Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?

Posted by cwallen9 @cwallen9, Apr 16, 2019

I started getting peripheral neuropathy pain about nine months ago in my feet and hands right after I received a cervical steroid injection. I started taking gabapentin about 7 months ago. I have gradually increased my dose from 100 mg a day to 1500 mg. I can't say that it has decreased my pain at all. In fact, my pain has gotten steadily worse. I was just wondering if it is possible that gabapentin can sometimes make neuropathy pain worse. My EMG and biopsy results are negative for short fiber neuropathy so far.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

@rwinney

Qunol turmeric is the only liquid I can tolerate. Taking CoQ10 in pill form still. How's the liquid taste John? Keep in mind I'm a big baby ! 😂

Jump to this post

I also took the liquid Qunol CoQ10, but didn't have an issue with the taste. You are supposed to keep the Turmeric in the fridge after opening, which helps. I just chugged both and kept a big glass of water nearby to help wash them both down. I also take 2 Turmeric capsules each day. If those can help not to have to take some other drug with more side effects, then I'm all for it. Mayo wanted to stick me on Cymbalta or Lurica and i refused. Aren't they basically another version of Gabapentin anyway? I already take 4 Gabapentin at night, as well as Baclofen, two PM tablets, two 600mg extended release arthritis formula Tylenol and Zyrtec. Enough to knock out a horse, but not me!! I fall asleep pretty easiy at first but wake up with shoulder, neck and/or feet pain or all of the above. Geez, its fun getting old.

REPLY
@pjfrahm

I also took the liquid Qunol CoQ10, but didn't have an issue with the taste. You are supposed to keep the Turmeric in the fridge after opening, which helps. I just chugged both and kept a big glass of water nearby to help wash them both down. I also take 2 Turmeric capsules each day. If those can help not to have to take some other drug with more side effects, then I'm all for it. Mayo wanted to stick me on Cymbalta or Lurica and i refused. Aren't they basically another version of Gabapentin anyway? I already take 4 Gabapentin at night, as well as Baclofen, two PM tablets, two 600mg extended release arthritis formula Tylenol and Zyrtec. Enough to knock out a horse, but not me!! I fall asleep pretty easiy at first but wake up with shoulder, neck and/or feet pain or all of the above. Geez, its fun getting old.

Jump to this post

@pjfrahm Hi there! Yup, mine is in the fridge, that does help. And I chug water right after too. I may try CoQ10 liquid to lessen the # of pill supplements I take.

On Lyrica now, been on gaba. To be honest, I just can't say that I notice a solid result from these drugs. I almost think that Acetyl L Carnatine and R Alpha Lipoic Acid may be doing the job. BUT, I'm afraid to rid of Lyrica just in case. Dropped Cymbalta beginning of the year so I'm pleased for now by doing that.

REPLY
@johnbishop

Used to be an "ewwwww!" but has become a chug-a-lug to get over the ewwww 🙂

Jump to this post

John - wanted to let you know that my Mayo nurse said the pain rehab program has shut down for now due to coronavirus and all employees are disbursed to the hospital.

REPLY
@rwinney

John - wanted to let you know that my Mayo nurse said the pain rehab program has shut down for now due to coronavirus and all employees are disbursed to the hospital.

Jump to this post

🙁 Hopefully we will get through this COVID-19 situation by Summer or sooner.

REPLY
@johnbishop

🙁 Hopefully we will get through this COVID-19 situation by Summer or sooner.

Jump to this post

I certainly hope so. I will add, however, that I'm selfishly happy due to circumstances... my daughter stayed home from college spring break and my husband is unable to work. I'm not alone and feeling isolated as much now. Nice to have company! Gotta find the good in all situations. 😊

REPLY
@rwinney

I certainly hope so. I will add, however, that I'm selfishly happy due to circumstances... my daughter stayed home from college spring break and my husband is unable to work. I'm not alone and feeling isolated as much now. Nice to have company! Gotta find the good in all situations. 😊

Jump to this post

Glad that you have your family around to help you.

REPLY
@darlingtondoll

Glad that you have your family around to help you.

Jump to this post

Thank you. 😊

REPLY

I don't think so. Maybe it's not neuropathic pain? It took me several months to figure out I had veins pain alongside neuralgic pain. I mean - how I supposed to know if I never experienced it before? I would look for other coexisting conditions as neuropathy is usually 'just' a symptom of other condition. Good luck

REPLY

I have major disc problems which occurred during a hip replacement surgery. I was told I have peripheral neuropathy and given Gabapentin 1800mg a day. I actually think it made the neuropathy worse. I never had pins and needles until I took Gabapentin. I have had several transforeminal injections which provided some relief. I am going to stop the Gabapentin and find a new doctor. Clearly I need very serious help. I have spent almost a year in bed screaming in pain. Good luck to you.

REPLY
@cwalkowicz

I have major disc problems which occurred during a hip replacement surgery. I was told I have peripheral neuropathy and given Gabapentin 1800mg a day. I actually think it made the neuropathy worse. I never had pins and needles until I took Gabapentin. I have had several transforeminal injections which provided some relief. I am going to stop the Gabapentin and find a new doctor. Clearly I need very serious help. I have spent almost a year in bed screaming in pain. Good luck to you.

Jump to this post

Gabapentin didn't work for me but I only took a few pills. Most of the pills prescribed for me make me sleepy or feeling bad in some way so I quit them in short order. For my occasional neuropathy I try stretching, exercise, self massage, or anything but the pills. It usually goes away in short order and I haven't had problems since I can get outside and be more active. Granted, I am not up to my former self since back surgery four years ago, but I am not dealing with much pain. Try other doctors, such as chiropractic, diet specialists, therapists, and acupuncture. They have been very helpful to me. I can live with what is going on right now but would like to improve if I can manage it. At age 84, I don't expect much more improvement. I am trying to be factual in my case. Dorisena

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.