Gabapentin advice.

[Bulldogjs]

Hello. First time posting. Diagnosed a month ago. Had symptoms many years but became constant beginning of March. I’ve tried Pregablin and Duloxetine so far but too many side effects. I started Gabapentin 300mg yesterday. 1 yesterday, 2 today, 3 tomorrow. Took my first of 2 this morning and have felt so unwell! Sleepy, nausea, dizzy, zombie like! Awful! Should I take another tonight or space out the doses over a few days? Will it get better? I’d appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for reading x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Side effects can take a few weeks to settle down, and in general it can be 4-6 weeks for medications to see any benefits

[CM1EDSUK]

As Hazel has said, whilst side effects are common with both Gabapentin & Pregabalin, as with other meds., it can take a while to settle down & for you to see the benefit. As ever, please be guided by your GP/specialist's advice.

[Cat00]

I would build up the dose slower. I find where Pregablin and Gabapentin are concerned I need longer to go on and come off than the doctors give me. I've come on and off Gabapentin 3 times, slower works for me.

[Fra22-57]

I found them both the same thou gabapentin effected my stomach.They are both very very addictive

[dianebrown707]

I was like this but it settles down

[Bluebell999]

I had both at separate times and was really affected by the side effects, even though I persevered for over six weeks each time.

They can cause weight gain as they increase your appetite so be aware of what you are eating to keep it in check.

I felt like a zombie during those times and I frightningly could not recognise where I was when we went out. I had to keep repeatedly weighing ingredients when making a cake even though I have known and memorised the recipe for over thirty years. Things became too much effort to work out, like shopping lists and money. I often felt cut off from the world and I couldn't follow a conversation or use the laptop.

BUT many people here find one or the other extremely beneficial and recommend it for the pain relief, particularly for easing breakthrough night pain.

What suits one person may not suit another so it is really trial and error.

I would say take it slowly though so you can monitor your reactions to it.

[dorking15]

Was prescribe dDuloxetine but all the scary stories put me off taking them. Tried for three days and had no sleep for 3 nights. Loved Pregabalin. Felt stronger and in less pain but distressingly noticed my hair was really shedding. Two drs said they had w ever heard of that so back onto Gabapentin I went. 1x 300 mg per day. I’m not convinced it does a lot but I’m frightened to try to come off it. Fortunately I have not suffered any side effects as I did with the others though I know it is not as effective a drug and dr was disappointed I couldn’t/ wouldn’t take the others.

[Royalname]

Hi Bulldog, I take Gabepentin 300mg 3 x a day, but I started on a 100mg doze first then slowly worked up to 300mg. Perhaps that will help you. It is worth persevering as you will eventually benefit taking it. Discuss with your GP if side effects continue

[estellastar]

I know this is the recommended dosages, but I really think they are too high. My advice would be to take it far slower. You can get 100mg capsules, and you can take it easy, at your own level of comfort. You do have a choice! You can negotiate with your prescriber. Health care, especially pain relief is a discussion between the patient and health professional. Incidentally, I am a former Registered Midwife, before I became ill, and FMS is on a level, often, of being 8cm dilated in labour with no pain relief! Try to keep happy. This is one of your weapons against FMS. Remember, it is not a ‘muscular’ disorder’, as many ill-informed GP’s may tell you. It is neurological, involving many systems of the body, and recent clinical research indicates it could be autoimmune in origin. Lots of love to you all ❤️

[jimmyshoes in reply to estellastar]

I totally agree with you ,the more unhappy I feel at time really does increase my pain so that is the bit I try hard to fix as benefits me as well.I find this easier thsn the side effects as we're horrible fie me on all the strong meds.Same pain but I decided to take control.

[LordGodAlmighty]

Hi, your increase in the amount may be effecting you. I've just started taking them, my GP has stated one in the morning and one at night for a week, then 1 in the morning 2 at night for another week. Finally 2 in the morning and two at night. What does it say on the box of the pregabalin? If in doubt, try your GP (just don't hold your breath waiting if your GP is like mine.

Phil