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Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?

Neuropathy | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (363)

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@shingles2020

I was recently diagnosed with shingles. Unfortunately I don't feel that UPMC Presby properly diagnosed and cared for me. It attacked several dermatomes of my head. Started in my mouth as blisters, rash on face (which never developed into blisters), ear, scalp, lymph node felt enlarged, throat felt pain and neck pain. Long story short, I was in isolation for 4 days. When I was released I was released on a prescription of Gabapentin 100mg 3 times per day. I was still in constant pain good night dear so I went to the emergency room the increase Gabapentin to 300. Still pain no relief. I went to my PCP increase my Gabapentin to 400 three to four times a day still no relief. It is 6 a.m. and I just took my 4:30 dose of Gabapentin and I'm still in pain. When I woke up at 4:30 a.m. I felt pretty good however after taking the gabatin, within one hour the pain starts and within two hours by left face is numb and the pain is still there. I feel that I should completely stop the Gabapentin see how my body reacts hopefully the pain will go away on its own. I do not understand why the left side of my face, within 2 hours of taking a dose, goes numb and the pain does not subside.

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Replies to "I was recently diagnosed with shingles. Unfortunately I don't feel that UPMC Presby properly diagnosed and..."

I wonder if Lyrica would work better for you? Often doctors prescribe the gabapentin first because it is cheaper and often insurance won’t pay but since gabapentin is not working for you I would think Lyrica would be worth a try.

Hello @shingles2020, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @helennicola. Have you talked with your doctor about your thoughts on Gabapentin and the fact it's not helping with the pain plus you have new symptoms with the left side of your face being numb? I don't think I would stop taking the Gabapentin without discussing it with your doctor first.