I've been on Gabapetin for the past 11 years for intense nerve pain I experience in my legs and feet following an L3 fracture to my spine caused in an auto accident. I guess I'm blessed because I've never experienced any side effects with the drug. However, I will say that over the years it seems that the drug has been increasingly losing its effectiveness. I started out taking 600 mgs three times a day and I'm now up to twice that much. My doctor also started me out on Tramadol last summer because even though Gabapentin has effectively drowned out the pain over the years, my lower extremities have started exhibiting a cold sensation, even in warm weather, that not even the Gabapentin can relieve. Plus I was concerned with the increasing dosage I've been taking of Gabapentin. It's scary and I've been asking God "will there ever be a point where this levels off?"
That said, I can't even image what you all are going through with the side effects but I will say I don't think I could have lived had it not been for Gabapentin. The pain and intense, nonstop tingling in my legs, and feet especially, are far greater than I can bear. Honestly, I'd probably would have amputated my own feet or committed suicide long before now. Gabapentin has allowed me to live somewhat of a normal life and the Tramadol has been a great aid as well. Maybe you guys should ask your physician about Tramadol; see how that works. My doctor also prescribed 25mg of nortriptyline to take before bed. It's supposed to help ease pain so that I can sleep better because the pain is worse at night but it hasn't done anything for me. Maybe it will work for some of you. Anyway, after having a heart to heart with my doctor he's finally sending me to a pain specialist. I'm not expecting any miracles but if the specialist can help me reduce even 5-10% more of the pain without having to take high dosages of any drug, that would be great. Staying busy and regular exercise has helped ease some pain. For those that are mobile and able to work out, I highly suggest working out regularly. Just my two cents.
It's great to find a place where people can exchange ideas to help ease debilitating pain. Doctors, for some reason, aren't always forthcoming about information to help patients and the best treatments. Best wishes everyone!
After reading everyone's blogs I do not feel so badly off. I have herniated disc between L4&5 since May.
Gabapentin was prescribed. But at first did nothing for me. Last week I could no longer tolerate the pain and went to A&E as directed by Orsett hosp as my consultant is on hols. Queens put me on oramorph until the pain had got back down to a tolerable level. I am now taking 100mg Gabapentin 3xdaily with cocodamol & ibuprophen alternated every 2 hrs. The pain comes n goes and I feel very spaced out. My mouth feels tingly like when you have an anaesthetic. Hoping to have some treatment in August to resolve the pain once and for all.
I don't usually even take an aspirin for a headache.
Wish you all the best, sounds like I am nowhere near as bad as many of you out there.
I have been on Gabapentin on and off for about 7 months (since approx January). I was taking it for chronic pelvic pain, and it worked well, but it made me very emotional and made higher cognitive functions difficult. I got off it quickly, but kept it around in case of a severe pain flare up.
I've used it a few times recently (in July, just a few weeks ago) and it has resulted in continual severe depression and dark thoughts even though I haven't taken any in two weeks. I took it occassionally because I thought the depression was predominantely from the chronic pain, but now I realize the gabapentin was the root of it. I'm terrified because I know the drug has long since left my system but I can't shake the side effects. Doctors and psychologists won't listen to me. They say I'm just depressed and it isn't the medication, but I'm positive it is. No matter how hard I distract myself and push through there's this cloud that impares my ability to emotionally and physical function (feelings of detachment, separation, depression, and some suicidal thoughts) Do the side effects ever go away... How long does it take and what can catalyze the healing process?
I think its a case of trial and error with all drugs. Im seeing someone in the pain clinic soon. Fingers crossed if there not to sore.
Pregabalin works for me although ive already noticed the doses need upping . I do agree with marc. I couldn't imagine living with the feelings and hypersensitivity again before I found pregabalin and tramadol
I tried 1 gabapentin pill and had a terrible reaction I couldnt feel my legs and pain in my lower back. My Dr. said there was no side effects but what I read here,I wish he would read. I have had spinal stenosis for many years. I take diclofenac sodium, one pill a day and when I go to play slow pitch softball I take an extra pill. It is hard on the stomach for some people but its ok for me. Sure I still have pain I can't walk too far but I'm getting by. On the ball diamonds I fell great. I'm 86.
I am researching the Gabapentin and in fact am learning that these medications were designed as a substitute to "lobotomy". they do lobotomize the patients in a long run. My doctor also suggested to treat me with Gabapentine because of my chronic pain, however I rather "feel" the pain, than become completely disconnected from my body feelings... body acts as 50% of our brain. it has its wisdom!
To take any drug is a call only each individual can make. How bad is the pain? Do the side effects from medication outweigh the benefits? You could say that nearly all drugs that work on brain chemistry somewhat "lobotomize" the individual to some extent. This includes anti-convulsants (epilepsy and migraine is what gabapentin was designed for, not a "substitue to lobotomy", anti-depressants and anti-psychotics.
I take lexapro, amitriptyline (for 23 years), lyrica (pregabalin) and tramadol daily. All these drugs impair cognitive function to some degree. I have also taken gabapentin and cymbalta (duloxotine). I have experienced all the cognitive "spaced out" side effects to a greater or lesser extent that others speak of. You know what, the human body has a remarkable capacity to adapt over time given the chance when taken a directed (e.g. tapering up and down as advised).
Net side effects are a some cognitive impairment, fatigue, slowed reactions, weight gain and the memory of a flea. I also get the body jerks that some speak of, mainly when I'm tired. All these side effects reversed when I had to temporarily go off all medication temporarily.
Would I rather feel "spacey" or feel the sensation of steel rods ramming up and down inside my bones? Give me "spacey" any day. Would I rather have my emotions dulled slightly or be morbidly depressed to the point of suicide? I'll take take the dulled emotions thanks.
If you can cope with the chronic pain without medication, good for you. Personally, I can't go back to how miserable my life was before these medications. They literally saved my life and allow me to get some satisfaction out of life. They allow my kids to feel relaxed and happy to be around me. They allow me to work and function as a half normal human being. Simply put; I can get through the day now.
While the side effects of medication should always be carefully considered, I think it is wrong to scare away people that may benefit substantially from some of these medicines.
For those that may interested, pregabalin does seem to have less of a cognitive function impact compared to gabapentin. I can focus better on pregabalin as it seems to acts as more of a "slow release". Whereas, for me at least, gabapentin seemed to work more quickly in the short term. Pregabalin also makes you put on weight more quickly.
Please listen to your doctor and psychologist. You are describing textbook clinical depression. Even if going on and off gabapentin was the trigger for depression (e.g. triggered some sort of seratonin imbalance), you still need to address this issue and restore normal funtioning of brain chemistry. These may involve taking anti-depressant medication for a time.
Please read the leaflet you get with any medication thoroughly. Anti-convulsants (i.e. Gabapentin) are not drugs you can go on and off suddenly. This is dangerous and can cause seizures. You need to taper any adjustments to dose. The same applies for most anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and mood stabilizers.
Hi,i have been through,all those systems,and still do,i used to take gabapentin, didnt suit me, changed to pregabalin,i have damaged nerve pain in face and now traveled to head,i have only been taking a low dose of amitripyline10g and 100 pregabalin,so didnt think it was medication,thought it might be damaged nerve in head, making my head feel,like its not working properly,i am so confused after 6 years,unbearable to live with,
Hi I have nerve pain in my legs arms and shoulders and was given amatriptelen to take at bed time to help me sleep and it did work and I went out like a light, that was before I had pain in my upper arms as I kept taking the pill every night my pain got worse in the day time it wasn't untill I went to the podietry clinic about my feet and she asked me how I was feeling I told her about my pain and she said just watch as it can sometimes do that, so I never took another pill and the pain was not as bad but now they want to put me on gabapentine and reading all this I don't want to take it. I have been grounding now for 2 months and have noticed a big improvment in my pain if you google grounding or earthing you will get all the info you need I take my dog out early in the morning take my shoes and socks off and walk bearfoot for at least 30minutes at a time it has to be moist damp ground and I admit i thought it wouldn't work but it really does I dont have any grass in my yard or I would be bearfoot more. At night I have a grounding sheet on my bed and that is great for helping you to sleep, I also have a mat for my laptop so I am earthed when working. some people get pain when on the computer because they are senctive to the wifi that comes from them. I know some folks do need meds but this will work with your pills and it's free.
Thanks molly, I'll definitely read up on it . Although at the moment my hands and feet and so hypersensitive the thought of barefoot in the grass Mars me squirm
Hi, thanks for posting your experience. I also have very sensitive hands, arms, joints, shoulders.... and, some of it is nerve pain, some of it is ortho
pedic injuries. Also, i have been several times diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and cervical stenosis... so, i have been taking anti-inflammatory meds, sometimes vicodin, and had been offered gabapentin. Because, I also have spasms and muscle weakness, after reading about the side effects, i will stay away from it.
thank you for reminding us the "earthing". I saw once a naturopath, and she also recommended that. it is true, that is has very calming effect fro the nerves. I will find out also more about the mat for laptop and about the blanket. i always wonder about the effect of wi-fi onto the nerves. I am also sensitive.
It sounds like you have similar conditions to me. Beware there is a lot of fear mongering regarding gabapentin on sites like these. Yes there are side effects, as there are with most drugs. However, you are already take vicodin, which generally has more risks associated with it and helps relatively little with neuro pain. In my case, gabapentin had a PROFOUND effect from the first pill I took. It was the first time in a decade I could get out of bed not crippled with nerve pain. I am now on pregabalin because it is subsidised in my case. Yes there are side effects, but on balance I am prepared to put up with them for the relief provided (been on the gaba meds for nearly a year).
I am a community support worker for people with severe traumatic spinal injury (tetraplegia) and most find gabapentin helps with the burning neuro pain in the feet etc. In fact some say they could not survive without the relief provided by these gaba drugs. In my case, unfortunately the drug only takes the edge of the burning feet, but everything else has improved a lot.
A lot of naysayers have only taken gaba drugs for a short time; some not at all! If you flip out with anxiety at the thought of side effects, I think you are selling yourself short. My attitude is that I will try anything that potentially offers dramatic relief before assessing if I can live with the side effects or not. Otherwise you may be enduring more pain than you necessarily have to.
It's worth adding that the desentisation of my system including trigger points from gaba has resulted in a much reduced muscular spasm and associated pain. The "detached" feeling that many describe when starting gabapentin is related to the desensitation effect of the drug that results in pain relief. This is a side effect that, like most things, the body has a remarkable ability to compensate for over time in most cases.
It looks as if you suffer from Diabetic Amyotrophy, known as Proximal Diabetic Neuropathy in the US. I have had 4 attacks over the last 2 years, each lasting about a month. Each attack is separated by periods of remission. Like you, I have to endure excruciating pain, mainly at night. It would appear that doctors know very little about this condition, or even what causes it. I was told that medical intervention might be relevant in only three situations: (1) B12 or (2) thyroid deficiency or (3) high glucose levels. None of these apply in my case. So all I can do is take something for the pain. In my case, Tramadol does the job, although at the peak of each attack, I have to take up to 6 capsules (400 micrograms each) nightly. Gabapentin has been suggested as an alternative.
I have just been put onto Gabapentin over the last five weeks. I started on 300mg three times a day and now I am on 300mg six times a day ie 1800mg per day. I also take pregabalin 600mg,Co-Codamol 30/500 8 tablets a day and amitriptalyne 30mg
I feel so tired and I am waiting to go to the pain clinic to try something different. I suffer from Ariritis in my back neck.
I'm surprised they're giving you Gabapentin and Pregabilin at the same time; they kind of work the same way. Considering the doses you are on together, no wonder you are so tired! I found both very energy sapping on high doses. It was making it difficult for me to stay awake at the wheel etc.
I am currently trialling Palexia SR (tapentadol) as a substitute. Very effective with less side effects than Pregabilin and Gabapentin. Apparently works similarly to tramadol at a potent slow release dose. It does not impact Seratonin like tramadol, so fairly safe to take with amitriptyline as well. Less impact on memory, cognitive function and energy than the others. Doesn't put on weight either. The Gaba drugs work better for burning hands and feet however.
Palexia is new on the market here, perhaps ask your Dr about it as an alternative?
hello, i read with interest your remarks, hubby has been on gabapentin for years, after getting a Matriffin patch, the tramodil have gone, now he wants to get rid of gabapentin, but i guess its not going to be easy?? do we cut them out gradually?like one a day? we are confussed, but seeing the GP tuesday, the patch is working well can anyone give me advice.
They say you are suppose to go off it gradually to avoid rebound pain etc. I suppose it really depends on the dose your husband is on now.
That said, I recently stopped 300mg (once a day) of lyrica cold turkey with no problems (the doctor suggested it would be ok), but I went straight onto the Palexia to replace it.
When I weaned of gabapentin with nothing to replace it, it was horrible. There are a lot of variables with other drugs in the mix.