Q. My husband starting taking Neurontin as one of many different medications for Schizoaffective Disorder in March of 2003. His Neurontin dose was just increased again to 3400 mgs every day in three doses. He started this medication at 600 mgs every day and has gone up from there. His side effects are severe in my opinion, and the benefits seem minimal. He also is taking Depakote and Risperdal, and combined the sedation makes him unable to work or even function as he did once. My question to you is, is this dose too high? Should we find another doctor?

Thanks in advance,
Beverly

A. Your husband's dose of Neurontin is high, in my opinion too high. 900-1800 mgs is the usual dose for this medication, although it is very often prescribed at much higher doses for the treatment of mania. Studies have shown doses of 3600 mgs a day are generally tolerated fairly well. I am not certain at this point if the particular dose is the real issue here.

If your husband's dose of any medication is so high that is interferes with his ability to function, it is too high (at least for him) and should be lowered or discontinued. Whether or not you need to find another doctor is really up to you and your husband. If you feel your husband's needs are not being taken into consideration, maybe you should seek out another opinion on his treatment.

Anna