Jackie, What did you decide about taking the Gabapentin? My son took it for a period of time after spine injury and don't know if he had side effects, but it was part of his recovery process.
Like you and @edwardwallace, I accept that medications have side effects, but not everyone experiences the same reaction to the meds. I guess what I'm saying is that it is a balance of risk vs benefit.

@jackie421blfdgurl - If you are still undecided, here is an idea for consideration: Talk to your doctor about trying the medication for a few weeks, and then checking in with him to report how you are responding. Then you can decide whether to continue, or to stop.
Does that sound like something you would consider trying?