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Is It Safe To Increase The Dosage Of Neurontin For Insomnia?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016
Question: I am having insomnia. I take currently 900mgs of nurontin. Can I increase it? My psych doc is not calling me back and she has nobody covering her.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would not increase it without first discussing with your doctor:

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I'm sorry you are having trouble sleeping. While you are not at a maximal dose of Neurontin, I would not increase it for treating insomnia without first discussing with your doctor. She may have reasons for the dose you are on.

Of your medications, Ativan would be a better choice for occasional help with sleep, especially if you have had increased stress or anxiety lately.

Some people also benefit from a low dose of melatonin, which you can buy without prescription at a pharmacy. Melatonin should only be used for sleep at your usual sleep time, not during the day, as it can reset your internal sleep time.

If you are having ongoing problems with insomnia, then do discuss this with your doctor as you may need something else to help this.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (8 minutes later)
Thanks for your help. It is the weekend and can't see the doc. Also she has no number or anyway I can reach her. And she has nobody covering her. So I appreciate your help.
So I know I need to talk with her. But I need to sleep tonight. So I am going to try the melatonin thing. It is rough when you can't reach your doc.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Good plan

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry you were unable to reach her. Next time you talk with her you might want to create a plan with her for what to do in situations where you are having trouble.

I hope the melatonin helps and you get a good rest.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Is It Safe To Increase The Dosage Of Neurontin For Insomnia?

Brief Answer: I would not increase it without first discussing with your doctor: Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I'm sorry you are having trouble sleeping. While you are not at a maximal dose of Neurontin, I would not increase it for treating insomnia without first discussing with your doctor. She may have reasons for the dose you are on. Of your medications, Ativan would be a better choice for occasional help with sleep, especially if you have had increased stress or anxiety lately. Some people also benefit from a low dose of melatonin, which you can buy without prescription at a pharmacy. Melatonin should only be used for sleep at your usual sleep time, not during the day, as it can reset your internal sleep time. If you are having ongoing problems with insomnia, then do discuss this with your doctor as you may need something else to help this. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.