Pain Management

[Carrie1949USA]

I take 600 mg Gabapentin 3 times and it took 2 months to really notice pain relief. I think it is actually because I have also begun alternating between tai chi and yoga that i have pain relief. At times I want to just syay in bed all day but force myself to get up and exercise and believe it or not exercise, even if it is a simple walk outdoors takes my.mind off pain.

[releasethemagic]

That is a very high dose of Gabapentin and one of its side-effects is fatigue. Pregabalin is a newer version, now available as a generic drug. It requires far less of it to achieve the pain relief so it is better for your kidneys and liver function. You could ask your Dr to consider switching you over.

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee in reply to releasethemagic]

some people have benefit on gabapentin and others have it with pregabalin. We can only tell what works for people after they have tried it.

[Carrie1949USA in reply to releasethemagic]

Thank you so much for the interesting response. I will be sure to discuss it with my pain management specialist at my next 3 month check up in April and will let you know what she says.

[Hidden in reply to Carrie1949USA]

Pregabalin is like 50 times the price too

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’m so lucky then as I get it free in Northern Ireland.

I’m new to FB and have only been taking Pregabalin for 3 weeks. What kind of dose are you on & will we be taking this for ever?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'm not on any, I've seen the lyrica Survivors group on Facebook and been put off ever taking them again after what they've been through on Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Gabapentin

Was on pregabalin for anxiety years ago but had side effects so stopped after 10 days

[Jint71 in reply to releasethemagic]

Hi , I’m just reading your response, I take 900mg three times a day. Do you think I should consider a medication change to pregablin too?

[releasethemagic in reply to Jint71]

That is a decision for your GP or Consultant. They should be carrying out annual blood tests to make sure Gabapentin is not interfering with Kidney or Liver function too much. If it is, Pregabalin could be worth trying. What works for one person, does not necessarily work for another. There is a certain amount of trial and error.

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

I am glad you have taken to yoga/tai chi and found something that helps you focus away from the pain , being outside for a walk is beneficial as we find ourselves noticing what’s around us, like at the moment they are saying the lovely blossoms on the trees, for me I love the smell of freshly cut grass, reminds me of Summer I cannot wait xx

[Carrie1949USA]

I am amazed at the number of responses to my post. I feel the best response is always discuss new medications which have less side effects are worth discussing at your next doctor appointment. Wishing everyone a light pain day and the hope that you all can get through the difficult times.