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Does Gabapentin have any side effects?
I have had neuropathy (chemo induced) since 2009. In the early years, under doctor's directions I had to gradually increase my daily intake of gabapentin to 2300 mg (yes, 2.3 grams) until I felt any relief from the pain, burning, ...etc. I had to gradually decrease my intake to 0 mg because of the 8 possible side effects that Google reported, I had 3 of them. The one of most concern to me was double vision. The other two were extreme tiredness and I could fall asleep while I was talking to you. After stropping taking gabapentin, I do not have double vision but am still sleep deprived. Since that time I have used a mild Vicodin for some years, an d now tramadol. I have been very careful to not take more than prescribed. In fact, I do not take pain meds during the day. If I hurt, I just hurt.
I found that Tylenol helps between the more stronger meds. I found some socks that I wear at night that offers I some relief.
Now I'll pontificate a bit. I have been married for 70 years to a really good woman, have children, grand children and great grand children, am a Korean War Vet, 92 years old, and have truly enjoyed teaching for 40 years as a high school and university teacher and have had many other experiences that have fulfilled my life, so it has been a good ride. So, even though our neuropathy will always be with us, as much as possible, keep smiling keep helping others less fortunate than , and keep on keeping on.
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Hello, I had a double lung transplant in 2013 with an end result of horrific neuropathy. I take 600mg three times daily with good results. I probably have many of the side effects some of you speak of, especially memory loss. When I have tried in the past to wein myself off, it was not possible. The last several years I’ve been trying to find a dr to increase my gabapentin. Transplant Dr said it was not his speciality. Referral to neurologist. Finally got in to see neurologist and he’s focused on hands and feet; which is part of problem. Prescribed an OTC nerve pill that’s only available by Dr. MB-N6. Been taking a couple years, with no change. It’s also out of pocket. I randomally saw a ft Dr about another issue; and he agreed to prescribe 800 mg three times a day.
Been taking less than a week, night before last my arms and legs began shaking ant night. Terrible during day. Dropped a glass of tea. Holding a cup with two hands. My wife and I went to a minor league ball game and if I put my arm around her or on the back of her chair, it would shak off. Stopped the 800’s this morning after four days. Will attemp to keep all posted.
It made me constipated. I had to take Metamucil before bedtime, then I'd be fine. I'm off Gabapentin now and rely on my spinal cord stimulator implant along with NSAIDS and Arthritis strength acetaminophen and occasionally a tramadol before bedtime.
I appreciate how long you've been in education and have gone through pain during that time. I am not quite the same age - 77 now - and have had neuropathy for over 15 years. Gabapentin has not been a medication for me since I had an anaphylaxis event with Lyrica and gabapentin and of course was not going to continue taking it even though at that time my doctor said reduce the dosage - there is no such thing as a little anaphylaxis. I am still hoping to find something that will help eliminate my pain. I do use cymbalta 90 mg and I take Tylenol 1,300 in the a.m. and p.m. . I will just keep on keeping on and try to put a smile on my face. I have pain almost all the time especially withstanding or walking for more than a few minutes. Good luck everyone!!
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2 ReactionsSpine stimulation system implant due to 7 back surgeries, neuropathy and it has been very helpful.
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1 ReactionWelcome @jim82, Thanks for sharing your experience with spine stimulators. I'm glad to hear that it has helped you. Do you mind sharing what type of spine stimulator implant you have?
A new study has Gabapentin being linked to an increased risk of dementia.
Even at low doses gabapentin makes me too drowsy to work. It also has caused painful small mouth ulcers on my gums and throat, twice. It’s apparently an u usual side effect but it happened to me. But still if I have to take it I do, for status migraine
What are the early dementia symptoms of these findings and at what age does this occur? I am 59 and have been on Gabapentin for arthritis 600 daily for 20 years. Recently had laminectomy with fushion now on 1800 mg daily. I have trouble staying focused at work.
You'll need to conduct some research. One place is right here on the Mayo Connect. Go to the main neuropathy support group home page and search for Gabapentin's link to dementia.
I couldn’t take it. It made me off balance and I kept walking into walls etc. There is much new information about this drug. You might check it out.