Pain is incredibly bad

[ciy9091]

I havnt officially been diagnosed with fybromyalgia yet but most other things have been ruled out. Have been on Pregabalin for about 4 months 250mg twice a day,and the pain in my shoulders and hips has become unbearable went to GP who has told me to lower the dose over a week to completely come off of it, and to start Gabapentin starting Monday which I have decided not to do the drugs both seem to close to each other for my liking. The withdrawal symptoms are awful and I still have strong pains in my shoulders and arms. I had Rheumatic Fever as a child and the pains I have are closely related to those. Am waiting for referral to pain clinic. Sorry to ramble on

[M0AL61 Moderator Volunteer]

I tried Pregabalin in the past, which did absolutely nothing for my pain. Swapped to Gabapentin and the difference was unreal - it has really helped. But, we are all different, and what helps one won't help another, and vice versa.

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your referral to the pain clinic, and that they will be able to help.

[Dotpot in reply to M0AL61]

Yes gabinpent helps but I put loads of weight I come off it went back on it in a week snkirts r tight x

[LadyJoro]

It is worth a try as they work slightly differently although they are the same class of drug.

One helped with the pain but made me drowsy the other made me vomit with in hours of taking it so went with amytriptiline instead

[bellemia]

Hi I was on bug doses of gabapentin..over 3000 a day I came off it although too much of a problem.it caused weight gain which made my pain worse. I'm under a pain team and waiting to have both sides of neck injected as I have herniated discs. I take 75mg of amitriptyline a night...I'm in pain all the time I suffer migraines & headaches on propanol to help..altho it now doesn't seem to work. It's v frustrating to be in pain all the time. My cousin also has fibro it's just a case of coping. In between flare ups. It may work for you....but it's a long term condition you have to try and manage. Hot water bottles..heated massagers...try anything hopefully you may get some relief from your meds. But go back if they don't work.

[Dotpot in reply to bellemia]

I went pain clinic didnt get pick to go on the program if they

Referred me to far to go if u in pain u r x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

as others have said, although they are both very similar drugs (pregabalin is the newer version of gabapentin) .... research has shown that some people will react better to one than the other. There was a study showed 1/3 people on study had good results with gabapentin; 1/3 with pregabalin .... and 1/3 who either had no benefits or couldn't tolerate either.

[cheerichick]

I'm so sorry to hear of your suffering. We are all different as you know but I was on gabapentin 300mg I think was 3 times a day and felt nothing at all I was still in great pain. I'm now on pre gablin 300mg twice a day and help tremendously. Some ppl get great relief from gabapentin. I did st one time stop all meds and the withdrawals were awful and looking back I shouldn't have done it. I totally understand how you must feel but why not give the gabapentin a try as you might surprise yourself. I'm sorry that's the best advice I can give you. I hope you get the help you need as I know that pain and suffering. All the best huni. Take care xx

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm quite new to this forum. I agree give gabapentin a go, it might just do the trick, if it doesn't go back to your gp, take someone with for moral support.

I'm on alsorts of meds as I have fibromyalgia, non alcoholic steatohepititis caused by the meds have given me over the years , also osteopenia which could end up with osteoporosis, gastritis, IBS and diverticulitis,!!! I know there are people much worse than me. Take care Lynne xx

[ciy9091]

Have now been diagnosed with Polymyalgia so not fybromyalgia I'm now on Steroids no wonder the Prwgabalin didn't work. But one thing I will say is the withdrawal is awful so the slower you do it the better just hope my hair improves it's still falling out and in terrible condition

[CloudTreeDrive13]

It's great to see someone taking sensible control of their body. I always try and go by my gut feeling. Also common sense goes a long way. You have obviously weighed up everything. Take care xxxx