Gabapentin for my tremor

[1949liz]

Hi everyone just to update you on my medication unfortunately due to severe side affects I was advised by my neurologist and doctor to stop taking these pills. The reason why I was put on them was because of my tremor. They did nothing to help my tremor but I did have terrible nightmares, also awful pains in my shoulders and heaviness in my head. The withdrawal suffering when I stopped taking these pills was quite bad and I ended up having a migraine with flashing light. Today hopefully will be better. But at least I did try. Please take care and keep safe Love Liz xx🌹🙏

[cat3]

Sorry any hopes of relief came to nothing Liz. It's so disappointing when new medication makes us feel even worse and the underlying problem is as troublesome as ever.

My daughter-in-law was prescribed Gabapentin for chronic pain, but three months on she was suffering the same degree of pain and with additional depression, headaches and fatigue. It works so well for some but seems to have bad effects on others............. a case of physiological incompatibility I guess.

I remember when I struggled big-time with meds and awful side-effects for almost a year and my son suggested they DID offer temporary relief........"You know ?...... in between stopping one and starting another". 😧

Hope there'll be something more effective in the offing before too long m'love. BI issues can be so wearing ! Love Cat x

[1949liz in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat, it’s the after effects of the pills which are dreadful ie migraine and flashing lights which I do have periodically but nothing like the ones I have had these last few days. Also my tremor is a lot worse but it’s because I am rather stressed, hopefully it will pass soon. And you are correct the medication works on some people but not everyone. I was hopeful that this time the medication would work so I am back to square one. I am waiting until my neurologist appointment ( phone call) will help to find another drug that works. Many thanks for taking the time to reply as it does help knowing people care Love Liz x🌹🙏

[cat3 in reply to 1949liz]

You're a lovely, caring soul m'love ; I truly hope your neurologist comes up with something more suitable & effective next time... x 🌻

[Nks425]

Hi Liz,

I’m so sorry to hear about all your issues with Gabapentin.

I tried several different medications before I started on Gabapentin in 2014. I was put on what I feel was a high dose due to the pain. I took 2 pills at 300mg each 3 times a day. I gradually dosed up.

In 2017 I decided I wanted to see how I would do without it. I gradually dosed down.

For a month I tried not being on it. I was laying on the sofa in pain unable to do anything so I decided after talking with my Neurosurgeon that I would get back on it but would only take half the dose and see if it was the same or less effective. I found that 300mg 3 times a day had the same effect as 600mg so no need to take more medication than needed.

My purpose for taking Gabapentin is the head pain I have felt after my gamma knife surgery. I have found out after numerous scans that there are several reasons I have the pain I feel. During my GK surgery my neck was not supported while my head frame was attached to the machine. That caused my atlas to move which basically means “ my heads not on straight”.

It took awhile to figure this out. Once this was resolved we found chiropractic adjustment helped with this. We also found my C6-C7 are bulging as well and the CSF does not flow freely which also causes more pain in my head. The medication does not get rid of all the pain but it does let me have a better quality of life in which I am not just laying on the sofa.

I have always been told Gabapentin is for neuropathic pain. It keeps your brain from getting the message of pain. I have also heard it’s used for seizures. It’s definitely a medication you don’t want to just stop. It’s one you want to taper off.

I hope this helped and if you have any questions I’m happy to help feel free to private message me.

Niyani

[1949liz in reply to Nks425]

Hi my neurologist put me on Gabapentin for my tremor but unfortunately for me it has not worked. What I have done (wrongly) was I abruptly stopped taking them I was advised by my doctor to taper them down but the nightmares were horrid and extremely distressing. I am a week and two days free of the drug but the withdrawal symptoms has caused me to have migraines hopefully I will begin to feel better soon. Gosh you have certainly had your fair share of pain and discomfort and I am so pleased that Gabapentin has worked for you please take great care keep safe and look after yourself and thank you for your kind reply Love Liz x🌹🙏

[Nks425 in reply to 1949liz]

Liz I’m so sorry what an awful experience you have had. It’s nothing you have done unfortunately we all react differently to medication. I hope you find some relief soon. Lots of positive thoughts and prayers coming your way.😊🤗

Niyani

[1949liz in reply to Nks425]

Hi Nks425 what a lovely reply and thank you so much for your kind reply. May I ask you how you got your users name as I am afraid I just use my name as I did not know you had to invent a users name. But a big thank you for replying to me you are so kind Lots of Love Liz x🌹🙏

[Nks425 in reply to 1949liz]

It’s my initials and the day my “ head blew up” as I like to refer to my aneurysm (April 25). I’m happy to talk any time. xoxo