Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Thank you @jakedduck1. My Gabapentin prescription is to fight the hyper-sensitivity in my feet caused by Peripheral Neuropathy. The current starter dose is 100mg only. My physician actually told me to take it 3x per day "if needed." The instruction sheet that came with the meds made me wonder about the "never stop" guidance. Hopefully the side effects are not too bad with the 100 mg. Fingers crossed.

@dieterreuther
I sorry you have to suffer through the agony of neuropathy. I've had it for over 30 years. Since my neuropathy has gotten worse my pain is gone, I now have numbness. Neuropathy also can cause other issues as it progresses. It caused me to have ED, bladder and bowel problems. Hopefully things don't get worse. It's good your starting slowly. It may help decrease side effects. I took 3600 mg of gabapentin and didn't have any side effects. My brother takes the same amount without side effects so fingers crossed you won't either.
There is a pain specialist doctor at Stanford University in California who specializes in neuropathy and claims that in order for Neuropathy medication's to be most effective they need to not work in the beginning. He explained why, but I don't remember his reasons.
Good luck,
Jake

It wasn’t advised on my prescription, but I take my 3-a-day Gabapentin on as much the same time schedule as possible. My PN has some pain attached to the normal numbness and tingling. I also get uncomfortably cold (and sometimes hot) feet and hands. Gabapentin has helped control the pain and cold/heat intolerance tremendously. If I miss a dose, those symptoms usually flare up, so I’ve learned to keep the meds at an even flow. That’s how it works for me anyway.

IS RED LIGHT THERAPHY RECOMMENDED FOR NON-DIABETIC NEUROPATHY?

This is a question for your doc or at least your pharmacist. I am hoping I will adjust (ie - be less groggy) over time. I am still on my first two week experiment.

0612judy
Drowsiness is a common side effect of gabapentin, actually all seizure meds. Side effects usually improve after taking it anywhere from weeks to a few months.
If you increase your dose do it slowly to help ease side effects.
Try to stick with it, it should get better. Are you having any balance or thinking issues?
Take care,
Jake

I'm Steve. My neurologist says I have peripheral neuropathy (non-diabetic) I use a walker for balance. I have Crohn"s disease which is an autoimmune disease. Over the last several months it seems to have gotten worse ad has affected my fingers noticeably. Also my vision has worsened (like I have a sheet over my head blocking the light). As well, my speech is slurred (no stroke or anything related). I also drool quite a lot. I don't have chronic pain, but sometimes I take a gabapentin at night for acute "shooting" pain in my feet.

I've been told by my doctor that "it is what it is" and that there is no cure. I can live with that, but almost every day I receive or see something on "a cure for neuropathy". Maybe because "misery loves company" I'm reaching out to see what others experience. I look forward to seeing any response. Thank you, Steve

I have same symptoms as you regarding bowel and bladder symptoms.
It’s been many years 10 or more for me
Not easy is it?
I’m hoping someday I’ll start feeling better,if that’s possible.

Never had drowsiness from Gabapentin, and I was taking 600 mg 4x a day.
All I know is that Gabapentin did nothing for my neuropathy so it was stopped after few years.
I also have severe balance issues and cannot feel my feet, it’s hard to walk.

@harley22
Sorry to hear of all your going through.
No, it's definitely not easy. Your condition sounds worse than mine. It would be nice if researchers could make it better but even if they do I’ll most likely be gone. I don't use any assistive devices. I had a walker but fell in it so I take my chances without any aids.
I often wish I had the pain instead of these complications. I don't want to be negative but I think it will continue to progress, what next?
Take care,
Jake