Has anyone taken Gabapentin (aka Neurontin)?

Today I was prescribed gabapentin for left upper arm pain. After reading about the possible side effects (mood changes, thoughts of suicide, temporary memory loss, loss of coordination/balance, drowsiness, confusion, suppression of new neurons, even pancreatic cancer), I am scared to take it.

Has anyone taken this drug, and was it helpful?

Of course, I will talk to my doctor about this, but I was wondering what others’ experience with this drug might be.