Neuropathy

[Timothy3]

Hi does anyone have any advice regarding spinal compression neuropathy. Recently been diagnosed as I’ve been suffering constantly with tingling in arms,hands,legs and feet and feeling lightheaded. Have been prescribed pregablin 25mg twice a day but feel a little apprehensive about taking them due to side affects

[Hidden]

Hi Tim, I've had spinal compression neuropathy for years, only in legs so far, mainly left side, tingling, buzzing, burning, numbness etc.

I was originally started on Amitriptyline, which didn't work very well and I also didn't realise it can make RLS worse. Last August I had major pain down my left leg and my GP prescribed Naproxen for 2 months, Codeine Phosphate (no effect) and changed the Amitriptyline to Gabapentin 300mg 3 X a day.

Gabapentin and Pregabalin basically have the same effect and side effects. The doses are different, I do know, Pregabalin is more potent.

I also read about the potential side effects and was also horrified.

However, it did work and I can say my worst fears for side effects never came true.

Extra bonus! Gabapentin (or Pregabalin) can also be used for RLS. At time of starting on it I was taking 0.75mg Pramipexole and suffering RLS augmentaion, twitching, more or less all over, any time of day. Sleeping less than 4 to 5 hours every night.

I reduced the Pramipexole and stopped completely about a month ago. Currently taking 600mg Gabapentin at night. NO RLS symptoms in the day, occasional urge to move legs, some nights. Sleeping at least 6 hours a night and could sleep longer if given the opportunity.

I do experience some side effects, slight disturbance of balance, sometimes slightly dizzy, thickheaded or nauseous before eating in the morning. Occasionally a slight headache. All wear off after a while.

I haven't had any weight gain and in fact dieted and lost nearly 10 kg over the summer.

Negligible effects really considering the benefits.

That's my experience, but not everyone's the same. I know some people say they can't tolerate it at all. It's worth giving it a go.

Oh, and it does keep the neuropathy under control!

[Abookwriter2 in reply to Hidden]

I'm jealous you can take gabapentin with no side effects. It gave me a horrible urge to binge eat and I'm pristine about organic, juicing, usually never hungry. 100 mg of gabapentin took me back to gymnastic eating disorder days. Also made me just not care about getting up early and doing the things I usually do.

Maybe it's good as I've been trying to control the rls by rls.com (natural methods), going on Facebook too for natural methods including progesterone (amazon), magnesium spray on legs at night and Gentle Iron (amazon) twice a day.

Exercise that aggravates my right foot neuropathy (had a pedicure yesterday and it was torture on that foot) that radiates from the right side of back down the leg makes rls a sure thing at night. I did take one gabapentin and then the 25 mg of ropinole last night to help but I sabotaged myself with a late (3 p.m.) coffee drink, 1/2 decaf. That won't happen again.

Such a personal affliction, this rls!

Today I start NAD therapy and it is supposed to stop rls as a 'bonus' side effect. Let you know how that goes.(See The Drive podcast by Peter Attia with David Sinclair on NAD).

Best to all.

[Hidden in reply to Abookwriter2]

A shame that you can't tolerate Gabapentin. Ropinirole, as a DA can is also associated with lmpulse Control Disorder e.g. compulsive eating.

It will be interesting to see how you get on with NAD therapy.

[Abookwriter2 in reply to Hidden]

I loved, loved, loved the NAD IV therapy as it made my head so clear and felt like in my 30’s. I can’t think of anything I’d do after the two hours of IV that ended with a vitamin drip that wasn’t amazing from working out to, well, sleep and all that Jazz.

It is just too expensive at $1,800 for 5 sessions. I will continue oral supplements to increase NAD.