Has anyone used Gabapentin ?

[Cherylle]

Need a bit of advice about gabapentin.Thanks

[DRunnerchick]

Been on gabapentin for a bit, what is you question? Are you taking it for pain? Seizure? Neuropathy? It is used for all of those things. It can be used for a variety of reasons and at different doses. Can cause sleepiness but usually gets better once you get used to it (couple of weeks-everyone is different and some don't have any problems). If that didn't answer your question, just give me more specifics and I'll check back later.

D🏃🏽‍♀️

[Cherylle in reply to DRunnerchick]

Sorry for not explaining better.I suffer with R.A and psoratic arthritis and restless leg syndrome.Yesterday I was in absolute agony with my legs.Iv been takeing 600mg at night for about 6 months with pain killers.Nothing was working, so yesterday I took another 600mg at dinner time.It really did help, but my concern is i need painkillers,but so scared of getting addicted then in months to come haveing to increase again.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Cherylle. I'd check with your GP but when we start gabapentin & others in this class we start low & titrate up to the most effective dose so to my mind we wouldn't ordinarily take double our normal dose in the same day. I understand why you did, you needed relief but I'm not sure that this is the right way of using it because, again to my mind, the next day your normal dose may not be as effective. There may be an alternative way, or another med you can take in such circumstances but your GP will know, maybe a good idea to check before you find yourself needing relief from your RLS the next time.

I titrated up to the highest daily dose of gabapentin but it didn't help, it just gave me cognitive issues so I had a break then started pregabalin which does but I've to careful re dose, for the same reason. I only take 125mg twice daily which is generally effective but my GP supplied a separate box of 25mg which I dip into with when I feel the extra 25mg is needed.

Please do ask your GP what would be best for you, we're not qualified so we can't give medical advice here, that includes 'trying' what someone suggests works for them... what may work well for me might not for you, or anyone else.

You saying you're bothered about addition, this is why drug addicts have a liking for this class of med, they can take a high dose & like the effects (weird I know) but take another when they're coming down & it's not as effective so don't use them all the time, only when they want a speedy day.

[stillme]

on it for nerve pain and have found it fantastic except it best after two hours. also slightly sophorific but as i only take it in the evening this is good for me . my dose 900mg at night. i can fight the tiredness if i wanted/had to

[allanah]

Good replies above I think. GPS are exceptional at pain relief and as yours was not in control.you took more.

Do phone the doc and ask for a pain med review. He could help you get the best from these tablets.

[Cherylle]

Thank you for all your comments.Il be going to my gp this week and i will get back to you.But I do feel A lot better today.☺☺☺☺

[Hidden]

I take Gabapentin 300mg three times a day. Been taking it nearly three years, with gradual increase of the dosage.

Also take a low dosage of paracetamol as & when needed. Find this helps, but I am increasingly noticing the Gabapentin is not effective as it used to be, as my osteoarthritis gets worse.

[Someonesmother]

I can't take any anticonvulsants or anti depressant meds as they impact way too much on me, so I am no help at all. I would get advice from a medical professional, though as they will have the right advice for you. Good luck

[completely-zero654]

I have been taking Gabapentin for nearly 15 years, 8 daily = 2400, together with many other pain relief for chronic back pain and osteoarthritis, also take M.S.T, Oralmorph to "top up". As said take alot more tablets too, and must admit that all these tablets do help ease pain but none of them take it away completely. Only thing I can say about Gabapentin is that it made me very tired but now years on and taking a lot more medication am unable to give you a comment on Gabapentin alone. Sorry have tried to help xxxxxxxxxxxx

[DRunnerchick]

Gabapentin is useful for chronic, neuropathic pain but it is not a drug that should have the dosage adjusted willynilly because it comes from a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It is not a 'regular' painkiller where increasing the dose is merely providing more relief and blocking the pain. With gabapentin, it is actually working with the chronic pain piece of it and the chemicals in your brain to balance it out overall. Sometimes dosing can be higher at night because patients need more relief to sleep at night and dosing might be something like - 300am/300 afternoon/900 bedtime just as an example. As always. Check with your prescribing doctor so they can coordinate your other meds and do what's best for you. Best of luck. Pain is a heartless mistress!

[ROBERT_CARMICHAEL]

I have taken gabapentin 300mg in the mornings and 1200(4 capsules) at night for many years for drug(probably leflunomide) induced peripheral neuropathy without any obvious problem. If I forget my nightly dose my neuropathy(legs) soon reminds me!