My husband and I both have taken Gabapentin over 20 yrs. I worry about the effects of mental confusion, etc. that it has had on us without our knowledge. Anyone know of OTC that really helps without the mental confusion and dementia type side effects?
Hello @milliemoose, Welcome to Connect. It sounds like you and your husband have been dealing with neuropathy for a long time. I don' t have any pain with my neuropathy but do take supplements to hopefully slow the progression of the neuropathy. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.
There are quite a few discussions and comments from members on over the counter supplements. Here is a search of Connect with links to member discussions and comments on supplements for neuropathy if you want to scan through them - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/.
Can you share a little more about your neuropathy diagnosis and symptoms Gabapentin is helping?
@johnbishop We are both retired. My husband’s neuropathy is associated with his back and his diabetes. When he is not taking Gabapentin he can hardly walk due to the burning and pain in his feet and his Right thigh burns from his back. His diabetes is well controlled over the last 4 years A1C is consistently 5.6 now. Prior his diabetes was uncontrolled and very brittle diabetic taking insulin 4 times a day and as needed. I have neuropathy in my feet. Originally I was told it was restless leg and given lyrica which did nothing for the burning, tingling and stabbing shooting pain. Finally the pain management doctor I was using started me on gabapentin. I have been on 1200 for several yrs now and it controls the sx. I retired as an RN after 38 years. If not for Gabapentin I probably would not have worked as long as I did.
@johnbishop We are both retired. My husband’s neuropathy is associated with his back and his diabetes. When he is not taking Gabapentin he can hardly walk due to the burning and pain in his feet and his Right thigh burns from his back. His diabetes is well controlled over the last 4 years A1C is consistently 5.6 now. Prior his diabetes was uncontrolled and very brittle diabetic taking insulin 4 times a day and as needed. I have neuropathy in my feet. Originally I was told it was restless leg and given lyrica which did nothing for the burning, tingling and stabbing shooting pain. Finally the pain management doctor I was using started me on gabapentin. I have been on 1200 for several yrs now and it controls the sx. I retired as an RN after 38 years. If not for Gabapentin I probably would not have worked as long as I did.
@clinic2323
I just looked it up. Presgera is another one of those SCAM products promoting relief from nerve pain.
Do not fall for this scam! Please do not buy it. Nothing you can buy like that heals nerves.
Companies that promote anything that is supposed to heal damaged nerves are preying on those of us with pain.
Nothing, will heal damaged nerves.
I am using something that has essentially the same ingredients. I think it slowed down the progression, but I am not sure. It isn't expensive, and no side effects, so it is probably worth a try.
@clinic2323
I just looked it up. Presgera is another one of those SCAM products promoting relief from nerve pain.
Do not fall for this scam! Please do not buy it. Nothing you can buy like that heals nerves.
Companies that promote anything that is supposed to heal damaged nerves are preying on those of us with pain.
Nothing, will heal damaged nerves.
@SusanEllen66 I have found that acupuncture has decreased my neuropathy substantially. I had 73% nerve damage and originally was only able to feel 1 out of the 7 stimulants they used to test me, the really hot hair dryer. I was going to an acupuncturist that specializes in neuropathy 3 times a week. I've been going for 2 1/2 years now and am down to going once a week. I can now feel 5 out of the 7 stimulants and have gone from taking 600 mg gabapentin every night to 100 and may be able to stop taking even that. Please note that not every acupuncturist specializes in neuropathy. I saw an ad and contacted him. I was skeptical at first as I'd never had acupuncture before in my life and really hate needles. I am one of many ho get treatment for neuropathy at his practice and all of us have seen results.
@SusanEllen66 I have found that acupuncture has decreased my neuropathy substantially. I had 73% nerve damage and originally was only able to feel 1 out of the 7 stimulants they used to test me, the really hot hair dryer. I was going to an acupuncturist that specializes in neuropathy 3 times a week. I've been going for 2 1/2 years now and am down to going once a week. I can now feel 5 out of the 7 stimulants and have gone from taking 600 mg gabapentin every night to 100 and may be able to stop taking even that. Please note that not every acupuncturist specializes in neuropathy. I saw an ad and contacted him. I was skeptical at first as I'd never had acupuncture before in my life and really hate needles. I am one of many ho get treatment for neuropathy at his practice and all of us have seen results.
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@milliemoose This is why I am not taking gabapentin. I am sorting thru OTC for something more holistic. If anyone has a suggestion … please advise.
@johnbishop We are both retired. My husband’s neuropathy is associated with his back and his diabetes. When he is not taking Gabapentin he can hardly walk due to the burning and pain in his feet and his Right thigh burns from his back. His diabetes is well controlled over the last 4 years A1C is consistently 5.6 now. Prior his diabetes was uncontrolled and very brittle diabetic taking insulin 4 times a day and as needed. I have neuropathy in my feet. Originally I was told it was restless leg and given lyrica which did nothing for the burning, tingling and stabbing shooting pain. Finally the pain management doctor I was using started me on gabapentin. I have been on 1200 for several yrs now and it controls the sx. I retired as an RN after 38 years. If not for Gabapentin I probably would not have worked as long as I did.
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3 Reactions@milliemoose Another resource that I have found helpful for learning more about dealing with neuropathy is the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/.
@johnbishop thank you, I appreciate your assistance.
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1 Reactionthis add wants enormous amount for product, found on amazon one quarter the price, have not tried yet @SusanEllen66
Welcome @dottyone. Are you also dealing with neuropathy?
I tried Presgera. It didn’t work for me. I got my money back!
I am using something that has essentially the same ingredients. I think it slowed down the progression, but I am not sure. It isn't expensive, and no side effects, so it is probably worth a try.
@SusanEllen66 I have found that acupuncture has decreased my neuropathy substantially. I had 73% nerve damage and originally was only able to feel 1 out of the 7 stimulants they used to test me, the really hot hair dryer. I was going to an acupuncturist that specializes in neuropathy 3 times a week. I've been going for 2 1/2 years now and am down to going once a week. I can now feel 5 out of the 7 stimulants and have gone from taking 600 mg gabapentin every night to 100 and may be able to stop taking even that. Please note that not every acupuncturist specializes in neuropathy. I saw an ad and contacted him. I was skeptical at first as I'd never had acupuncture before in my life and really hate needles. I am one of many ho get treatment for neuropathy at his practice and all of us have seen results.
@atxmusiclover I glad to know you’re having success!
I’m wondering if the cause of a person’s neuropathy has any effect on what helps or not.