Does anyone know anything about Gabapentin? I was prescribed this today but have some reservations. Does anyone here have experience of it?

[huggs]

As you may know I have asthma, copd , ? bronchiectasis and epilepsy. The severe and violent coughing fits I had caused problems with my neck which kept going into spasm. I also experienced sharp stabbing pains at the base of my skull and also throbbing at both sides of my head. The physio can do no more until the pain gets under control. There are lots of painkillers I cannot take such as paracetamol, anything with codeine in it as well as anti- inflammatories. Today my GP prescribed Gabapentin. I have read all about it and although I have taken one already I have reservations about it. I just wondered if anyone else had experience of this drug and how it affected them. Keep well everyone and to anyone going through a bad patch I pray for you and wish you all the best. xx

[sassy59]

My hubby Pete has copd and sarcoidosis, plus chronic back pain (herniated disc) and he takes Gabapentin. He seems to do well on it and has taken it for some time now but I am not sure how well it works. His back is so bad that nothing seems to be touching the pain. If you are unsure then chat to your doctor or pharmacist. Take care and wishing you well. xxxx

[huggs]

Wow, that was a quick and helpful response.! Thank you very much. I am sorry about your husband. I guess I will just have to trust what my doctor says. I take so much medication and am allergic to many things that I get anxious when they introduce something new into the mix. Thanks again sassy59 xxx

[peege]

Hi, I'm sorry I have no help to offer.

[butter-fly]

Hi Huggs. I was prescribed Gabapentin for spinal stenosis, basically slipped discs and narrowed spinal cord, etc. It works on the nerve endings (neuropathic pain) and I have found it excellent so far. (Been on it for about 4 months) I take anywhere from 300ml for mild symptoms to 2700ml per day for more severe symptoms. It was also offered at pain clinic I attend. It should be good for your neck pain.

Gabapentin was, I believe, originally used for seizures but is used for so many things now including bi-polar. I have not had any side effects other than mild euphoria for the first couple of weeks which I won't complain about! Hope it works well for you. Take care. xx

[Hidden]

Why is this medication prescribed?

.

Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are used to help control certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). Gabapentin extended-release tablets (Horizant) are used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down). Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Gabapentin relieves the pain of PHN by changing the way the body senses pain. It is not known exactly how gabapentin works to treat restless legs syndrome.

How should this medicine be used?

.

Gabapentin comes as a capsule, a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are usually taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces [240 milliliters]), with or without food, three times a day.

These medications should be taken at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night; no more than 12 hours should pass between doses. The extended-release tablet (Horizant) is taken with food once daily at about 5 PM. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gabapentin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Gabapentin extended-release tablets cannot be substituted for another type of gabapentin product. Be sure that you receive only the type of gabapentin that was prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of gabapentin you were given.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not cut, chew, or crush them.

If your doctor tells you to take one-half of a regular tablet as part of your dose, carefully split the tablet along the score mark. Use the other half-tablet as part of your next dose. Properly throw away any half-tablets that you have not used within several days of breaking them.

If you are taking gabapentin to control seizures or PHN, your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of gabapentin and gradually increase your dose as needed to treat your condition. If you are taking gabapentin to treat PHN, tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during your treatment.

Gabapentin may help to control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take gabapentin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking gabapentin tablets, capsules, or oral solution, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, pain, and sweating. If you are taking gabapentin to treat seizures and you suddenly stop taking the medication, you may experience seizures more often. Your doctor may decrease your dose gradually over at least a week.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with gabapentin and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (fda.gov/Drugs) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Other uses for this medicine

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Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes), and to treat and prevent hot flashes (sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause (''change of life'', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

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Before taking gabapentin,

•tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gabapentin, any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in the type of gabapentin you plan to take. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the inactive ingredients.

•you should know that gabapentin is available in different forms that may be prescribed for different uses. Ask your doctor to be sure that you are not taking more than one product that contains gabapentin.

•tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: hydrocodone (in Hydrocet, in Vicodin, others), medications that make you feel dizzy or drowsy, morphine (Avinza, Kadian, MSIR, others), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

•if you are taking antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta, take them at least 2 hours before you take gabapentin tablets, capsules, or solution.

•tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease. If you will be taking the extended-release tablets, also tell your doctor if you need to sleep during the day and stay awake at night.

•tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking gabapentin, call your doctor.

•if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking gabapentin.

•you should know that this medication may make you drowsy or dizzy, may slow your thinking, and may cause loss of coordination. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you, and your doctor agrees that it is safe for you to begin these activities.

•if you are giving gabapentin to your child, you should know that your child's behavior and mental abilities may change while he or she is taking gabapentin. Your child may have sudden changes in mood, become hostile or hyperactive, have difficulty concentrating or paying attention, or be drowsy or clumsy. Have your child avoid activities that could be dangerous, such as riding a bicycle, until you know how gabapentin affects him or her.

•remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

•you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways and you may become suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are taking gabapentin for the treatment of epilepsy, mental illness, or other conditions. A small number of adults and children 5 years of age and older (about 1 in 500 people) who took anticonvulsants such as gabapentin to treat various conditions during clinical studies became suicidal during their treatment. Some of these people developed suicidal thoughts and behavior as early as one week after they started taking the medication. There is a risk that you may experience changes in your mental health if you take an anticonvulsant medication such as gabapentin, but there may also be a risk that you will experience changes in your mental health if your condition is not treated. You and your doctor will decide whether the risks of taking an anticonvulsant medication are greater than the risks of not taking the medication. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: panic attacks; agitation or restlessness; new or worsening irritability, anxiety, or depression; acting on dangerous impulses; difficulty falling or staying asleep; aggressive, angry, or violent behavior; mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood); talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life; withdrawing from friends and family; preoccupation with death and dying; giving away prized possessions; or any other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

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Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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If you forget to take gabapentin capsules, tablets, or oral solution, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose or if you forget to take gabapentin extended-release tablets, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

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Gabapentin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

•drowsiness

•tiredness or weakness

•dizziness

•headache

•uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body

•double or blurred vision

•unsteadiness

•anxiety

•memory problems

•strange or unusual thoughts

•unwanted eye movements

•nausea

•vomiting

•heartburn

•diarrhea

•dry mouth

•constipation

•increased appetite

•weight gain

•swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

•back or joint pain

•fever

•runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms

•ear pain

•red, itchy eyes (sometimes with swelling or discharge)

Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

•rash

•itching

•swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes

•hoarseness

•difficulty swallowing or breathing

•seizures

Gabapentin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

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Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the oral solution in the refrigerator. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

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In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

•double vision

•slurred speech

•drowsiness

•diarrhea

What other information should I know?

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Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking gabapentin.

If you use a dipstick to test your urine for protein, ask your doctor which product you should use while taking this medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

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•Horizant®

•Neurontin®

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Last Revised - 07/15/2011

[huggs]

Thanks butter-fly. Your response has eased my mind somewhat. As you say it is sometimes still used in seizures and who knows it might even help them and that would be a big bonus. The doc said I had occipital neuralgia, probably triggered by the neck problems which were caused by the coughing! It just gets better and better! One thing I have improves and then something else happens. The doc has prescribed the dose but said I can alter it if need be. I have taken one and it does seem to have helped. I hope you keep well and God bless you for caring.xx

Thanks also to Peeg for thinking about me xx

[eyes21 in reply to huggs]

There is an alternative to gabapentin called amatryptaline, also a neuropathway drug. Good luck xx

[huggs in reply to eyes21]

Thanks eyes21. Ametrypoline was the first drug of choice my GP suggested, but when she checked it clashed with one of my other medications. Thanks for answering and take care,xx

[teaky-19 in reply to eyes21]

amatryptiline is an antidepressant not it is also used as muscle relaxant not an alternative to gabapentin

[huggs in reply to teaky-19]

Hi again teaky-19. You are right that amitriptyline is an anti-depressant. However, it is also used as an alternative to Gabapentin because it can deal with neuralgia, the prevention of migraines and fibromyalgia. Check it out to see for yourself and you will be able to have more information. Take care. xx

[sillywitch]

I have taken this for the last four years, I have a cyst on the root nerve ends of my spine, it,s not life threatening, so its treated with Gabapentin, I started on 300mg 3x daily & am now on 700x3 daily, I can continue upping the dose until I reach the max & then apparently there is other medication I can take, if it,s for nerve pain, & find Paracetamol & codine (which I take for lower back pain) wont actually touch the pain

Although it used to be mainly used for epilepsy it has since been used for other conditions

Karen xx

[huggs]

Thank you so much twiceshy3 for such a lengthy and informative answer. I will keep reading it, as I have problems with memory and concentration due to epilepsy. It was not prescribed for epilepsy but for occipital neuralgia, but it could help my epilepsy as well. It is the side effects that I am concerned about so I will be very vigilant about this. I hope you are keeping well and thank you again. xx

[Hidden in reply to huggs]

its ok huggs we help each other if we can,keep well love Twice xxx

[nanaber]

I have lupus, fibromyalgia and compressed nerves in my elbows I take 300 x 3 mg of Gabapentin daily I have no side effects and its helped with the pain.

[huggs in reply to nanaber]

hi nanaber, Thank you for your reassurance and I am glad that it has helped you. xx

[casper99 in reply to nanaber]

Hi nanaber, I have suspected Lupus, Osteoprosis and Fibro too. I can't take anti- inflamatories because of stomach problems. How good is this drug for the Fibro muscle pain, it is driving me mad?

[peege in reply to nanaber]

Nanaber ....... Miss you xxxxx hugs & very best wishes

[huggs]

Hi Karen, and thank you for responding. It is reassuring to know that you and others have been on Gabapenton for long periods of time without side effects. As I have said before I will be very vigilant about it because of my history of allergies and other medication I am on. Take care and I hope you keep well. xx

[sillywitch in reply to huggs]

I have allergies & take 20 different meds but so far so good xxxx

[huggs in reply to sillywitch]

Thanks again for your reassurance. Thanks to you and all the others I am much easier in my mind now about taking this medication. Take care. xx

[Hidden]

healthunlocked.com/fibroaction

[caz180]

I had a foot operation that left me with nerve damage and was prescribed Gabapentin in February 2013. I took it for about 4 months before giving up on it. It caused my blood pressure to go up and I was prescribed BP tablets. I got breathless and the BP tablets were blamed. I've had several episodes of 'bronchitis' in the last year and then last month suffered a complete collapse of my right lung. My BP tablets have been changed 5 times and my BP was stable after I stopped taking Gabapentin. I'm sure it affect different people in different ways and you know your body. I would say try it and see if it works for you, if not tell you GP and insist you don't want to take it if that's how you feel, its our bodies and we have to look after them, good luck

ps I'm still waiting for CT scan and specialist appointment to know what caused my collapsed lung, forever a waiting game with the NHS

[huggs in reply to caz180]

Thanks Caz, I am sorry you are having such a hard time. Thankfully I do not have BP problems, if anything it seems on the slightly low side. I will be keeping a very close eye on myself over the next few days to see if there is anything abnormal develops. Hope things improve for you soon. xx

[PositiveThoughts]

Can't advise on the drug but I do know that any drug given with epilepsy meds must be checked well both with your GP and chemist, even down to a simple med I always make sure 150% it works with epilepsy drugs..Even health meds natural plant meds can interfere with them so research carefully.

[huggs in reply to PositiveThoughts]

Thanks,PositiveThoughts. I have had epilepsy for around 18 years and have learned to be so careful on what I take into my body. One of the anti-convulsants I use is Tegretol and there are so many medicines that react with it. You are right. I check and then double check again. I never take even natural remedies without checking with someone.

[eyes21]

Gabapentin is a neuropathway drug. I had it but it caused extreme swelling in my extremities, especially the lower leg, ankle and foot. I don't know if this happens to everyone but it was uncomfortable for me. I also developed a rash showing an allergy, again this does not happen to anyone. Maybe asking for an allergy test before you start taking them would put your mind at rest. Wishing you well xx

[huggs]

Thanks again eyes21, and I am sorry you had a bad reaction to Gabepentin. I have researched this drug thoroughly and the list of possible side effects was alarming. However, as you say everyone is different and reacts differently so I will just hope that for once I do not react adversely to something! I have only taken one so far and it did help my symptoms and no side effects so far. I will be very watchful for the next week or so. Thanks and keep well. xx

[Hidden]

Hi Huggs I am sorry to hear you are in pain. I have never taken Gabapentin but my sister does who has severe osteoarthritis. She says it is brilliant for the pain though she also has tramodol when needed. Your doctor has checked it doesn't clash with your other medicine so it should be safe for you to take. If it doesn't agree with you go back to your doctors and try an alternative. If it helps with the pain it has to be good!

[huggs in reply to Hidden]

Thanks coughalot1. As you say my dr has checked as well as she can. I have also checked. I took one yesterday and I must say it did help. However with my history of allergies and drug interactions I will continue to be vigilant for a few weeks as side effects can develop slowly over time. Take care and thanks again. xx ps My dr has told me to return if it doesn't help.

[junespoon]

Morning Huggs, I have been taking Gabapectin for about 10 years, as Twice shy has said mine was for the pain of neglated shingles, which turned into a Ramsey Hunt , affecting nerve pain down the left hand side, Its always important to remember with shingles you can have them in places that cannot be seen, mine was in the throat eye and ear,Left eye would not shut, living on water for nearly three weeks, until I had another mini stroke, and was rushed in at four and a half stone, every doc in my practice came out, sore throat ear infection, sent 2 nurses at separate time to take bloods ,neither could get any as so dehydrated , they reported back to surgery saying I should be in hospital, In the end son rang 999, I couldn't even speak properly, in hospital 2 weeks on drips and physio, On entering hospital, A black Doctor came to see me, was attentive, and very kind it was the herpes virus which had caused the shingles, with me being very low, anywayon Don't I go on, but any slowly weight came back,But leaving me deaf in the left ear, So I always try to tell people what,, can happen when shingles is not detected, All the GP s at my practice had never seen it ,some never heard of it, Symptoms started with just a sore throat, then this terrible smell taste, I described as pond water, so couldn't eat drink and a discharge from the left ear, Now sorry to get back to the original question I have been on Gabapectin for many years without any problem . in fact with out them my left side is very painful, xx

[huggs in reply to junespoon]

HI junespoon, I am sorry you have had such a hard time of it. Don't worry about "going on" as I have a tendency to babble on myself. lol Thanks for sharing your experience of Gabapentin with me and as I have said to everyone who has replied I will be very careful and watchful for the next few weeks. I did take one last night and it did help so fingers crossed! Take care. xx

[teaky-19]

there is another alternative called pregabiline I was prescribed this by my doc but their not keen to supply you with it as it is very costly gabapentin is a lot cheaper . but pregabiline does not have very bad side effects as gabapentin

[huggs in reply to teaky-19]

Hi teaky-19, That is very interesting information and if I develop side effects I will certainly raise the name of this drug to her. Thanks a lot and take care. xx

[butter-fly]

Hi Huggs, sorry put renal stenosis instead od SPINAL STENOSIS. Will edit now!

[huggs in reply to butter-fly]

Ha ha ha. Don't worry about it butter-fly. I make spelling errors all the time., which usually ends up with quite a different meaning. There was an email I sent someone recently and it had them in stitches, but so sorry I can't remember what it was. Take care of yourself.

[heatherandy]

i have been on gabapentin for over 10 yrs now some times i think its not doing my pain in my spine any good so i stopped taking it for about a week oh my what pain i had could hardly walk so i stayed on it even tho i think it is not working it is more or less taking the edge off it and i am able too get about i have arthritis in all my joints but i have Chronic Spondylitis my discs are more or less fusing together i could have an operation but Surgen said i would be back in again in 6 months so i live with pain every day and i try to keep mobile i am also on Morphine Patchesi have had no problems with gabapentine and i have asthma hope tablets help you i am sure they will but if you are really unsure best to see the doctor again xx

[huggs in reply to heatherandy]

Thanks heatherandy. I am sorry you are having such a miserable time but glad that the Gabepentin has helped you a bit. I only got them yesterday so have to give them a chance, but be very watchful at the same time. I have now taken two which helped the pain for which I am very relieved. I hope your situation improves soon. xx

[onamission]

I was given Gabapentin after taking nortriptline for lower back pain they made me so ill so I'm back on the nortriptline.

[huggs in reply to onamission]

Can I ask you how long you were on Gabapentin before you became ill with them? Also, if you don't mind could you tell me how they affected you. At least nortripline is helping you, but I have never heard of that drug. Thanks for replying and I really would appreciate any further information you have, such as what I have asked. Take care xx ps teaky19 suggested there is another drug which does the same as Gabapentin which is called preglabine. I think I have spelt it right but just check his answer to be sure.

[onamission in reply to huggs]

Hi Huggs the nortriptline was not helping much this is why they put me on gabapentin but as soon as I took it I felt sick cotton wool head unable to sleep just couldn't function I took it for 2 weeks but I understand they now have several drugs on the market not all licenced for nerve pain. Ask your GP to refer you to the pain clinic at your local hospital I hope this helps good luck xx

[huggs in reply to onamission]

Thanks for replying. Sorry I have not got back to you sooner On a mission, but I fell asleep! Gabapentin certainly did not suit you. However, I have now taken three and the shooting pains at the base of my skull and both sides of my head have gone. So far so good. If I start to get side effects I will go back to the dr, which she told me to do anyway. As I have said I have epilepsy ( 4 different kinds) so it has always been difficult to manage. Gabapentin is prescribed for partial seizures which I have so I am hoping to get a bonus from this! Take care. xx

[onamission in reply to huggs]

Hi Huggs it is the same with all medication what suits one wont suit another I was on morphine and even that wasn't strong enough in the end the only thing that gets rid of my back pain for any length of time is a spine block, take care xx

[jimmyw123]

Its strange how different bodies re-act to different drugs!!.i was prescribed gabapentin a couple of years ago, for neuropathic pain in my legs due to a spinal condition. unfortunately this drug did not agree with me at all,I had very bad side effects to say the least,, yet my brother was prescribed this, and has no problem with it at all.My g,p then changed this drug to pregabalin [lyrica] this, helped me greatly, i started off with 25 mg twice a day, but now on 250mg twice a day, this has helped the pain somewhat, but not the numbness in my legs/ankles/feet,

i was also prescribed amitriptyline before the gabapentin, this also disagreed with me.. these are the only two drugs marked on my medical records as having "adverse reactions",,,,jimmy

[huggs in reply to jimmyw123]

Hi jimmyw123. What you say is so true about different people's reaction to the same drug. I have had both negative and positive responses to my question about the side effects of Gabapenton, and as I have only taken 3 so far I will just have to be vigilant, as side effects aren't always apparent at the beginning. If bad things happen then I will ask my GP about pregabalin. Thanks for taking the time to reply and keep well. xx

[jimmyw123 in reply to huggs]

hi huggs, strangely enough it is true, and as you say, just being vigilant is the key, and off course keeping an open mind, as this drug may just be the one for you, i think we are all wary when prescribed different drugs,and off course that can only be a good thing, i would say the doctor prescribed them for a reason, if this reason is acceptable to your own body, then it will help, if the opposite happens, then again as you say, you can contact your g.p. and something else then would be prescribed, so i would wish you all the best with these new drugs, and hopefully they will suit you, thanks for the lovely reply, kindest regards,,,jimmy xxx

[teaky-19]

hugs idid not want to get into this earlier when I replied to you my wife was put on gabapentin 15 years ago and was on 300mgs 3 times a day after she was like someone possessed by the devil she had to be taken of them much to my relief. the side effect of these tablets can be horrendous im not trying to frighten you and im not saying this will happen to everyone who take them.my wife had a failed hip operation with nerve damage she was put on oxycoden hydrochloride 60 mg slow release twice a day and two timesa day20mg four hourly these tablets are herion controlled drugs she has been on them for 15 years now to control pain and they do a great job of keeping her free of pain this would be a better way for you to be treated you can try having a word with your doc about it

[huggs in reply to teaky-19]

Thanks so much for your concern teaky-19. I have read all about the alarming side effects which is why I posted this question in the first place, stating that I had reservations about it. I do appreciate you telling me the unfortunate experience your wife had, and that you did not want to frighten me. Your a sweetie pie. Have I embarrassed you? lol Seriously though, I will be extra vigilant as I too have had many unfortunate episodes of allergies and interactions with other medications. My doctor now actually shows me on her computer all the relevant data because she knows how I am about starting something new. As I have said I have only had three so far and it has got rid of the pain but I promise to be really careful. Thank you for caring. xx

[solowheelie]

Gabapentin is good but it is essential you begin with 100mg up to 3x daily to begin with as they are likely to make you a quite woozy for 10-14 days. once you are no longer woozy increase dose to 200mg and again wait for head to clear before increasing again until they are actively impacting on the pain.

xx

[tomc]

Hi Jimmy,

yeh, glad to see you are still here, all your friends have been worried for you as we have not heard from you.

Gabapentin: I have been on this for a few years Jimmy.

It does help with pain and up to no I have had no adverse affects with it, Mind you I take two caps twice a day ( morning and night.

Hope you are well.

Tom.

[stilltruckin]

erowid.org/experiences/subs...

[huggs in reply to stilltruckin]

thanks stilltruckin, I have not gone through all the way on this website you suggest, but I certainly will as it seems to have such broad views and peoples experiences. Take care and thanks again. xx

[Hidden]

Hi, I've been on it for couple of years now. I find it best meds I've been on.

[huggs]

Hi Mandy, I have been on them 6 days now with no ill effects. Mind you I haven't always taken 3 a day. I started off one a day, then two and kept it at that. The shooting stabbing pains have gone so I will keep it at one or two a day. However, I will keep an eye open for the type of side effects which affect your mood and make you go a bit loopy!! (no one might notice the difference ha ha). As I have said before not all side effects are immediately obvious so I am being very vigilant about them. However, for now they are easing the pain so I am happy. I hope you keep well and thank you for replying. I do appreciate it. Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to reply and be so caring.xxx