Thanks, I read your post, @lauriedr. I also have a problem with Gabapentin making me forgetful. It can be embarrassing. I also notice that I'm more clumsy and 'shaky' while I'm taking it. I've tried Amitriptyline too; it helped the pain, but with resulting weight gain and excessive daytime drowsiness, but it could be helpful for some, especially if you need to put on a little weight.

I hadn't heard of Topamax, and didn't want to consider Lyrica; however, I think I'll look into both. I like the idea of weight loss as a side effect of Topamax. I knew someone who took Depakote, and she gained at least 50 lbs.

@lauriedr, can you tell me how long and at what dose you were taking Topamax. The memory loss side effect scares me; I already suffer that with Gabapentin. I see my Physician next month. - Thanks again, Susan

I was on topamax for a decade, 400 mg twice per day. I started at a much lower dose. I did not lose time or have daytime drowsiness with topamax. But many people cannot tolerate Topamax. It is worth a shot. I take 120 mg Cymbalta and 2 mg klonapin every day. Neither helps the pain. I get marginal relief of depression from Cymbalta; I have tried many, many anti-depressants over the years, with no luck. Klonapin has been a godsend for my anxiety and agoraphobia. Way better than ativan. But again, it did not offer pain relief. Tizanidine, taken while I am in bed (It kicks in fast) has given me my sleep back. But if I awake at night to pee, I often fall because it is so strong.

THE "NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK" ARE: BOTOX AND KETAMINE; TIME MAGAZINE HAD A SPECIAL COVERAGE OF
BOTOX IN JANUARY KETAMINE FOR CHRONIC PAIN IS GETTING MORE ATTENTION AFTER MANY YEARS OF USE BY THE RETURNING MILITARY, FOR SURGERY. SOMETIMES KETAMINE IS COMBINED WITH AN OPIOD,BUT THE LATTER MAY BRING PROBLEMS!.

I take Tizanidine at bedtime too, and it is helpful, especially for my RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome). It seems to give me some relief with the Myofascial pain too. This is one drug I'd never take unless I'm going straight to bed though, and I'd never get behind the wheel of a car while under its influence. If I do a little reading in bed, I fall asleep with a book in hand.

As with most of these postings, I think I am ignorant of the original postings and problems and so I have trouble in replyng.

In this case,I quickly see a problem in polypharmacy: too many cooks spoil the soup. You need to be wary of overkill on the CNS.

Did you discuss the usage of these drugs at the same time with your neurologist or psychiatrist?

I take bupropion (Wellbutrin) for mild chronic depression, 150 mg/day, but see no effect For many years I used Zoloft but probably incorrectly.

"Ignorant of the original postings"... Yes, you are.
"Polypharmacy"?? Don't you tell me what I 'need' to do.
"Did you discuss the usage..." The question is inappropriate and intrusive.

Look at your last paragraph; "but probably 'incorrectly'..." One word is worth a thousand.

Please don't reply to my posts.

Hi @sistergoldenhair and @ujeeniack and everyone else sharing in this discussion:
Sometimes tone and intent don't come across so clearly on message boards. We only have words to convey our messages and support. I'm encouraged by the wealth of information and support that is being shared in this discussion and don't want things to be derailed by poor communication

Thank you @sistergoldenhair for pointing out the phrases you found ill-worded in tone and content, and how they affected you.

@ujeeniack, thank you for not using ALL CAPS in your last message. Using capital letters is considered shouting in online communications.

On Connect, we strive to foster a community that is supportive and inclusive. As lay people supporting lay people, it is important to not dictate to others what they must do or need to do. Rather we reflect our situations. It can be helpful to use phrases like, "In my situation, I found that..." or "you may consider ..." rather than "you need..."

For further guidance, please see the Connect Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/
If you wish to discuss further, please contact me privately using this form: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

Thank you @colleenyoung! I've sent you a private message.

@sistergoldenhair I want to thank you for using an acronym AND defining what it stands for! It is so helpful to all of us as a learning tool. Thanks for being a valuable member of Connect!
Jen