Two Florida residents who were prescribed the epilepsy drug Neurontin for so-called “off-label” uses filed a class action lawsuit against Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest drugmaker, for illegally promoting Neurontin for non-approved uses.
The lawsuit, filed in a Miami-Dade Circuit Court, says Warner Lambert and its Parke-Davis, Inc. subsidiary – both acquired by Pfizer in 2000 – launched in the late 1990s, an illegal, deceptive and highly profitable scheme to get doctors to prescribe the drug as a primary medication for such unauthorized uses as bipolar disorder, nerve pain and neuropathy, among a host of other uses.
The suit charges the defendants with violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, negligence, unjust enrichment, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, and breach of implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Neurontin as a supplementary treatment for epilepsy and certain nerve pain relating to shingles. But according to the lawsuit, patients were also prescribed Neurontin for conditions not approved by the FDA.
“The outrage is the deceptive practices of Warner-Lambert (now Pfizer) hurt people suffering from serious medical conditions,” said Omar Malone, a lawyer with Freidin & Brown, who represents the women. “People rely on drug manufacturers to provide some measure of relief. And rather than provide relief through approved FDA medications, Warner-Lambert went behind the FDA’s back to promote these drugs to the most vulnerable in our society. This drug was promoted big-time among people with bipolar syndrome, for instance. We have fielded hundreds of calls on this, including people who have suffered side effects, and expect to file more suits shortly.”
The plaintiffs, Shirley Levin of Boca Raton and Ana Medero of Miami, were prescribed Neurontin for neuropathy, an unapproved use. Levin spent nearly $5,000 out of pocket for the drug, and Madero spent $10,000 and suffered hallucinations and other side effects, Malone said
In May, Pfizer agreed to plead guilty and pay more than $430 million to settle all criminal charges and civil liabilities related to the illegal and fraudulent promotion of unapproved uses for Neurontin by Warner-Lambert’s Park-Davis division, the Justice Department said in a statement.
The government alleged that Pfizer boosted sales for Neurontin through non-approved uses by flying doctors to lavish resorts, paying them kickbacks as consultants’ and speakers’ fees for unapproved uses, and fired salespeople if they didn’t recruit enough doctors to prescribe Neurontin for pain. The government also said Pfizer suppressed a study revealing the drug to be less effective than a sugar pill placebo in treating bipolar disorder, leaving both doctors and patients uninformed.
The case against Neurontin goes back to 1996, when Warner-Lambert employee and whistleblower David Franklin revealed the scheme to the government.
(via Business Wire)
{ 131 comments }
← Previous Comments
Hello, I was placed on neurontine in 2002 following back surgery with nerve damage. On January 5, 2003 I attempted suicide, taking an overdose of Elavil intentionally. I was on life support for eight days. I have since been hospitalized twice for suicidal thoughts. I was shocked to hear that suicides have been linked to this medicine!!!
I WAS PERSCIBED NEUROTIN BY THE SURGEON THAT REBUILT MY LEFT ANKLE IN APRIL O3. MANY PROBLEMS EMEDIATLY FOLLOWED.I AM NOW AT 1800MG PER DAY.WHY IS THE VA STILL PRESCRIBING THIS MEDICATION FOR NERVE/DAMAGE/PAIN. LAST WEEK WHILE SITTING IN THE CLINIC IN BLOOMINGTON I STRUCK UP A CONVERSATION WITH AN OLDER GENTLEMAN WHO WAS ON 3600MGS PER DAY.THIS POOR MAN COULD BARELY KEEP HIS HEAD UP AND HIS WIFE FINISHED ALL OF HIS SENTENCES FOR HIM.I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD EXPERIENCED ANY SIDEFECTS HIS REPLY WAS THAT HE HAD BEEN HOSPITALISED TWICE THIS PAST YEAR FOR PNUEMONIA.AS VETERANS IS THEIR ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO STOP THIS INCOMPETENCE AND OR COMPLACENCY WITHIN THE THE VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THANK YOU.F
I began taking neurontin in 2001 following a lumbar fusion.I had been dignosed with M.S. several years earlier but had been symptom free for at least 3 years.I began to have symptoms of depression severe at times,along with dizziness and balance problems,irritability and weight gain.I thought it was from the M.S. I have been put on prozac as well as other meds for the depression.As my symptoms worsened my neurologist increased my dosage.I now have decided to quit taking the neurontin.Can anyone tell me if there is a lawyer in Missouri who is reveiwing this.I have also had problems with concentration,does anyone know if these effects are permenate
I have been a diabetic all my life, I become disabled in 1996 and was started on Neurontin at that time for severe diabetic neuropathy. over the next few weeks my Dr. increased it to 2700 mg a day. I was on it until recently, I had a real hard time speaking with slurred speach, was paranoid, depressed, cried uncontrolably, became very isolated fell frequently down stairs because of dizziness and was hospitalized several times for hallucinations, and for severe headaches. I had to have Carotid Artery surgery in 2003 because of narrowing vessels, I felt sick all the time and just couldn’t cope with everyday life, I had no quality to my life at all. I am no longer taking neurontin, I feel as if those years were stolen from me. I would like to talk to a lawyer about this, I live in Ky. God Bless You all…………Rita Hicks
I HAVE MOST OF THESE SYMPTONS,TOO. I HAVE BEEN BRUISED FROM HEAD TO TOE FROM FALLING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING JUST FINE AND WOULD SUDDENLY GET ALL LIGHTHEADED AND NOT RECOGNIZE WHERE I WAS. I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OFF THE STREET BECAUSE I THOUGHT I WAS GOINH TO PASS OUT. TREMENDOUS WEIGHT GAIN FROM BODY SWELLING. MEMORY LOSS. FOGGY. I STOPPED TAKING WHEN I BEGAN HAVING PARKINSON SIGNS LIMBS JERKING AND MOVING ON THEIR OWN IN GROTESQUE POSITIONS VERY SCARY AND PAINFUL. I STILL AMHAVING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS AND I STOPPED ONE YEAR AGO MOOD WAS TERRIBLE EVERYTHING RELATED TO DEATH DYING I AM SURE I REALLY WAS GOING THROUGH BODY SHUTDOWN I PRAYED TO LIVE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY TO SLIP INTO THE BLACK VELVET DARKNESS OF DEATH IT WAS AWFUL I AM IN TEXAS AND NEED A LAWYER I HAVW PTSD AND CAN’T SEEM TO MAKE A GOOD ENOUGH IMPRESSIOM TO GET A LAWYER. THANK YOU CONTACT ME JANE
I had a back injury while working for Safeway Food Stores. It has been six years. My Dr. placed me on Nuerontin last year for nerve pain that has been very debilitating. WOW! I was not ready for the reaction I had to the Nuerontin. The first night I was to take just one. I was asleep in 20 minutes. My husband could not wake me. The next night I was to take two then the third night three. Then stay on three per day for a month and posssibly have the amount increased. I could not think, drive, cook or even remember my own phone number. In short, I was almost nonexistent. I finally took myself off Nuerontin. It took a good six months before I even tried to balance my checkbook. When I look back on the whole time I was on Nuerontin I realise I had been hording other meds to use to kill myself. I am so glad I had enough clear head to stop myself. If anyone knows of an Arizona Lawyer let me know. Thanks
Hi..I would like to talk to some people who are taking Neurontin..I have been taking it and thought i was the only one..IMAGINE THAT !!…thank you very much and i am so hoping for someone to talk to about this situation so many of us are in…i am getting pretty worried about this now that i have read so much about it tonight..I live in West Virginia and please as many of you that will talk to me i would really appreciate it alot
I have been a diabetic for 15 years. A little over two years ago my doctor perscribed Nuerontin for neuropathy pain in my feet.I am currently taking 600 MG per day.I first heard about the lawsuit on TV. After reading some of the readers comments I recognized quite a few of the side effects these people were having. I thought the way I have been feeling for the last couple of years was due to being a diabetic. A year ago I had stents put in both legs due to narrowing vessels. I can’t remember the last time I had a good night sleep. I’m tired all the time, feeling depressed not wanting to go to work. I have even had bouts of dizzyness and loss of balance. As far as memory loss I thought it was just due to getting older. This news really upsets me. The last two years have been hell!! I know there is no way I will ever get them back. I wish very much to be included it this lawsuit. I live in Illinois and can be reached by phone 815-548-8208 or e-mail rvolz@grics.net
I am in the process of stopping the Neurontin that I have been taking for quite awhile. The last week has truly been hard. Fitful sleep averaging 2 or 3 hours a night but I am determined to get this off my back before it finishes destroying me. I had been taking 600 mg.every night and the doctor wanted me to increase it to include 300 mg. twice every day too. I, too, am having so many headaches, dizziness, periphial neuropothy and venous stasis in both feet and legs with both of them burning as if you were pouring hot water on them. I have always been very active but its limiting me greatly. My memory is getting so bad.I always had a knack of remembering names,faces and details but that is gone. I get so depressed and cry at the drop of a hat. I live in LA now so is there someone in this area that handles the Neurontin cases ?
I tried to read most of the previous postings, but could not finish. It makes me so angry and sick to my stomach that this could happen to so many people. Like others, I was prescribed Neurontin for bipolar disorder as a ‘mood stabilizer’. I was on it for at least 2 yrs. from what I remember, which isn’t a lot. I went through so many diagnoses and felt like I was completely psychotic. My life spun out of control and I found myself in and out of mental hospitals. I lost my job and had to go on disability. I have had several suicide attempts, many while IN the mental hospital. As I look back I realize that the psychotic type of behavior began with the medications, most noteably Neurontin. It was supposed to help with mood stability and migraines…the ‘miracle drug’. I was told that it showed so much promise. I would be interested in the long term effects as I find every day as I am talking with family or friends that I don’t remember yet something else. I admit that I have had problems with depression before and after taking Neurontin, but I KNOW that it is not nearly as bad as when I was on the promised cure-all. I can manage my moods better on my own than with the medication. I almost lost my life due to taking this drug and I am sure there are many others who actually did. Please help me find a lawyer willing to help and/or write with similiar experiences. Thank you.
Have you heard of any Law suits going on in Canada?
I was involved in an auto accident in 1996. One of my doctors prescribed Neurontin in 1998 for my nerve pain instead of fixing my injuries. Doctors were always quick to prescribe drugs instead of surgery. Were they getting a cut from my $450/month drug prescriptions for Neurontin? Finally, I could no longer stand the pain and told them I was ready for drugs. My doctor told me to Neurontin was good and to increase Neurontin until I found the right dose. I was taking no less than 9 pills a day. I believe was 200-300mg each pill. I noticed after increasing dose to 9 and above daily I had problems with not knowing which leg was going to take the next step while walking for just a split second. Just enough to throw me off balance. It went from once a day to 10 times daily. I finally got my neck, wrist and shoulder fixed and stopped the Neurontin. After reading all these stories I now think it was the Neurontin causing these symptoms. Let me know when there are attorneys for this here in MO. It was hard to explain my walking problems to anyone who has not experience it them selves.
I have been taking neurontin for almost a year. It was prescribed for back pain. I have been having alot of neurological problems, memory loss, eye pain, severe migraines, and my feet stay so cold that I have to keep a heating pad on them. Could this be caused by the Neurontin? Please let me know. Thanks
Please inform me on this law suit My father was taking neurontin for over 3 years at the max 3xday he was always dizzy never noticed speech problems complained of migraines, could not get a good balance I thought he had a touch of Parkinsons but did not. he also had siezures to the pont that he was actually just out of it, Diabetic, one night he fell and could not get up I called 911 and they checked everything out and said that he looked ok but they went to help him up and he could not stand on his own he said his legs felt like jello. He went to the hospital and never came home he went in to a type of neurological coma and died of kidney falure and double pnomunia. I really would like to know if this medication had any part of his death. Please e-mail me with any information. I live in AL
TOOK NEURONTON 6-8MO. FOR P.N. DIDNOT HELP, DID SLEEP SOME BETTER FOR A WHILE.
MY BALANCE IS VERY BAD. I STILL NEED RELIEF FOR FEET . BILLY B.
My 61 year old mother was found dead 3 weeks ago. In her apt., we found Seroquil, Restoril, Effexor, and Zyrtek…all samples given to her by her Dr. Coroner said she died of Seroquil Intoxication. The sample packs don’t say how much to take. Was there a drug interaction? Is the Dr. liable? I am due to give birth on Tuesday, 3 weeks after her death. Not fair!
hi everyone, sorry to hear so many suffering also on neurontin, i have been on it for 1 1/2 yrs, it took my memory and almost my life away from me, i am still stuggling with this,memory, and have pain in my chest was taken to hospital couple time, will er did test and not heart attack is all they tell me. i have had numbness in arms and hands, becuae of this drug also, howerve eeg came back abnormal, right after i got off from it
so now dr put me on keppra, well i am still have chest pain, shoulder pain, and rushed to er, so memeory troublle.
I asked nurse at first they told me i was or could be having partial memory loss due to having partial seizure by eeg . well talk to his other nurse the other day and it that i am on this keppra not for siezures but for pain again. i know it has alot of side effects as neurontin has, i have been getting depressed and i dont know attitude. on everything recently. help is the attorneys alone handling sucides,
and or aare they just trying to get money for medicaid itself which is overcharged on meds. is there anyone out there for us patients who have suffered damaged from this drug. i dont understand this civil action can anyone advise me please i lost my house from a fire i had no memory of turning on the stove and lost 3 pets, my life is totally shattered i might as well went up in smoke with it
I tried to send a copy of this email to all of the people who had written in for information, but some had no email address listed, so I’m sending it to you so that you can pass on the information.
The suicide/overdose affects may not apply to everyone, but I can assure you that the “how to get well” information about seeing a naturopathic doctor will apply to all.
Just the magnesium deficiency lists bi-polar, paranoid-pschiz, ADHD, diabeties, and many more misdiagnosis that have been given when it was a magnesium deficiency. Neurontin also depletes the luteal phase in women, thus causing many menopausal symptoms and depression symptoms that list in the hundreds. Men can also be helped by seeing a naturopathic doctor because the hair analysis and hormone saliva test are NOT subjective, they are exact!
Please pass on to anyone that this may help.
********************
I was on Neurontin for eight years, I had only remembered it six. My memory and suicide attempots, etc wer out of control. I have just spent the last 4-5 months getting my life on charts and in a box and if you could look at the affects neurontin has had on my life, I think you would cry for what appears to be many similarities.
I have indeed found a lawyer, but he only handles cases that involve suicidal deaths from the medications or suicide attempts. He is in NJ and has over 200 clients, half of which are families of dead loved ones.
You can reach them this way.
Harris L. Pogust
email: hpogust@sskrplaw.com
Cuneo, Pogust & Mason
200 Barr Harbor Drive
Suite 400
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610)941-2938
Your best bet is to call this phone number and talk to Mr. Pogust’s paralegal, Ellen Reardon or email her at ereardon@sskrplaw.com
(Their email addresses may have changed since they just moved offices.)
When I first talked to them, I was offended when she told me that he only took suicide cases. Then my friend reminded me, “Laureen, you were in ICU on life support for 3 days!” So I called them back.
After having gone back through the last eight years with the help of friends and family, we found over six overdoses and several suicide letters that I had no memory of.
As far as for memory, I’m still praying that my abilities will keep returning. I even got pregnant by a man I had no idea who was the father because I was only sleeping with one man, my ex-husband. After 2 DNA test came back negative for him, I finished the pregnancy, (during which they PUT ME BACK on the Neurontin) without knowing who the father of this child was. I was hospitalized three times for overdoses and OPC’d. Finally bits of memory started coming back, like the ceiling and light fixture, etc. It took a long time but finally found out who it was and forced him to take a DNA test. I accused him of drugging me, and wished to hell I could have put him in jail.
We are now friends, once I learned from Pfizer themselves about the AMNESIA neurontin causes.
My little girl and I are alive only by the Grace of God and are doing well, recoving over the last year slowly beign off the med.
I hope all this information helps you, but the best information I can give you is to tell you to RUN not WALK to the nearest, female, naturopathic, DR> of Natural medicine as quickly as you can.
They do hair analysis test, and have recently gotten the test results back from a HORMONE Saliva test, and have found that the neurontin caused a MASSIVE magneseum deficiency, (look that up on the net) its symptoms are crazy and are often misdiagnosed as “bi-polar” and they have also found that I have a severe hormone deficiency that has caused anovulatory cycles, and/or luteal phase deficiency. I just got put on natural progesterone.
I was on 15 meds, one side affect led to the prescribing of another etc. I am now off of everything except natural magnesieum and natural progesterone and am getting better everyday.
(My little girl hears voices, etc and we just started testing on her.)
The point is this: You don’t have to live this way, and natural medicine doctors run chemical analysis and can show you figures on paper of what your body is deficient of. We don’t even think I was ever bi-polar in the first place, I had just had a baby 5 months prior when they diagnosed me.
My doctor, Dr. Jane Jester Hebert, daughter of Dr. John Jester, who was first an MD and then became a Dr. of Natural Medicine when no one in america could save him form cancer. He’s been cured ofr over 25 years and has received the same award as Dali Lama and Mother Teresa.
If I were you, and I could afford a plane ticket every few months, I’d fly to see them. They are the best! (If you need a place to stay, I can arrange that so it wouldn’t cost you, either with myself or my best friend, as you see…..I have recently gotten so much better, I have accepted a job in NC and will be returning to work after I sell my home. Wish me luck.
As far as for the memory or cognitive rebuilding, I don’t know. I keep asking the question too. I guess time will tell, but get balanced in all other respects and combined that with the healing power of the Lord and I believe that we will both be restored to 110%. Better than ever, and after we sue the shit out of the heathens who caused this, we’ll be rich too.
Best of luck. You can call me if you need at 337-988-0880 or 337-255-5786.
With Warmest Regards,
Laureen Olson
I am a type 1 diabetic with pump. i have also suffered with neuropathy in both feet,legs and rt hand. I have been out of work since 7/04. I have been on neurotin since 6/04. I have also suffered side effects such as ,dizzyness, memory loss, confusion, head aches, balance problems, have been sent to hospital for overdose-suicide attemp, have feel and suffered head injury, had mishaps while driving. I asked the docs about these side effects but they state they never heard of these side effects from neurotin. I never had this problem till I started taken neurotin. I no longer drive or go anywhere with out someone with me. I have also tried neurostimulation for pain but with no good result. I to would like to know about this class action suit. please if someone can help please contact me. Greenville, SC email jaxe0@yahoo.com or 864-354-6300 thanks J.Saxe
I have been taking Neurontin since ‘97; prescribed by my doctor for nerve pain following multiple back surgeries. In addition to balance problems, numbness in hands, tremors, confusion, I have suffered severe dental problems. Bleeding gums, tooth discoloration, decalcification, have all required extensive dental work. I was unaware that Neurontin caused ANY of these side effects, especially the dental problems. I tried to research this through my doctor but they also were not aware of any problems until recently when they began to inquire with other Neurontin patients as to their dental health. It turns out that an overwhelming number of them have suffered this same effect. When I asked my pharmacist, he was able to locate information from the manufacturer that noted these problems in addition to gingivitis. It is well documented that gingivitis and other dental problems can cause bacteria to settle in the heart causing heart valve malfunction. I have now been diagnosted with mitralvalve regurgitation. I suffer chest pain regularly, in addition to the other symtoms mentioned above. Anyone interested in contacting me, please do so at (334) 356-6333.
Anyone who knows of any lawsuits in Alabama, PLEASE e-mail or call me with the attorney’s information! I am just starting to realize what eight years on a dosage that eventually reached 1800mg/day may have done to my body.
It sounds as if most of you are on medications that bridge the gap between neuro and psychological problems of which is a nightmare for any physician to treat. If you think you know more than the physicians, stop going to them for help and stop all of your medications immediately. They only went to school for 8+ years with additional training beyond that. I’m sure you all know how to take care of yourselves more appropriately. Good luck… all of you are going to need it!
I was prescribed neurontin and also a drug named Gabitril, I don’t know if these two medicines are the same, but recently I attempted suicide after being on this meds. If anyone can send me information regarding the two medicines and any class action suits against them, I would appreciate it.I am also having horrible dreams when I do sleep which isn’t very often,my hands and legs tremble and I have difficulty concentrated. If you could email me information, please. March 15,2005
I would like to know if the medication neurotin is msking me feel weird also, I take it for a c5 c6 disectomy last year and the side effects feel like my throat which has scare tissue in it from the operation is pulling on the right side and sitting in my right ear. Is there anything better to try other than neurotin? I don’t know if my
anterior disectomy worked or not.
In 2001 I was placed on high doses of Neurontin for Depression, I was so sick from being on this that I was staying at a friends. I didn’t even remember to get up to pee eat or drink. I became like a little child and she had to remind me to go to the bathroom eat and drink fluids. I lost my child because I was unable to care for him. This ERKS me big time.
My husband has been taking Neurontin for over three years for neurapathy. His behavior has changed drastically and becomes agitated easily and has no patience with people and situations. We live in Texas. How can we be involved?
I to have been on a 900mg dose a day for neuropathy. I also have experienced migrains,chest pains, memmory loss, mayjor balance problems. I have only been on it for 8 months but after reading all of this I am going to contact my doctor and get myself off this before mayjor damage is done. And I plan on contacting some doctors at the mayo clinic in minnesota about what a proper medication should be for this pain. You all might want to do the same. Be well!! And thank you for all this information about this drug. If I can be apart of the class action lawsuit please email me.
I have been taking neurontin for about a year and a half at first taking 6oo mg a day had severe dizzy spells and also felt the same way i have diabettis and neuropthy the pain has gotten so bad that i got on a methadone program i am taking 65mgs twice a day plus i have 3 herneated disks in my back ,the gout and chronic hep c i am taking 900 mg of neurton still getting dizzy spells and have bad memory loss. is there any other drug out there beside’s neurontin that can help with my severe pain in my ankles feet and legs
The first neurontin I took 6 years ago resulted in the room spinning completely around me which led me to be jailed for 11 days for throwing a physchotic fit and striking 2 policemen 3 months later! 6 years later, after stopping taking neurontin, the same symptoms are occuring as before and my marriage is now on the rocks! I need a lawyer in Minnestoa like many others.
iTOOK THIS FOR 6 YEARS TILL I TRIED TO OFF MYSELF I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS COMPANY MAKE THIS RIGHT?
I, also, was prescribed Neurontin for both bipolar disorder and peripheral neuropathy. Thank God I refused to continue taking it, especially since I apparently never had bipolar disorder to begin with. I spent 19 years taking drugs because I was hastily diagnosed by a psychiatrist who spent all of 30 minutes with me-no testing, no extended observation before diagnosing. Is there a lawyer who would like to get hold of this?
I have been taking Neuronton for approximately three years. I have suffered severe depression, suicidal thoughts, chronic anxiety, deep depression, memory loss, and a host of other symptoms since I began taking this drug, which was prescribed by my workmans comp doctor for symptoms of nerve pain and others, which appeared to be from splinal surgery (Dc4-Dc6). I am interested in finding out what my legal rights are regarding class action suits in California.
I HAVE BEEN ON NEURONTON FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. I AM DIABETIC AND CLL. I GET VERY DEPRESSED – OFTEN FEELING LIKE THERE IS NO USE FOR ME TO GO ON. I AM ALSO CONSTANTLY TIRED FOR NO GOOD REASON. AFTER READING OTHERS REACTION TO IT, I’M STOPPING THE NEURONTON AND QUESTIONING IF I SHOULD BE PART OF THIS LAWSUIT? PLEASE SEND INFO. I LIVE IN NJ THANKS
In December 2000 I was having problems with tripping as I was walking my right foot would get underneath me and I fell. I continued working until September 4, 2001. I was unable to turn the steering wheel due to weakness. I had a burning pain from my hip down to my big toe, my doctor gave me NEURONTIN for the nerve pain in 10/2001. From that point, I had a slew of diagnoses. At first myasthenia gravis, then to be told by another Dr. that wasn’t correct that it seemed to be a psychiatric problem, conversion disorder. I went to 3 psychiatrists all saying it looked to them like a neurological illness. My weakness continued and expanded to include my legs and body, making it difficult to walk. I used a walker for a few months, then due to falls had to start using a wheelchair. It was thought then that I had a muscular dystrophy called limb girdle because of the weakness that had developed in my limbs and trunk muscles. For about a year I went through tests: mri’s, nerve conduction studies, muscle biopsy, emg’s, and more. After the muscle biopsy the MDA told me that it was not LGMD so I went back to IU medical center and they again said it could be psychological. I went through more mri’s, emg’s, ncs, and psychiatrists, with no answers. After being sick for 3 years, and no answers. I ended up being in a hospital bed most of the time. Still able to use my power wheelchair but being extremely fatigued and unable to stay up but for small amounts of time. Last year in October, 2004 I went to the Mayo Clinic. I had multiple tests and saw an army of doctors. I was given several diagnoses, but none could explain the severe weakness. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, but neither cause disability. NO ONE EVER SUGGESTED TO QUIT TAKING NEURONTIN. Out of all the doctors I was seeing none of them thought to take me off of neurontin. In the last six months they had doubled my neurontin for pain. I have been bedbound and have had to have help turning, I aspirate and choke on thin liquids, and couldn’t even sit to use the bedside commode. I have had home health care for the last year to help me with personal care and also to keep me out of a nursing home. I became so lethargic last week an ambulance was called by my home health nurse. I went to the hospital and they admitted me saying I had a kidney infection (neurontin is cleared through the kidneys). The nurse couldn’t wake me up on the first shift. She said she almost got on my bed and jumped up and down because I wouldn’t wake up. My family doctor took me off of Neurontin and Ditropan Xl the next day. From Saturday until Tuesday when I came home, I had no Neurontin. The day I came home I noticed I felt stronger, my tongue wasn’t burning from dry mouth anymore. Previously the burning tongue was attributed to fibromyalgia. By the time Thursday came around I felt much better except for I started crying uncontrollably. I felt like I was losing my mind and became very nauseous and had shaking and couldn’t figure out what was happening. About 4 am I got on my laptop and looked up neurontin withdrawal and found 53 results. I read all of them. I called my doctor at 4:40am and told him I thought I was having withdrawal symptoms from the Neurontin. He now has me on a lower dose and I’m going to go off more slowly but I can tell you I feel 100 times better. I feel like a different person already. I can think, for the longest time I haven’t been able to read more that a few paragraphs before falling asleep. I feel asleep while eating, reading, or taking a drink. I couldn’t even remember my own phone number, social security number or anything. I’ve been on social security disability for neurological disorder not otherwise specified. I have a contracture in my right foot from being so weak. Yesterday I sat up unsupported by myself, am turning over by myself and feel like I have enough energy to try to walk again. I’m trying to take it slow but don’t know what to think about any of this. It’s like a miracle. I’ve taken this medicine since I first got sick for 3 ½ years. I just wanted to share my story. I don’t care about any money. If I’m able to get better and it lets other people know about what the drug can do. God Bless you all, Renee
I was prescribed for neurontin by my neurologest for sever periferial diabetic neuropathic pain in my feet & hands in mid 2003. I started with 1200mg per day & up to 2400mg per day when I stopped taking it on the advise of a new PCP in January of 2005. He called it crap. The medication gave me Parkinsin type tremors, for which Mysoline was prescribed. This did help some, but as of this writing I still shake like crazy. (Hard to even type this) I have also been severly depressed and quite emotional since taking this Rx that makes me want to end it all. What can I do? Please help me & call me at 954-987-4404.
My husband has been on 3200mg of neurotin a day for bipolar…he began last week, at the age of 43, to exhibit symptoms compatabile with a stroke. Mask like face, difficulty swallowing, kind of a zombie like walk, drooling, facial muscles twitching, hand trembling..the doctor has put him down to 600 mg a day and he is doing so much better. ER said no stroke, must be psychological??? Then how is it that he has improved so much since lowering the dose? This drug is evil..supposed to help with seizures but can actually cause seizures when you lower dose and eventually stop.
i was on neurotin I live in philadelphia I almost killed myself on this med.thank god for my husband
My 92 year old mother was perscribed neurotin for shingles pain….after three 300mg doses over an eve, a.m and eve she was talking out of her head and told to never take it again by the dr who perscribed it….2-1/2 weeks later she was taken emergency to hospital where she was treated for urinary infection (which acted like a stroke)….a mild “hemoraging” stroke was also verified by MRI a couple of days later….she had not had the Neurotin for about 2-1/2 weeks but the perscription followed her by her doctor’s “list of daily meds” and she was given 300mg twice a day for three weeks in the hospital and nursing home before I discovered it! During those three weeks and the two weeks it took for it to somewhat leave her system she was like a zombie, could not manage food in her mouth, could not eat or drink without getting choked, was uniary and fecal incontenient, bruised unmercifully when blood pressure taken….she had been mentally active doing about 6 crossword puzzles a day and now can only do maybe half of one…while still under neurotin’s effects she could not use the phone nor turn on the tv with the remote….when this drug was withdrawn she is getting some of her life back….but she lost the ability to live at home and is going thru her savings to pay for assisted care! This is an evil drug…..and a huge error was made by putting it on her continued meds to take while in the hospital…at her age she should never have been perscribed such a drug in the first place.
I am presently on nerotin a very small dose.I have been losing my balance and falling, I have also felt severe back pain around my kidneys and could not figure out why until I got on this sight. Thank you for all of your input. I have now gotten off of this medicin.
I am a 19 year old girl and i was prescribed this medicine for obbsessive compulsive disorder. i no longer take it but i would like some more information on this lawsuit if someone would email it to me that would be great. thanks, anna
My husband was prescriped Neurontin originally for stenosis of the spine to relieve his pain. He had several years of violent seizures and halluccinations. He was depressed all the time, had mood swings and difficulty walking and talking at times. Over the last few years he talked about suicide all the time. Just last year he finally went overboard. He bought a gun and shot me and then turned the gun on himself. He had told me that he didn’t want to cause me anymore hardship, but he couldn’t leave me. So he decided to take me with him, fortunately he didn’t suceed with killing me,but I lost my husband of 18 years and my children lost their father. He never even had seizures until he started taking Neurontin, and that was all that it was supposed to be prescribed for.
I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS FOR ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE TAKEN THIS DRUG NEURONTIN. IT HAS MADE ME SO SICK THAT I CANT EVEN RECALL HAVING THE STROKES THAT I HAVE HAD BECAUSE OF THIS SAD DRUG THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE HELPING ALL OF US. WE DID NOT KNOW THAT IT COULD DO ALL THE MESS IT HAS. I FEEL FOR ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED. PLEASE CONTACT ME SOMEONE THAT MIGHT KNOW OF A ATTORNEY THAT WOULD TAKE MY CASE. WHAT MY FAMILY AND I HAVE WENT TOO. TRUTHFULLY THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT CAN MARCH UP TO WHAT WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH. I WAS GIVEN NEURONTIN FOR WHAT I WAS TOLD MANY DIFFERENT THINGS. I HAVE BEEN ON IT SINCE 2000. JUST WAS TAKEN OFF IT IN
I have had two herniated discs in my spine, plus stenosis and degeneration for the last six months, causing nerve pain down one leg. After undergoing therapy and several blocks, my doctor told me the only other thing he could offer me was surgery. I have been trying desperately to avoid spine surgery, so I asked my doctor if he could offer anything for pain management besides Lortab. He immediately offered my Neurontin. I was put on a low dose of 900mg/day for two weeks, then was told to increase to 1800mg/day. I will say that Neurontin worked well for the pain, but within two days I was having a great deal of difficulty walking, fatigue, weakness, sleepiness, loss of appetite, and dairrhea. I told my doctor about these side effects, and he told me to give it a week or two and see if they disappeared. It’s been a week and a half, and the symptoms haven’t eased up even a little. I took my last pill yesterday. I’d rather take my chances with surgery.
My father is now dead, and we are not sure if it was from taking Neurontin. Please send me information about the lawsuit!
Please forward information about getting inviloved in the neurontin class action lawsuit to my email address.I was prescribed Neurontin by a neurologist for migraines and a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder and hav had side effects both times. Thank you….csfmedia2@aol.com
Oh my god!
I was prescribed neurontin for depression and anxiety attacks, both of which got worse, to the point I attempted suicide with a steak knife. It is amazing what you can do with a little elbow grease, determination, and whacked out on neurontin. It damn near ruined my life (literally). I had never tried this before until I took the drug. Please contact me with info on a Class Action. I am in texas.
MY 80 YEAR OLD FATHER COMITTED SUICIDE ON APRIL 18, 2003 AFTER TAKING NEURONTIN FOR 3 YEARS. THE SIDE EFFECTS HE SUFFERED WHILE ON THIS MEDICATION WAS HORRIBLE. i HAVE HIS MEDICAL RECORDS TO PROVE THIS. HE WAS MY LIFE AND NOW HE’S GONE FOREVER THANKS TO NEURONTIN. i NEED TO SPEAK TO A ATTORNEY IF POSSIBLE.
I would like to find out more about the class action suit. I was on Neurontin for six years for bi-polar disorder. I had psychotic episodes while taking it, and suicide attempts with the same drug,and many self mutilations. I have never had these actions occur when not using this drug.
I have ALWAYS been a 100% happy person, everyone around me alway’s has said “GOSH can you make us laugh!” 4 yrs. ago, I developed bad foot pain in BOTH feet…I thought I was getting bunions! After months of going to a very good podiatrist, he could not help me..I did NOT have bunions, it was ruled out right away with foot X-rays. Forward one yr. later…I came down with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma out of no where…literally overnight! After surgery, 10 days in hospital, and 6 months of chemo…my foot pain went out of control! I was in SUCH pain I didn’t know if I could continue working in retail. By the time I went back to my oncologist for my first 3 month checkup, I was in such DAILY agony, I didn’t know what to do. Long story short: He diagnosed me as having a reaction to one of the 3 chemicals they gave me…and explained this happened in a small amount of patients and there was no ‘cure.’ I had severe neuropthy in both feet.
He put me on Neurontin 600mgs. day for a week..then 1200 mgs. day for a week, and it had NO effect…but I did begin to grow tired BIG time. After 3 weeks…he told me to UP the dose to 1800mgs. a day…within 3 days’ or so, I had 80% LESS foot pain! BUT…I grew SO lethargic and TOTALLY exhausted. I could barely stand up for more than 1 hour, and I work 6 hours a day standing on marble floors! After 5 week’s or so…I began becoming depressed…I had thoughts of suicide, and NEVER in my LIFE had I felt like this. He kept telling me to ’stick with it…your body will get used to the neurontin!’
I stuck with it for 3 months and I was SO ill…EXHAUSTED…and depressed that finally I realized it HAD to end, either I would die…or stop the drug and have all that pain back.
I weened myself off the drug over two weeks (WARNING: you MUST not just quit this drug quickly! You can have bad seizures!) and one week after my last dose…I was back to my normal state of mind with NO depression or thoughts of suicide etc. 100% of my pain came back and as awful as that was…I felt alive and like a human being once again.
I have been on 20mgs. of a powerful pain pill (not mentioned) taken 2X day for two years now, and I still have foot pain but it’s MUCH better…has kept me able to work..and I am not a literal Zombie. WHY are drs. so affraid of giving low doses of pain meds for this? yet they will give out this lethal drug with SUCH side effects at the drop of a hat!
If I didn’t take my pain meds. twice a day…I would be off on total disability and be a burden on my family and society. WITH the pain management I have, I am able (still in pain, but managed) to work my 30 hour a week job and make a very good living!
PLEASE get the word out about how lethal Neurontin is for MANY people and I hope everyone here fights for stem cell research AND better pain management drug choices for us all.
To this date, I would NEVER again try a drug like Neurontin, I would go on total disability before I did that. My heart goes out to EVERYONE in here…please ween off this drug TODAY you will never regrette it!
Mom has been on that Neurontin. I sure would like to talk to someone about her case. Her Falls,deep feelings of impending Doomand many other things that I have just read that describes her to a Tee!
I was prescribed the drug for migraines and experienced bladder incontinence and restless legs, depression etc. I would like to join the class action lawsuit. 615-665-2576
← Previous Comments
Comments on this entry are closed.