Nerve Pain Drug

[artifolk]

Hi there been given Gabapentin (spelling?) as on top of the joint pain I have managed to get Sciatica down left side of leg and sore back. After reading the testimonials re this nerve pain drug I am scared even to start taking it as the awful side effects listed woulden frighten you. Any info on this drug. Thanks

[Hidden]

I have been taking Gabapentin for ever 2 years now and have never noticed any side effects at all. If you are on it and have to come off it has to be gradually and not a dead stop. I have problems taking many meds, I'm opiate intolerant too which leaves me having to cope with the pain full stop. I don't think you have any worries about taking Gabapentin I hope it works for you

[artifolk in reply to Hidden]

thank you for info.

[Badbessie]

Some people take it with few problems. I personally could not due to some pretty savage mood swings.

[artifolk in reply to Badbessie]

thankyou for info

[artifolk in reply to Badbessie]

Yes my friend also had that and bad thoughts too so stopped it quickly. It seems to be ok for some. Thanks for reply

[Hidden]

Hi there, I used to take gabberpentin a while ago but my body got used to it , so I stopped taking it and went on to pregabilin which helps and I don't have any issues with it..

[artifolk in reply to Hidden]

Oh I might mention that to doc Longsider, thanks for info.

[Hidden]

Hi there, it's from the same drug family but it acts better on some than others you just have to get the right balance.

[artifolk in reply to Hidden]

That is good info, to share, thanks a lot

[Gigi71]

I started taking a low dose of Gabapentin last December for severe low back/leg stenosis and scoliosis, I have been taking 1200mg for some time now, this controls the pain, still have some pain, but manageable, does make me tired and a little lightheaded at times. I can’t take opiate meds. I take many meds for RD including Humira, Mtx and low dose prednisolone. I am on the list for a back op. All the best to you, I started on 100mg so make sure to take it slowly. X

[artifolk in reply to Gigi71]

Thank you

[misschrissie]

Frightened the life out of me as well.I manage with just the odd Ibupropen for pain relief.I'm in the early stages though so maybe you need something more powerful.I wish you well in finding something suitable.

[artifolk in reply to misschrissie]

I know how you feel, have had some reactions from stuff before so am wary but most reviews seem to be fine with this drug and I am grateful for all replies and info. Keep well

[Amkoffee]

Personally I had no side effects either good or bad. So I just quit taking it with a doctor approved taper. And that's really important for you to know that you cannot just stop this medicine cold turkey. I have heard from a lot of different people who have tried this and Lyrica AKA pregabalin. Both are used for nerve pain. There are a lot of people who get a lot of relief from Gabapentin. There are also a lot of people who have such severe side effects that they have to stop. One very common complaint I've heard is memory issues. I don't know if that's listed as a side effect but I've heard it a lot.

[artifolk in reply to Amkoffee]

Thanks for that information, it all helps.

[medway-lady]

I'm on pregabalin for shingles nerve pain . Its a similar drug and no side effects I know it'll need tapering off but not worrying about that at the moment as just glad it controls pain.

[artifolk]

I did not know there was another simoilar one so will talk to doc. Thanks a lot

[StanleyMM]

I am on pregabalin (lyrica) gabapentin is like it’s little brother ( lyrica was created from gabapentin base so is chemically more superior) as with any of the pentoids they get into your system but after taking for 10 days or more you need to wean off you can’t just stop as they alter the brain chemicals and neural pathways. Both can have side effects, some people get them some don’t. Pregabalin has been recently hailed as the new party drug and has been listed as a controlled drug ( tv documentary- detailed users thoughts on why they use it to party) any of the pentoids you start at a lower dose and over time will need to increase to see the same effect. ( drs don’t tell you this) there are several online threads of people trying to taper off both drugs and natural remedies that help to taper off but with any chemical your brain gets used to it desires it so often coming off is harder than you think. If you start the drug I’d ask drs for a long term plan of how long you will be on it for and what would happen if you needed to increase the dose more over time. I am on pregabalin because I had no other choice and nothing else could control the pain but I asked those questions when first on it

[artifolk in reply to StanleyMM]

Thank you

[Kingsley09 in reply to StanleyMM]

How much are you taking and how long were you taking it before you had to up your dosage I can’t take more than 75 mg at most or I get nasty side effects my consultant said try lowering it when you can and when the pain gets to bad up it again not really the best solution but I suppose it’s better than nothing

[Catseyes235]

My sciatica was completely cleared using osteopathy and acupuncture. That was thirty years ago and as long as don’t perch on the edge of chairs and things I’ve been fine ever since. Painkillers may mask the pain but in this case maybe try something else?

[artifolk in reply to Catseyes235]

thanks for info, I am going for some massage treatment also rather than the strong painkillers, everything is worth a try ie exec=rcise and massage, I am glad you got relief from pain naturally.with best wishes top you

[minnie3031]

Been on Gabapentin for about 9 years but don't take the full dose depends on how bad my pain is, I take 2 tablets at night as this helps me sleep. Side effects do silly things and some memory loss. But it definetlys helps me I often take it during the day as it helps with stifness in my legs. As most on here have said if you want to come off it you have to like most drugs wean yourself off. All you can do is try it for a few weeks and see how you feel.

[artifolk]

Thank you Minnie for your reply, it is obvious it helps some people a lot albeit someside effects but we will try anything when pain gets ust too much to bear. Great you have found relief. Best wishes

[uplockman]

I have been on 800 mg gabapentin 3 times a day for several years for severe neuropathy (RSD) from auto accident and it works great for me. No side effects that I’m aware of.

[artifolk in reply to uplockman]

Thanks for reply but I decided not to even start the prescription because of some of the warnings of side effects. Great you were fine, but after just putting up with the pain which really was bad, my body started to heal itself and after 9 weeks now the Sciatica has gone, (hopefully not to return) so will never say never to medication if it does. Regards

[Kingsley09 in reply to uplockman]

Have you had to keep upping it and if so how often thanks

[medway-lady]

I take Pregabalin same sort of drug. I take it for Shingles pain and read the side effects too. But remember the word possible is in the sentence too. Shingles hurt so much I thought who cares about poodle but gimme pain relief ! It works well.