor seemed sqeemish about me trying Neurontin, and I remember him saying not to get my hopes up - that it might not work- it hadn’t been used for manic-depression for very long, etc… AND NOW I KNOW WHY!!

  But, I was so desperate to feel better, that I would have tried anything at that point.

  It took longer than usual for my body to adjust to it. I was on the couch for almost a month, from being dizzy, walking into walls, or just plain being asleep. When I called my shrink, he told me to give it a little more adjustment time, because it was a really strong drug, but if the side affects hadn’t dwindled in a few more weeks, that I should call him. Well- after a while, I was functioning better, and eventually felt a lot more emotionally stable, with out being a zombie. Over time we found it did a terrific job controlling my Mania’s, BUT it could only control my Depressive swings to a minimum. So, I also ended up taking Prozac to “bring me up to a level where the Neurontin could even start to work from”.

  I was taking Neurontin and Prozac for a few years (3-4yrs maybe?) on various dosages. Then, two years ago, I was put into the Psyciatric Ward of the hospital, for 3 weeks, for attemted suicide. I was transfered into a 1/2 day-out patient program at the local Mental Institution, for a month after that (all of it should have lasted longer, but my insurance ran out.) Some people were saying they think I developed a tolerance to the Prozac, and it just wasn’t working anymore- and the Neurontin wasn’t enough. Plus, at that time, I wasn’t under a Psyciatrist’s care, because I was in the middle of moving out of state,and then back in again. Would a Doctor have been able to prevent what happened, had I been seeing one? Or, IS it the Neurontin? Maybe WAS it a Prozac intollerance?

  I see a completely different shrink, now. As soon as he found out I was on Neurontin, he wanted me to stop taking it. Being the ninny I am, I was too afraid to let go of it. He was only able to talk me down to a very small dosage, along with my other meds. I have a scheduled appointment with him, next week, so I’m going to tell him I’m ready to ween off the rest of it.

  I’m going to ask him about this lawsuit business, too. Maybe he can give me some insite on Neurontin’s role in my attemted suicide.

  I’m only 35yrs old and I’ve ended up on Disability since that nightmare, trying to get back up on my feet. Do I blame any of this on Neurontin? Now, I just don’t know, after what I’ve learned today. I need more information. How can I get a copy of that “Dateline” episode, or info on lawyers? I’d appriciate any guidance.

  Best of luck to all those harmed by this drug, I hope things get better for you all…

  Sincerely,

  P. Peach

• Patricia N. // Oct 3, 2003 at 7:36 pm

  I do not know what to think….. My husband went into congestive heart failure after taking a drug that is now known to cause this problem. He ended up suffereing a stroke following heart surgery. Through lack of enough staff at the hospital, and mistakes made by the staff that had to cover far more patients that could humanly be taken care of, he also went into respiratory failure, and later when he managed to recover from that, was left unattended on a table and fell off head first into a cement floor. Because they could not control the non-stop screaming that began after the fall, he was put on Neurontin. He did seem to be a bit better after that, the screaming stopped, but he never regained a will to get better, and with in months began to talk of dying. He has been on the drug for nearly two years, and I have been watching him slipping away from us bit by bit. He only thinks of dying now, and has become more and more confused, distracted, and at times barely talks to us. He only wants to be left alone to die. I have watched him loose stength generally, and after just now finding out that there was a lawsuit being planned for this drug, began reading about what others went thru while taking this drug more because I wanted to be sure it was safe for him, but instead am realizing that it might be one of the causes of what has been happening to him.

  Instead of helping him, it may have been bit by bit draining away everything that originally made him the person that was so beloved in our family. He was the rock that sustained all of us, even after his surgery, stroke and was recovering and now only thru constant care is he himself sustained. He no longer cares about living, or really about much of anything, and can not even manage to make it through even a half hour TV program without at some point just staring off into space. He is becoming more and more withdrawn daily, and if there is even a chance that all of this behavior can be related to taking this drug… I can not even begin to put to words how absolutely appalled I am. As soon as I can contact my family doctor I will have him taken off of this drug and if there is any sign that it did infact lead to his downward spiral, I want them held accountable!

• sheryl hunt // Oct 4, 2003 at 11:25 am

  i have been taking 2400 mgs. of neurotin

  for about 3 months for neuropathic pain in my lower back and leg. i experienced

  an episode of tunnel vision the very first day i took it and have had absolutely no side effects whatsoever since then.

  All I know is that it is the only thing

  that has helped my nerve pain. i have had 2 back surgeries since may 8. the

  first one was a fusion and the second one was to decompress nerves. i am much better now and the dr. is going to

  start weaning me off the neurotin.

  i cannot even tell i am taking neurotin

  except that it helps me. sounds like to me either alot of these people want to take part in a law suit for monetary

  gains - we do live in a very litigous

  society - or they have problems far more

  severe than the neurotin has a solution.

  i have known other people that have

  taken neurotin also and had no other

  problems. One man has been taking it

  for over 5 years for nerve pain in his

  neck and has had no problems with it

  at all. if any medication is giving

  any person problems, they should get off

  it immediately but lets not slam the

  drug completely because it is a miracle

  drug for some. thank you

• L. H. Bennett // Oct 6, 2003 at 11:14 am

  I have not been on the internet for some time. Truly amazed at the interest in neurontin. Briefly, 5 years ago I was put on neurontin by a neurologist for seizures attributed to a brain tumor. Over a short period of time, my dosae incresed to 3200mg per day. He also gave me Carbatrol. For most of the day I acted like a zombie, wanting to sleep most of the time. Gradually, my strength and energry disappeared. I have worked myself down to 2000mg per day. Recently I saw a doctor at Moffitt Cancer center in Tampa. Her comments were that she had never seen a person adddicted to Neurontin like I am. Testing confirmed that I suffer from short term memory loss, as well as long term. My balance is also affected. I am interested in any class action suit against the manufactuer. As a aide note, the brain tumor is dead.

  Contact Leddey@AOL.com

• Andy Zmolek // Oct 6, 2003 at 2:35 pm

  BTW, for those that haven’t seen the Dateline story on the whilstleblower at Warner-Lambert (later acquired by Pfizer), it can be found at:

  http://www.msnbc.com/news/937302.asp?cp1=1

• melinda // Oct 7, 2003 at 8:56 am

  I have also been a victim of the evil drug,neurontin. In 1997,I was given neurontin, 2400 mg a day for a pinch nerve in my leg. The neurologist assured me that it was a miracle drug and it would help me. Well, it didn’t help the leg at all. I even told her that it wasn’t helping but that I feel like it was frying all my other nerves. She said it was all in my head and that maybe I just needed to see a shrink or increase the dosage. My family insisted I stop taking the neurontin because I wasn’t the same person. I couldn’t do simple things like balance my checkbook, or go shopping.My mind raced all the time. The symptoms subsided a little. Although I’ve suffered from depression since. I can’t sleep more than a few hours at a time. I have extreme mood swings. I’ve had sucidal thoughts. I’ve lost my family because I shut them out. I have suffered in many ways since taking neurontin. Mostly I have severe battles in my head, which are the worst.

  No amount of money could ever bring back the years or torment that I’ve been living since I took this horrible drug. It won’t bring my family back either, but maybe it will stop drug companies from damaging people just to make a profit. My life will never be the same, nothing can change that, but the drug company that pushed this product for off-label uses should pay dearly.

• Maureen // Oct 7, 2003 at 12:46 pm

  Could someone please tell me if there is any class action activity in Massachsuetts

• ginnie donaldson // Oct 8, 2003 at 5:54 am

  I started taking Neurotin Feb 2002. 2 months later I was contemplating suicide. I didn’t go to the hospitol because I thought I could pray it away. To say the least the depression got worse and I finally surrcombed to a suicide attempt Aug.21 2002. I would be dead today but for the immediate response from paramedics, I was saved. I overdosed on seroquel. 5000 mgs. Even after my hospitol stays, my doctor continued my Neurotin therapy through Jan. 2003. I visited my doctor on a regular basis through my whole Neurotin journey. Finally, I’m a happier person with no more thoughts of suicide. It was hard on everybody especially me. It was the most horrible nightmare being trapped in the suicide pit all those months.

• Dominique C. // Oct 8, 2003 at 10:08 pm

  I was sitting on the couch talking to my mom when I seen the commercial on TV about neurontin. I was on it at first for depression/ anxiety, then I went to a local university, for my migrains, both the pysc. and the dr from the university, had me on this med. I called my pharmasist and looked up on the internet what the side effect were, because I ended up in the hospital for thoughts of suiside. When I asked my phyc. about it, she told me that wasn’t possible and that it was just my anxiety. I was outraged. I went threw neuro testing, MRI’s, I had problems with balance, change in attitude, suisidal thoughts all the time, and no dr. would help me, why should they? to them it was my depression, even though I insisted something was wrong. I had a really bad time on this med. I’d like to get the video of the story that was on tv and be included in the class action. Thank you

• Howard Runyon // Oct 16, 2003 at 7:48 am

  HI I have been on Nuerontin for 3 and half years, for nerve pain and sleep, I have had 4 close calls of dealth, heart attack, breathing problems which i stop breathing, and that happen twice so far, and my doctor only could tell me that its from the meds that i was taking which yes i was on alot but nothing like the nueorontin, but now I am in a wheel chair and i have short memory lost please do i have a case. After hearing the bad things about it I called my doctor and he is now weining me off of it . I have been dropping in dosage now for 3 weeks and i can really feel the difference in myself, I feel more energy now, breathing better, and thinking much clearer, but when I was in ICU and my wife gave the names of the meds that i was on at the time I start breathing they had question the neurontin and its all in my medical records. Do I have a case???

• Joann Robles // Oct 16, 2003 at 5:55 pm

  I had a slip and fall accident on Jan/2002, i have rsd on my right upper extremity and neck my pain management prescribed neurontin i was taking 3000 mg a day i took this pill for a year throughout the year i kept telling the doc to get me off it, He wouldn’t he said it was good for the rsd and burning pain i had. I had a bad year while taking this pill, the memory loss was horrible the inability to focus i had suicidal thoughts but didn’t let anyone know they would think i was selfish since i had three children and a husband. I had to deal with this depression by myself. my husband told my doctor at one of my visit “Does the medication have anything to do with her anger, she is so angry” At the time i didn’t think it had to do with the neurontin but the comment he made to the doctor made me angrier towards him. I had mood swings I was pretty difficult to live with. So half of the time i would spend it alone isolated from my family. a few months ago i started getting severe headaches they were mostly on my left side of my head it was so bad that i couldn’t even touch my head, it hurt to the touch the doctor finally took me off last month. I had a MRI done on my brain waiting for the results i don’t know the extent of what damage it may have caused. scare to death and I’m angry thinking that something was wrong with me when it was the neurontin all along.

• Jackie Cutler // Oct 18, 2003 at 7:44 am

  I have been on Neurontin for at least 7 years. I was given 900 mg for 4 years for nerve pain. When I developed RSD 4 years ago I was on 3,600 (max dosage). I don’t know what medication is doing what, all I do know is that I have no life. I have no energy, all I want to do is sleep. I do not interact with family or friends. I can’t concentrate when reading. I used to read a few books a month. Now it takes me months to read and I couldn’t tell you what I read. Like I stated. Due to my many spinal problems and RSD I am on many meds so I don’t know what is doing what.

  Jackie Cutler

  908 901-9667

• JANET CAPONE // Oct 19, 2003 at 7:53 am

  This comment is for Dr. David P. Franklin- can you please email me your lawyer’s name and phone number? A similar thing happened to me that involves the circumstances of this case.

  Ihave been on the drug for over a year following spinal surgery, and have so many of the side effects mentioned in all the above letters…thaks, Janet Capone

• Mark Calkins // Oct 20, 2003 at 10:49 am

  My wife began taking neurontin apprx. 5 years ago. It has been a nightmare every since. The docters tell us that she is bipolar , manic deppressant,and suffers from migrains,and epilepsey. [But sometimes i wonder if they realy even know] I would like to tell you all of the dates and times of the maney ER. visits and docter appt. but i could never remember them all.Suicide attempts,Siesures,migrains,Depression and the list goes on.[Allmost a divorce] Somthing should be done if this medication is the cause of any of this………..

• A Martinez // Oct 20, 2003 at 2:10 pm

  My sister asked me to get further information on the Neurontin side effects and lawsuit. She was taking Neurontin for about 1 year for severe migranes before she started getting suicidal thoughts. She had been in/out of mental facilities and we were in and out with her as well. It made our lives a living hell. She is now pregnact and she seems to be a little better. Because she is no longer taking this medication. She saw a documentary on Neurontin and it said that it could have caused depression and suicidal thoughts. Can this medication been the cause of her life going downhill!. Please give me more information on this subject. Thanks

• Theresa Gonzalez // Oct 20, 2003 at 6:20 pm

  I was watching TV a few weeks ago and saw the commercial for Neurontin and suicide. I was completely shocked. My husband took Neurontin for nerve pain in his arm and within a few months he committed suicide. He was only 3 weeks from his 38th birthday. I remember the doctor perscribing the drug, because I called at least 3 times to make sure there were no other drug interactions. I would like more information on the Dateline report and also names/phone numbers of lawyers for the class action lawsuit.

  Thank you!!

  Theresa Gonzalez

• melinda hoffman // Oct 22, 2003 at 8:08 am

  I lost my mother for almost 2 years, because of this drug. when i saw on t.v. a commercial for an attorney, I thought of my mother at once, I haven’t seen the commercial again, so I decided to try online. All these stories sound so familiar, except for the good. Mom is off of it now and she is coming around, she can actually go to her grandchildren’s activities now, with can in hand. I’m also anxious because this will be one of the first Christmas’s SHE will be doing her own shopping for gifts. Who should she contact about this class action suit. Please let me know and I will forward the information.

• Elaine M. // Oct 22, 2003 at 11:12 am

  Hello

  I have been prescribed neurontin (800 mg. x 3=2400mgs. per day) for bipolar, anxiety and restless leg syndrome. This has been a wonderful medication for me so far. It has stabilized my mood swings, taken away the depression, and no “twitches” (RLS) all over my body. I have had no side effects and do not expect any. I believe the Lord has led my psychiatrist to help me manage my mental conditions with Neurontin and I am sorry some of you have found it isn’t the right drug for you. It is for me and certainly works better than Clonazapam or the other anxiety drugs I have tried. Good luck to the patients that have been helped and I will pray that the other patients find the correct medication for whatever problems they are having.

  One happy bipolar and rls patient!!

  Elaine

• Donna F // Oct 23, 2003 at 11:07 am

  How can I find out about filing as part of any class action suit against Neurontin.?

• neurontin // Oct 25, 2003 at 12:20 am

  iam on neurontin for nerve damage due to a spinal injury years ago. I’ve been taking it for almost a year dosage of 1800mg daily it has helped with the nerve pain and numbness. but the side affects my mind races all the time,cant sleep,i have such fear at night of everything,mood swings,mental confusion,seeing things,Suicide thoughts which i keep to myself i thought i was going crazy until i found this forum. Iam so afraid to taper myself of this medication i tried but the pain is so bad i cant even move.i dont no what to do someone please help me!!!

• sam // Oct 25, 2003 at 1:58 am

  How can I also find out about filing as part of any class action suit against Neurontin

• Cheryl // Oct 26, 2003 at 1:15 am

  I was just rescribed Neurontin by my

  Rheumatologist for severe Fibromyalgia

  pain. It is for a small dose compared to all of these stories. I saw the show

  and I just read the transcript again. I

  also have just finished reading all of

  the stories here. I don’t know if I will

  be alright with the small dose. I have

  already felt uneasy because of things I

  have read about it in the past. But

  large doses were involved. I just want help with this awful pain and I’m going

  to look up more information about it’s

  use for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain before I try it.

• Mark Taylor // Oct 27, 2003 at 9:37 am

  good luck to you all. your doing the right thing, I’ve seen hundreds of peoples lives destroyed as a result of these drugs. The fact that there own scientist that created the drug said its killing people tells us alote.

• Diane Gomberg // Oct 29, 2003 at 12:18 am

  Could someone please send me the name, phone number and address of the law firm that is handling the case against the makers of Neurontin? My husband was taking it for supposed nerve pain and ended up almost taking his life. It was very close to destroying many lives. We need to make this right. Thank you very much!

• Wendy Bird // Oct 31, 2003 at 4:27 pm

  I was given Neurontin for nerve entrapment pain/damage. After only eight days I could not walk without staggering, had severe speech problems, muscle weakness and many other problems. A year and a half later I cannot work, I have short term & working memory problems, interference memory problems,cognitive difficulties, problems with concentration, speech difficulties (stuttering, dysarthtia, disfluencies, i tire very quickly, am unable to multi task, cannot drive, have altered sensation in my right side, have migrane headaches, mix up sounds , letters, words,when trying to write, hear, speak, to begin to name some of my problems. (These problems worsen when I’m tired, trying to concentrate, or am in noisy and demanding situations.)

  I too wish I had never heard of neurontin and would dearly love to have some answers , and have someone take responsibility for what has happened to me.My life has been totally changed, I had to relearn to do basic things, such as meal preperation, I have difficulty following insructions (ex. recipes) and have difficulty with activities of daily living.

  I am a Canadian citizen and cannot even find information about a law firm willing to even look into my situation.

  If anyone out there can help provide assistance or info PLEASE HELP ME!

• Wendy Bird // Oct 31, 2003 at 4:37 pm

  Here is my email address, incase anyone has any helpful information

• Kathleen Rigel // Nov 2, 2003 at 8:45 pm

  Please send me any info about the class action case against neurontin and its manufacturer. My sister is currently incarcerated and on this drug in which she is forced to take by the prison lpn that comes with everyones meds daily. We have written documentation on a suciside attempt she made on her own life stateing that she was on it at the time of the attempt. She herself believes that this drug had an affect on her behavior and aided her along to the attempt. Please help us. Send me an email! Or (505) 247-1165

  Thanks Kathy

• Kimberly Hayes // Nov 3, 2003 at 1:48 pm

  I was watching T.V earlier and saw a commercial about Suicide or attempted suicide while on Nuerontin. At first I didn’t think anything about it, but then my fiancee pointed out I did have problems on it. I was on neurontin for 3 years for Bipolar and Depression. At first it worked good, it was a miracle drug for me. Then I came down with Acute Pancreatitis, gained weight, breathing problems and low energy. Since then, I have serious problems with my stomach. I was on another medicine at the time that I thought caused all the other problems and went off of it. My breathing got better and I lost weight. But then about a year later I got really ill, along with being very seriously depressed. I kept telling my doctor and therapist that I didn’t think the medicine was working for me anymore but they wouldn’t listen. This went on for 7 months. As a result, I missed a whole semester of college, had to have help come in because I couldn’t care for myself. I was so suicidial for so long, but just thought it was me. My friends noticed it but still my doctor refused to listen. Finally, when I was to the point of killing myself, just because I didn’t want to be depressed anymore, I fired my doctor and immediately checked into a mental hospital, just so I could get new medicines. This was my first hospitalization and suicidial thoughts in 6 years. Once there, they changed my medicine right away, and within 2 days I felt better then I had felt in a year. That was a year ago, now that I’m not on it anymore, my life has changed for the better and my moods have improved drastically. I wonder though, if I’ll ever get my energy back, stop having problems with my stomach, and these severe headaches that nearly blind me> And I just remembered something, I had a friend that killed herself while on Neurontin. Please, if anyone can give me any information on this lawsuit I would appreciate it! I have part of my life back, but I want it all back and I want someone to pay for robbing me of my health and one year of my life! Please email me at KLHayesD@wmconnect.com

• Catrina B. // Nov 4, 2003 at 10:57 am

  Hi my mother in law takes neurotin for severe arthritis pain in her legs and shoulders and she also has degenerative disk disease in her back. As far as I know she has not had any severe side affects. I am not sure though of her exact dosage, but I can find out if need be. Is she exempt from this lawsuit because she dosen’t have any of the side effects. Also, what if she does develop symptoms after the class action suit is there any way she can be helped?

  Can you also send some information on the lawsuit?

• Dena Guilliams // Nov 5, 2003 at 9:20 am

  Could you please send me information on joining the class action neurontin suit? Thank you very much.

• Michael Stidman // Nov 5, 2003 at 8:34 pm

  Dear sirs, I have been taking nuerontin for 7 or 8 years. It is the only thing that has helped my seizures. I had to take seizure medicine for an anuerism I had 20 years ago. My wife says that she can see a differance in my mental state since we have been together 6 years ago. I would like to find out more about this case and the side effects that have been found. Thank you for this time to write this e-mail Michael Stidman

• Ramona Ogden // Nov 7, 2003 at 8:06 pm

  I was put on neurotin a few months ago for nerve pain caused by ruptured disc in my neck. The pain really isn’t any better and I am sleepy most of the time, but can only sleep for a little while at a time. I get very dizzy and stumble a lot, almost falling. I have headaches and dry mouth and stay extremely fatiqued. I am taking 900mg a day now and the doctor wants to increase my dosage but after reading what everyone has said about this drug I think I will stop taking it. One of this companies other drugs, zoloft, caused me to have a mental breakdown in 2001 and had to be hospitalized several times. I’m glad my son’t friend told me about the news show about neurotin.

• don myers // Nov 9, 2003 at 1:49 pm

  my wife started taking neurontin swelling started in feet she stopped taking it the doctor said take stronger dosage she did developed neuorapathy severly now pain never stops and she had spinal tab and nerve and musle biospy. cause by this medicine. please send info to joint this class action lawsuit she will have this for a lifetime due to this med. thanks don myers

• brian krah // Nov 10, 2003 at 2:45 pm

  can you tell me how i can read more about the dateline expose on neurontin

  thx.

• Michele // Nov 12, 2003 at 4:16 pm

  Hi, everyone. I just became aware of the neurontin issue a couple of weeks ago, and have started an MSN group where we can all meet, strategize, share stories, and lend support in what is likely to be a long, drawn out litigation process. Please feel free to join us. The group is at http://groups.msn.com/neurontinligigants . Hope to see you there! ~Blessings~ Michele.

• Rachel // Nov 13, 2003 at 1:00 pm

  I am currently taking 1200mg of neurontin a day for bipolardisorder. I was at one time up to 3200mg a day, until i was hospitalized for a psychotic episode when i ran out of medication and started to withdrawl, in which my boyfriend had to call the police and I tried to grab an officers gun in order to get them to kill me so i didn’t have to do it myself, upon arrival at the ER the dr’s refused to administer the dose of neurontin i was on stating it was just too high… I am now suffering from blinding headaches, muscle and joint pain, blurry vision, severe depression, and I also have seizures which i have never had prior to the withdrawls. I have lost my 2 children, my husband, my job of 5 years, and i feel my health and sanity.. yet I can’tstop taking the drug because I fear hte withdrawl once again.. By the way pfizer pays for my neurontin as part as a “medication assistance program” through my mental health center. Basically I have been used as a guinea pig in a medicine trial. None of this added up until now. please someone e-mail me with an attorney or firm handling this case.

• Sonja G. Jackson // Nov 14, 2003 at 12:47 pm

  I have been on Neurontin for about one year for restless leg syndrome due to Parkinsons Disease. It has helped some, but I feel it has caused other problems. Sometimes I get a sick feeling in my stomach, and had to have an upper GI. Nothing showed up. I have not experienced most of the problems that others have experienced, but at this point, I will not take any more of this drug.

• A concerned friend // Nov 16, 2003 at 9:57 am

  A very close friend of mine has been on neurontin for several months now for nerve entrapment in her groin area. She also had a major surgery in her lower back area recently(sorry not sure which discs). In my opinion she is undermedicated narcotically, yet her neurosurgeon is willing to keep upping her dose of neurontin. I believe she is currently taking a total daily dose of 3,800 mg.. I have seen her in horrendous pain since before her surgery due to undermedication, but since she began taking neurontin I have seen a once happy, vivacious, wonderful woman turn into a teribly depressed bed potato. No one,not myself, not even her huband realized how bad things had become. She has had stomach problems, yada, yada, yada, but yesterday one of the best friends I’ll ever hope to have in my life and whom I’ve known since we we’re 12 years old tried to commit suicide. The problem here is that she sees neurontin as her only hope because it is the only thing that helps her sleep. The irony here is that she tried to OD on the drug that she sees as her only hope. I know she doesn’t really want to die because she called me first, but there were police and EMT. Please help us if you can. The only thing her doctor will prescribe is the one thing that is going to kill her in the end. PLEASE I am begging you. My Email address is engleman@ccorb If anyone has any info or can help me get the Dateline expose please feel free to contact me. Thanks so much.

• Julie Bonini // Nov 16, 2003 at 9:16 pm

  6 years of my life, 6 attempted suicides. Been off medication for 4 years now, been fine ever since. What is 6 years of your life worth??? I can’t wait to see pfizer pay you fu..ing a..holes.

• Michele // Nov 17, 2003 at 4:13 am

  Dear Julie,

  I hope that when we gather enough people together, that Pfizer will sit up and take notice. You’re more than welcome to join our msn group called NeurontinLitigants.

  So sorry to hear that this fraudulently marketed medication had such a severe impact on you.

  I am looking forward to receiving the paperwork from a couple of different firms on this matter. I’ve also got online submissions in to a couple of other ones, and am waiting to hear back from them.

  I can so deeply empathize with you, Julie, and others whose lives have been turned upside down. Let’s hope that Pfizer gets our message, too!

  ~Blessings~

  Michele

• Cheryl Busby // Nov 18, 2003 at 10:33 am

  neurontin,just one of many to screw up ones life. mines been screwed up for years every psyc. med. out there has had its effects.either die from medications. or the illness itself. what does one do? pop pills and die? or die any way? if the pills dont do it,BI-POLAR WILL!!!!

• michele // Nov 18, 2003 at 10:38 am

  Dear Cheryl,

  Sorry to hear things have been so rough for you lately. Sometimes things can seem very hopeless. I’m here to tell you, though, that there IS hope. It is possible to have a full and productive life even as an individual diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. Keep fighting it! If you’d like to join our MSn group, you’re more than welcome. Did you take neurontin in the past, as well? Did it not work for you either?

• M L S // Nov 18, 2003 at 9:46 pm

  I was a 17 year career federal employee and I lost my job in 2001 due to Bi-Polar/Depression symptoms that got so far out of control. I was placed on Neurontin in August 1999 along with Topamax and Prozac and by the summer of 2000 and ending by December 2001, I had been hospitalized at least 8 times. Most of the hosptializations were for suicide attempts or idealizations of suicide. I was also dealing with the impending death of my father in another city during the year 2000, and my uncle 5 weeks after my dad died and going through a direct hit on a tornado, but somehow, I survived all of it on 3200 mg of the Neurontin, 60 mg of Prozac and 500 mg of Topamax. I am on federal disability and SSA, but, I am greatly distressed that at age 49 I was retired out of the federal government early on disability and now, it could be the Neurontin that made me an absolute MESS emotionally. I was locked out of the building. That is how bad it got for me, folks. And I would not harm a flea. But, I would have harmed myself during that time in my life…and Neurontin could be the cause????????

• Katie Stewart // Nov 19, 2003 at 11:54 am

  I was diagnosed with Parsonage-Turner syndrome and put on neurotin 3 weeks ago since then I have experienced memory loss, joint pain, and anger problems.

• Veronica Key // Nov 20, 2003 at 6:52 am

  Earlier this month I was diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica (Entrapment of nerve in the groin area) A very painful disorder. I was put on neuronton and slowly increased dosage. I now take 300 mg - 3X a day. I have had no depression yet. They did say that after the 1 month they would increase the dosage. My complaint is memory loss (while in a conversation I forget what I was talking about) My brain feels numb and I kind of tingle all over at times. It has help somewhat with the hip and groin pain. But after reading these post I am getting a little concerned. But I can’t live with the pain that I was suffering from previously.

• Dawn // Nov 20, 2003 at 1:11 pm

  My dad has been on Neurontin for nearly 6 months to try to repair nerve damage in his hands caused by a surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Lately I have noticed that he has been depressed and a few times he has talked about suicide. At first I thought it was just over family problems, but after reading all of these stories, I am starting to think that there is more behind it, and the Neurontin may be the cause. I am extremely scared of losing my dad…I am only 17. If anyone could send me information about the Dateline story or any lawsuits that are being filed, I would greatly appreciate it. Just in case my email doesnt show up, it’s ladydevil57@hotmail.com or crazy_brunette7@yahoo.com

  Thanks,

  Dawn

• Wendy Bird // Nov 21, 2003 at 4:54 am

  Veronica, If you are already concerned with it’s effect on you, I would consider very carefully before continuing to take the neurontin. Is it worth the risk? (and I believe personally that there is alot of risk involved - neurontin does work for alot of people - but if you are one of the unfortunate ones who experience life changing side effects, it’s not going to be a good choice) I know what it feels like to have nerve entrapment in my pelvic area, it’s not pleasant. However, now I am living with the pain and what appears to be permanent neurological damage. I have memory problems, short term and interferance memory, and MANY OTHER PROBLEMS. If you could get into a GOOD Pain Management Clinic, there are alot of benefits to attending one, and learning ways to control your pain , not it controling you. It is to late for me to go back and not take this drug, and of course I cannot presume to know your situation or advise you on what to do. However,I would seriously consider all your options and all the information you can get about alternative treatments, etc. before you make any final decisions about continuing to take this or any other drug.

• C. Cooper // Nov 21, 2003 at 5:24 pm

  I have lived with migraines, severe body pain, and being bi-polar most of my life. Then my once excellant memory began to fail, I really noticed a big change for the worse after taking 27000mg of neurontin for several years. I started the neurontin about 6 years ago and took it for about 4 years. To tell the truth my memory has gotten so bad I’m never sure I can rely on it. What I do know is that I went though two serious suicide attempts while taking this drug. I finally deceided that this drug was hurting me instead of helping me and I quit taking it. The problem is that I think it has had lasting negitive effects that may never go away. I would very much appreciate any information that you could pass along. Sincerely, C. Cooper

• Teri-Anne Jordan // Nov 22, 2003 at 8:28 am

  I accidentally found this page. I was surprised by the number of people who have been suffering from using this drug. I was prescribed neurontin in 2002 after my back surgery. It seemed to help the pain down my leg and the neuropathy in my foot; however, I noticed that my short-term memory was getting worse. I’m in my mid fifties, so I chalked it up to my age. Then I began having noises in my right ear–like crickets or ticking, along with a pulsing “beep-beep” sound like a UPS truck backing up. In addition, the hearing in my right ear is muffled. I’ve been checked by several doctors, and none of them can find the cause of the problem. I’m now wondering if it’s the neurontin? Is anyone else having any hearing problems?

• Teri-Anne Jordan // Nov 22, 2003 at 8:57 am

  The Dateline Expose’ can be found at http://www.msnbc.com/news/937302.asp

• Angelique Butler // Nov 23, 2003 at 11:13 am

  I was prescribed Neurontin in 2000 for social anxiety. My psychiatrist had me taking several meds. I was hearing voices and I was diagnosed with manic deppression. While taking Neurontin I attempted suicide several times(hearing voices saying) cut your wrist. I was in and out of hospitals for the next two years. The lasting damage I have is a tendancy to just lock up. My hands turn into crab claws, and it is very hard to straighten them. I get a feeling of lock jaw and I am unable to speek. This comes and goes and it usually last about 5 minutes at a time.

  If there is anyone out there with the same symptoms please e-mail me at Cozynblue@yahoo.com. I would like to get to the bottom of this and find out if there is any plan of action for treatment of these symptoms. Thank you. Angelique Butler

• Dawn Pepe // Nov 23, 2003 at 5:45 pm

  My daughter was placed on Neurontin at the age of 4 for seizures and migranines. Over a period of a few weeks after she started, her behavior changed dramatically!!!! She was on the medication for almost two years. Her behavior became uncontrollable. She became a danger to her younger brother and sister. She would cry after her episodes that she could not stop. It got to the point where, I feel terrible to say, I was ready to call Social Services and have her put in voluntary care. I informed her neurologists, who immediately put her on ritolin. All they told me was that they would try something else. Never once did they tell me this was a side effect of neurontin. A friend of mine who was a pharmacist told me the ritalin was to contereffect the neurontin. I slowly took her off both, and once the medicine was out of her system, she was so different. Now she still has emotional problems all as a result I feel of the neurontin. This medication stole two years of our lives that should have been wonderful, but were a nightmare. I can only imagine what would have happened had we kept her on neurontin. I was never warned that this could be a side effect. I would really like to get information on this suit.

• Heather Betts // Nov 25, 2003 at 5:14 pm

  I am concerned that Neurotin combined with other Pain medications caused Blood clots to form in the blood stream of my friend whom has passed away. He was on Neurotin since July of 2002 along with High doses of Pain medications for what the doctors were diagnosing as RSD. When he started the medications he started experiencing chest pains. The doctors did an EKG which showed nothing wrong and ignored the problem. He was crying himself to sleep, losing his vitality for life. Things progressed so fast with the pains and depression that I believe that it caused him to lose his care and concern for his life. 15 months after starting 1800 MG of neurotin combined over time with different pain medications…ending with Morphine 24 hrs before he died. If this sounds firmiluar to anyone please conctact me with any information you have. His mother ( an only child ) is searching for answers to the death of her son. Wondering if it was combinations of medications or just side affects not known.

• Scott Donaldson // Nov 29, 2003 at 1:37 am

  Is this all real… or just a dream?… That is what I wonder as I sit here now reading about this Drug. The symptoms all add up. The reasonong why I had my wife take out all of my guns out of my home. Because I thought I was going crazy and losing touch with reality. 3 years ago I began taking Nuerontin for RLS and pain in my upper right back. Now I am suffering from cronic back pain and the only way out seems to be suicide. This is not me. I have a buetiful loving wife and 2 kids. I could never kill myself. Why do I have these thoughts. Every day is a battle for me, I think it is time to get off Nuerontin. Is there any other cure for RLS? Sometimes I feel like the whole world is crazy. I just don’t want to get caught.

• Tracy // Dec 2, 2003 at 6:09 am

  I have been on Nuerotin since my surgery in 2000. I am now taking 5400mg daily. They just increasing it. I suffer from severe memory loss, I have major mood swings so much I was begining to believe I had bibolor disease. I was never told that my symptoms are side effects of the drugs. I also mix with pain killers like darvasit or vicadin which are mind altering or make you have mood swings. I have nerve damage along my entire left side of my body. I have shooting pain from my shoulder blade into my fingers and from my hip into my foot. If I don’t tak the neurontin I have convultion in my leg. However, after finding out my memory loss and mood swings are from the drug I am willing to look for other medicine. I may be in more pain and maybe acupunture will work but I need to get off this medicine. Thank you all for your messages. I have learned so much from all of you. You start to feel alone in the world when you have the problems like I have. So thank you all for your help.

• Christi // Dec 2, 2003 at 9:34 pm

  I am a 23 year old with spina bifida. My docs put me on this drug after assuring that it was safe for me. I started noticing something was wrong about a week after taking it. I would stand up and then just fall over for no reason. Then after about a month of being on it, I lost control of my emotions. I was crying and screaming all the time. So I decided to quit the drug. I went through some of the worst ever withdrawal symptoms. I felt like I would shake apart…and I was very on-edge all the time. But I survived it by the grace of God and I am no longer on it. Actually it has scared me to the point that I dont want to take any pain meds. Im still young…to young to feel like I did on this drug. I will plead with anybody not take it. It is one of the most dangerous drugs I have ever seen!

• Lisa M. Feffer // Dec 11, 2003 at 12:01 pm

  I’m a 26 year old with epilepsy, I was on neurontin for epilepsy since i was 15 until I was 20 then I switched doctors. while on Neurontin I attepted suicide three times by slashing my wrists, and was uncontrollable during my seizures and in general I would walk around the house unaware what i was doing and since then my seizured are worse, I’m on permanent disability, and have had two surgeries due to my seizures that may have been controlled sooner if i was put on a medication without so many side effects. I just recently found out about this lawsuit and would like to get involved, please let me know of any new info.

  Thank You

  Lisa M. Feffer

• Jenny McGhee // Dec 11, 2003 at 12:19 pm

  I heard just today how dangerous Neurontin is and was told to go to the Internet and look it up. I am absolutely appalled at what I read. I’ve been on the drug neurontin since July 2003, started out 900mg daily and could not stay awake, the doctor weined me down to 700mg daily taking most of the dose at bedtime, but I’ve noticed alot of short term memory loss and dizziness. Now I am on Workman comp and am having alot of problems at work with my employer, USPost office, and discrimination, I may be able to get on another drug, but I have to take something as the pain in my foot is too bad to walk, (Mortons Neuroma)Please if someone could advise me, can I file a class action lawsuit or be part of one, and I should get off the neurontin as soon as possible. I was told by my doctor that getting off could cause seizures. My e-mail is Jenny20109@Yahoo.com

• sara // Dec 19, 2003 at 1:27 am

  I have been on neurontin for a year with a dosage of 1800mg for nerve damage. This past year has been a total nightmare. This drug controlled me and almost cost me my life. I demanded to be taken off against my doctor’s wishes Iam now down to 800mg after slowly reducing 100mg weekly. Mental confusion is less i had every side affect above and more. I lived in a world of fear….

  How many lives will be taken due to this drug? Until something is done….

• J Floyd // Dec 19, 2003 at 12:16 pm

  Check out this info fom Ch. 10’s Dateline Show

• Shellie // Dec 19, 2003 at 5:46 pm

  I am currently taking 2400mg and up for Atypical face pain. I have noticed that I have pressure in my forehead, I dont feel that this is associated with the face pain. I have also noticed that I feel depressed and my memory is horrible. Does anyone know how I can get a copy of the Dateline report?

• Mark A. Boe // Dec 21, 2003 at 9:17 pm

  This Neurontin just about killed me.

  After taking neurontin for four years I grew increasingly depressed to the point of attempting suicide four different times. Get off this stuff and stay off of it.

  It was prescribed to me for pain but it only caused more pain.

• penny sandman // Dec 27, 2003 at 3:37 am

  i seen tv commercial about suicide attempt while taking neurotin.my son was in drug rehab two years ago and put on several meds including neurotin he took an overdose of his medications while in foster care.he was like a zombie,he changed alot while on these meds he has never had a full evaulation as to what his mental issues were.i would like information on this lawsuit.

• Heather J. Moore // Jan 3, 2004 at 8:22 am

  I’ve been taking Nuerontin for 4 years, since then I’ve had more suicice attempts than I remember. Including Jumping from high places twice breaking several bones, overdoses, and walking in front of moving automobiles. I’m still struggling to get my mind, my memory and my desire to live again. I truly appreciate all of you sharing, I have printed it and I’m going to take it to me Dr. right away.

  God Bless You All!

  Heather J.Moore

• William C Duck,Jr. // Jan 12, 2004 at 4:10 pm

  When my mother told me about this case, I was shock to find so many people who was affected by this drug. I took Neurontin for a motocycle accident, which I lost half of my leg.The drug had me depressed and tired all the time. Things seemed to get worst over time and I’ve even attempted to kill myslef.I would sit for hours on end thiking of a way to end my life.The thought of my son and family was the only thing that I struggled with.I would cry for hours repeating the words they love you so much, don’t do this.Even when I had a 25 cal. pistol pointed at my head, death seemed better at the time. Before I pulled the trigger,I begged the lord to help me as I closed my eyes.When the shot rang out I thought it was over for me. Till this day I can explain what had happened. The bullet flew pass my head and hit my fireplace,then landed on the floor about a foot in front of me.Thank heavens there is a GOD, I’m living proof. He saved me the day of my accident and on that attempt on my life.After that day I stopped taking the drug on my own and even though I sometimes still get depressed.I no longer have the thought of taking my own life.

  Thanks for listening

  William C Duck,Jr.

• mellissa // Jan 15, 2004 at 1:06 pm

  my sister was perscribed neurontin along with other meds for her depression and bipolar issues, she had already attemptted to kill herself before these were givin to her. not knowing what we now know about the drug things got worse. who would think to give a suicidal person a medication to help with this that has a side affect and history of causing it? while on neurontin she became pregant. she was more depressed than she had been, sleeping alot more not being able to wake up. her moods when she was awake were some that i had never seen in her before. when we would try and wake her from her sleep she was so out of it she didn’t know where,who or what we or she was. when she told her perscriber this they told her not to worry that she just needed time to get used to the new meds and upped her dossage. not knowing she was pregant and never being tested she kept taking the meds. she still had her period like normal, but was gaining weight and seemed to us her family and friends as a person whom we lived with, but did not know. she didn’t even know who she was. the first week in march 2002 she went to the er, and was told she was pregnat. 9months along and due in a couple of weeks. her meds docs seemed surprised, but with everything she told them was going on with her they never ran any tests. not one. we found out that neuromtin has been called the fetal fatal drug. and that she was lucky to have carried her baby this long, for most women loose their babies. with this information we were even more shocked that not once had anyone tested her, or told her when she started taking it that if she became pregnat she would probly loose it. we were all in a state of shock, what are we to do? she is not able to care for herself let alone a baby. my sister never wanted kids, but we are all grateful for her son. she stopped taking all her meds imeditalty and two weeks later delivered a baby boy. in those two weeks i quickkly started to get back my sister who was lost to all of us. she was alert, awake, her moods seemed to be undercontorl(kinda the way we expected them to be while on the meds)she was coming back to us, but at the same time was under going something i could never image having to go through. less than a month to prepare her home, life and self for the arival of a baby. most of us have six, seven,eight some nine months to get ready for this and are still not ready. she feared that the meds were going to cause defects to the baby and she was now going into a differnt mental state. her son had to go to a hospital for drug affected babies and did not get to bring him home for some time. after the birth the docs wanted her to go back on neurontin. she refused. though all the people who were supposed to know what they were doing when perscribing this and monerting it(so they called it) would not as much as give her an im sorry. no they all pointed their fingers at everyone else.

• kenneth partridge // Jan 27, 2004 at 7:48 am

  i tried to kill myself. Im on nuerotin for nueprhopathy. Is there any representing lawyers for this?

• Cherie Boston-Atlanta,GA. // Jan 29, 2004 at 5:23 pm

  Please email me with legal info about this case…Lawyer`s name and number etc. Thanks, Cherie Boston January 28,2004

• Rae Penney from NH,USA // Jan 31, 2004 at 11:35 am

  I am 34 yr old single mom raising 4 children. I was diagnosed with MS. was given neurontin…within 3 weeks i tried to kill myself twice..did mutilate my body and suffered from depression so bad i would cry for 10-15 hours a day..and this was on a very low dose of 200 mg a day…after 3 weeks..and almost being committed twice someone suggested i call my doc…low and behold after not taking it for less than 24 hours i was already feeling back to normal. I did behaviors that were way out of my character….was traumatized with panic attacks every day. I want any info i can get to be included in the law suit…it nearly killed me and now have PTSD due to the severity of trauma it inflicted on my life. I dont remember much about the last 3 weeks and am now having memory problems as well. I think someone ought to pay for mine and other people’s pain and suffering that was the direct result of false promises. I took Neurontin thinking it was going to improve my quallity of life and what it did was almost kill me.

• painlaw // Feb 6, 2004 at 12:42 am

  Hi myself and others have found that Neurontin causes so much mental foggyness and although when used once in awhile to cut the burn down of RSD is not as effective as narcotics. The ability to control how much painkiller or how little and having a doctor who is a partner in your pain management is very important. Most doctors are terrified of pain patients. It seems that many people have to lie to caregivers to surrive as when you tell the truth you are passed on to shrinks, expensive pain clinics, made to repeated medical exams and told that they are willing to prescribe for you, but within two or three visits your out of their practice. Most doctors are unwilling to step up to the plate and let patients practice what the Intractable Pain Laws of many states preach. That is being allowed to not have to choose surgery or alternative treatments instead of narcotics and if they are unwilling to prescribe the patient is to be told that their are other doctors who will. I run a support group and it makes me crazy to see the doctors who know their is a need and millions of good souls (one half of one percent of all chronic pain patients who use narcotics abuse them) are left to suffer, just because they are unwilling to practice what they know is good medicine. Its like 911 sometimes you are asked to be a hero and run into a building, not knowing if you will survive. Most doctors are unwilling to be heroic, they won’t even stand up for eachother when one of their own gets in trouble for overprescribing even after they are the same doctors who reffered the patients in the first place. Any comments are welcome. Up in pain

• luvday // Feb 11, 2004 at 8:17 pm

  please e-mail me with the name of an lawyer for the case action suit

  Thank-you

• Michael C // Feb 19, 2004 at 12:19 pm

  Thank you Brenda & Annie for reminding me to post my e-mail to the Michael C message posted earlier. Also thanks for the anti-anxiety info…they also put me on Ativan for the anxiety that I never once before experienced in my life!!! I’ll let whatever lawyer that contacts me know about the “nightmare” that caused me..and it wasn’t a bad dream..it was reality!!!

• Mary Jo Terrell // Feb 20, 2004 at 1:08 pm

  I have been advised to take 1200 mg of neurontin a day for migranes by neurology dr. I am concerned since this is a narcotic and the dosage. I would not want to get addicted of have ill side effects. Once before I was taking 300 mg for sleeping due to severe depression while sons at war. I am a little hestitant. Please help.

• Timothy S. Ireland // Feb 28, 2004 at 7:29 pm

  I’ve been in the same boat as everyone on this site. I was uterly horrified as I read all the different emails. I was put on 2700mg Neurontin, 2mg Klonopin, and 600mg Darvocet daily for Fibromyligia, Brachial Plexopathy and Neuropathy Chest Pain. Shortly after starting all these meds, I started hallucinating and hearing things and was told it was just a panic attack and my Neurontin was increased from 300mg to 2700mg and Klonopin from 1mg to 2mg daily with Darvocet 300mg to 400mg daily. Shortly afterward I noticed that I was severely depressed and didn’t care about no one and would get angry for no reason at all. I was always agitated and eventually started stabbing and cutting my arms. I went to my doctors and was told that I was just having a reaction to the Klonopin and they took me off and added 2mg of Xanax. After being on this combination, I then started to self mutilate myself again and eventually reached a point in my life that I tried to commit suicide by cutting my wrist and taking 13 Darvocet on February 15, 2004, but I then realized I didn’t want to die and had my wife take me to the hospital. I spent 5 days in the hospital and was then court ordered to involutary stay in a mental hospital for 45 days. I told everyone that it was the medications that I was on that made me do this. They said that there was no way that any medications would cause me to self mutilate myself and try to commit suicide and called me a lyer in court and the judge just court order an additional 45 day involuntary stay. I tried to tell everyone that since I’ve been taken off of all my medications for these past 6 days that I had my mind back and I’m no longer a threat to my self and that my pyschiatrist Dr. Downes told me I had a severe reaction to my meds and he ordered all my meds stopped. He then released me from the mental hospital February 20, 2004. I have been having extreme severe migraines that I just puke my brains out so far. I’m praying that I won’t have any seizures but I do a severe tremors now. I nearly lost my life and my wonderful family whom means everything to me. Now after being release from the mental hospital, my town DHS department of Arkadelphia is trying to say I’m a danger to myself and my children because I attempted suicide and so they want to try and take them if they are in my custody. My wife is sick with seizures right now and she had me take the children to Alma, Arkansas and enroll them and get a place until she could get things under control. I said OK and did this. I enrolled them Thursday the 26th of February 2004 and my sister alowed me to stay with her. I thought everything was fine until Friday the 27th after school while visiting my brother I get a call that the DHS came by my sisters looking for me and my children because they felt I was a danger to them. I called my wife immediately and told her what was happening and she told me that she would immediately find out what’s going on. She was told that they felt that as long as I had my children they were in danger. This is totally ridiculous. I have done everything my doctors asked and even schelduled another appointment with my psy doc but they would not make the appointment until April 22nd. I have tried telling everyone that it was the Neurontin and other medications I was on that cause me to get to the point that I had major depression and attempted suicide but was told I was a lair and that no medication would cause a person to self mutilate themselves and attempt suicide. Where is the world going to? Please if you have any advice or know how to help me in my situation, please email me. Thankyou. I go to my doctors for help for my diseases and all they do is nearly kill me. They should be held accountable for all of this. Everyone on this site are in my prayers and my sincere condolense for your lost loved ones due to this horrendous medication Neurontin. We all need to get together and fight for are rights and put a stop to this drug company continual maketing a drug that is killing people. My email is tquestor@sbcglobal.net please email me if any further information is available. I have already filed with this class action lawsuit.

• Celeste Bergerson // Mar 1, 2004 at 1:14 am

  Thank you so very much for this site! As many have previously stated… I thought I was alone with my terrifying neurontin experience! Just today, I was made aware of the many horrors caused by this drug! I have lived with the belief that I alone, had these effects described above - all the way to suicide attempt. Would you please e-mail the attorney contact information and anything pertaining with the lawsuit. I believe it is mandatory that this info. is broadcast throughout the land as I am sure there are many other persons unaware that they are not alone and must cease the use of this medicine before it is too late!

  Thank you again.

  Celeste Bergerson

  email address: theones@sbcglobal.net

• Lisa A.Carter