Gabapentin/pregabalin?? : I have taken... - Pain Concern

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Gabapentin/pregabalin??

Victoriapain profile image
23 Replies

I have taken gabapentin previously for my nerve issues in my cervical spine and had terrible side effects from them.. Pregabalin has been suggested and im wondering if the side effects are similar?

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Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain
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23 Replies
luckyjim profile image
luckyjim

Victoria

Unfortunately, the only way of finding out is to give them a try. I couldn't tolerate either but as other pain people have commented, we are all different and they may be right for you.

Good Luck

Jim

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply toluckyjim

Thanks for your reply. I know everyone is different. The experience I had with gabapentin has put my off that kind of medication. Why if you don't mind me asking did they not agree with you x

Cynthialcj profile image
Cynthialcj in reply toVictoriapain

I can't take it , makes my blood pressure sky rocket. So that made me feel sluggish and sick. Doctor called it a allergy.

hollycorner3 profile image
hollycorner3 in reply toCynthialcj

Doctors typical reply, eh? Persist in your queries and do NOT be fobbed off! Your body is yours and you know it best!!

luckyjim profile image
luckyjim in reply toVictoriapain

Victoria

I just felt generally bad, aches, depressed, tired etc etc. Gave them a decent try but had to stop since cure was worse than illness.

Regards

Jim

NFDK profile image
NFDK

My doctor said - and these were his exact words - "Pregabalin is MUCH better than Gabapentin" As for my opinion and my experiences, Pregabalin has many side effects for me - but you might be quite different :-) The only reason I put up with the side effects I endure is that, without Pregabalin, I would not be able to even leave my bed, because of the awful pain. I have whole-body Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS.

Flugelman profile image
Flugelman

Hi

I've been on pregabalin for several years and have had no side effects. I can't compare though as I've never had gabapentin.

Hope you get sorted soon.

misty14 profile image
misty14

Hi victoriapain

I have tried Pregabalin twice and had horrid side effects but tolerate Gabapentin very well, been on it years!. We are all different and as you couldn't take Gabapentin you might be fine with Pregabalin. Good luck for when you try I hope it works well. X

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain

Thanks for all your replies... Im still in two minds about giving it a try. X

hollycorner3 profile image
hollycorner3 in reply toVictoriapain

Can't do any harm Victoria to try all that is suggested. It is then up to you to continue with the one that suits you best or DO WITHOUT. How did people manage before painkillers arrived. Sometimes just Codeine and Paracetamol alone will do the trick but Codeine can tend to make you constipated (therefore not for everyone). Good luck

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply tohollycorner3

Hi, I had such a bad experience with gabapentin that it has put me off any type of nerve drug. I currently on butrans patches but am unable to work using them. But I really want to get back to work so this is the only medication option. Thanks for replying x

Debbs73 profile image
Debbs73

Hi Victoriapain. I was on gabapentin for years on quite a high dose with no side affects. But have changed to pregabaline as because as we all know our body gets immune to drugs after a while, so go changed me to pregabaline. Have been taking it for a good few months now with no side effects (touch wood. ). . Fingers crossed they work for you. Debbs 😃

Alison2003 profile image
Alison2003

Hi l am taking pregablin twice a day and have had no side effects.as others have said we are all different and you alone will know if they are doing any good.I also take amitriptyline 25mg at night and have been prescribed tramadol for breakthrough pain.I have no complaints about any of them and now get a good nights sleep and am ready for the next day.

I had worked up my dosage on gabapentin (at doctors direction) to 3600mg/day 6-600mg. I have permanent extensive axonal nerve damage residual from Guillian Barre Syndrome. The nerve pain is constant When we couldn't manage the pain enough my doctors changed me to Lyrica (pregabalin) In my case I had no problem stopping gabapentin and starting Lyrica. Overall it has helped to keep me moving and along with cymbalta has helped I would say 80% With no side effects aside from mild dry mouth. Worth a try to me if your finances and or insurance will allow. Take Care

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply to

Thank-you x

Hermes123 profile image
Hermes123

Hermes123. I take 12. Gabapentin a day and have done for a number of years, apart from tiredness I have no other side effect. I think you is a case of your metabolism every one is different you need to fined what suits you.

liketohelp profile image
liketohelp

Yes, but I always read up on all meds prescribed to me before I will start it. The side effects of this drug are not worth the use to me. I have a lot of pain issues but prefer nothing for them. I offer my pain up. There are always more people worse off. God Bless.

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC

The thing is Victoriapain, if you read the possible side effects of Paracetamol it would make you think twice about taking it! Millions of people do though.....

As has already been said, you'll only know how Pregabalin will help/affect you if you start taking it.

Although this site is excellent for hints, tips & anecdotes, you are you so won't necessarily have the same result as someone else.

There are some 'common' mild side effects of Pregabalin and I get a few of them myself plus a couple of the less common but that's irrelevant to you (I mean that on the nicest sense) so despite what you read on here (regarding self effects) there's only one way to find out!!!!

RJC x

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply toRAYJAYC

I understand everyone is different, I'm not stupid. I had a very very bad experience with gabapentin so therefore I'm reluctant to touch another type of this. I was merely asking for reference purposes. X

RAYJAYC profile image
RAYJAYC in reply toVictoriapain

You've interpreted my post differently to how I intended it to sound but I stick to my main point; there's no way of knowing how a drug will affect you unless you take it.

RJC x

jacss173 profile image
jacss173

I can't use iether of them ,they both caused chronic bowel issues ,which I ended up having to wait for my next specialist appointment ,because he had written the prescription ,they took me in to hospital and my bowel had become a mass of polyips ,I had never had any bowel trouble up to that

Victoriapain profile image
Victoriapain in reply tojacss173

Oh that sounds terrible. Hope your ok now xx

billybunter123 profile image
billybunter123

I was told by pain management that they go for Gabapentin before Pregabalin because of cost , i then assumed that there was not a generic for Pregabalin ,still on licence , they are a very very costly medication to the NHS

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