Gabapentin and Cymbalta

Jean, I have been on Mayo connect for many years! I have been off as of late because of illness and computer issues!
Am back now. Just found your message about Naprapathy!
I have been suffering with it for several years! I have tried Gabapentin but it does not cut the pain.
Is there any topical ointment or any other possibilities!
Thanks,
RB aka Sundance

I take both and they help a lot. Unfortunately I've tried dropping the Gabapentin twice over the last couple of years and my pain increased enough to get right back on it. Make sure you get a doctors advice on weening off the Gaba if you are going to try.

Gabapentin worked well for a few years then it became a huge problem.....I started losing my short-term memory, got so bad I even lost facial recognition: didn't have a name for 2 co-workers. Made mistakes at work that got me fired or laid-off 3 times before I stopped the Gabapentin. The short-term memory is still a problem 20 years later! Watch out!!!

I have been taking 4000mg of Gabapentin along with 60mg of Cymbalta, for the past 30 years and this combination has been working quite well for me.

I have been taking 3,600mg daily of Gabapentin and 20mg daily of Cymbalta for years and my anxiety is horrible. Suffocating. I'm a veteran and have PTSD and severe anxiety disorder. Currently exploring clinical trials through the VA.

Hi, I too am on Gabapentin for my nerve pain at 300mg three times a day. I needed something else to help with my OA and lumbar spinal stenosis which Gabapentin doesn’t work for . My primary care titrated me off my antidepressant for two weeks first, then started me on duloxetine 30 mg starting dose for 3 weeks (aka Cymbalta). So far no side effects. Helping for half the day, evening I’m sore again.
My follow up call is in a few days and she may then increase me to a maintenance dose of 60mg daily . I’m hopeful. Best of luck to you. Hang in there and keep smiling!

Long-term use of Gabapentin (over a year at increasing doses) after a severe back surgery has caused some memory loss. Read up on long-term usage.

@shenriks I have and to date scientific research has not confirmed causation of dementia from long term use of Gabapentin.

@shenriks
Most of the time if & when gabapentin is discontinued memory and other cognitive functions usually improve.
Jake

Gabapentin 300mg 3Xday and Cymbalta 60mg daily is my combo of choice. I feel it has made a significant improvement in my level of pain. I have been taking it for 5 years and will probably take it for life (or so my pain Dr says.) No major side effects.
It did take several months to reach the desired relief of pain.
I still have flares of pains but know Gabapentin dose can be increased. I also rely on epidural injections, Tylenol, and Tramadol if a flare, Meds hot/cold packs and Lidocaine patches also help.
Good luck!