Is Gabapentin used for pain relief?

[crazyk]

When I was first prescribed gabapentin I thought it was for pain relief. Today my rheumatologist said it wasn't used for pain but for fatigue, and gave me steroid injections instead. Can anyone clarify if it is used for pain, or is it for fatigue?

[dgleds]

gabapentin is really used for sezuires, but they often give it to people with back problems (tingling/nerve stuff from back pain)..it helps for that too. It can make you sleep..it helps with that....

[Tinalou]

I'm on the most you can take for nerve pain . Never heard it given for fatigue although it does cause insomnia so maybe that is the thinking behind that.

[misty14]

Hi Crazyk

Gabapentin is given for nerve pain relief not specifically fatigue. I take it myself and it's very helpful. Hope it helps you.x

[farmerfester in reply to misty14]

Same as misty take it for chronic nerve pain if the fatigue is caused by nerve problems then who not

[madmagz]

Hi yes gabapentin can be used for pain relief but does have a number of side effects, steroids however reduce swelling which gabapentin does not do and the the steroid injection benefits last for months where as with the gabapentin you have to keep taking it all the time. One of the side effects of gabapentin is drowsiness so I can't see that it would be used for fatigue as it would make things worse, I have taken it as an anticonvulsant and for pain relief in the past and been taken off it due to other side effects - weight gain being one of the main ones. I do however have steroid injections every six months and find them very beneficial I have been having them for nearly eight years now and will carry on having them as long as I can as the pain relief I get from them is much better than any drugs I have taken.

Good luck and I hope they work as well for you as they do for me

Madmagz x

[Bonnie39]

I was put on it for pain relief but swelled up like a balloon so I'm back on amitryptaline. I'm deperate for relief of fatigue!!

[Sheilainacton]

I am on it for pain- drug leaflet states used for epilepsy and neuropathic pain & a very common side edfect is drowsiness. I suggest you look at your leaflet then ask Dr for clarification- seems a bit strange- maybe they misheard? Or confused it with another drug?