"do not be put off by initial dopey feelings you may get when you start this medicine.  for me, these feelings diminished after a day or so.  i needed to have the dose increased to 3600mg daily to make my pain almost disappear.  each time the dosage was increased, i felt dopey for a bit, but it was only temporary. the reduction in pain and the good sleep i get is well worth any side effects.  in my case, side effects are minimal.  i have nerve damage resulting from ankle surgery for arthritis.  before i was put on neurontin, my outlook on life was pretty bleak.  i couldn&#039;t sleep and the pain was excrutiating.  this drug has really helped me."