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Gabapentin side effects?
I am a regular on the Mayo Board! I don't know what I would do without it! Our doctors don't want to discuss openly the things about illnesses and side effets of drugs and other things. Anyway, my question to all of you is Gabapentin and it's side effects. I have been on it now for 6 months. My doctor raised me from 100mg. to now I am on 400mg. three times a day.
The problem is my tiredness! I happen to be in a friends office yesterday and she was taking some medicine. She said she was taking Gabapentin. I asked why and she said she had, had shingles back when and it still helped with the pain. I know the drug is percribed for many things that is why I take it for my issues.
I told her I had been taking it for about 6 months. She asked if I had been tired all the time, just out of the Blue. OF COURSE I SAID YES! She said it took her a year before she got out of the tiredness.
Let me know if any of you have experienced the same thing. Also let me know at what dosage you may be on? I know this is all confidential!
Again Thanks to The Mayo Clinic and Everyone who is kind enough to be open with their lives!
Sundance!
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@bill54321 Even though I'm a retired nurse Bill you can't tell people to stop taking a med ,talk to your Dr yes Everybody is diff. Our constitution is made up different what works for one won't another so please refrain say it differently
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3 ReactionsI take 300 mg at night & it makes you sleep good & I am tired in the morning but no other side effects. I take 100 mg in the morning & 1 1 100 mg in the afternoon. To be honest I see no improvement for my neuropathy.
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1 ReactionI am having a very hard time right now and have been. I have neuropathy, lymphedema, osteoarthritis. You all know, those painful ailments. Also fibromyalgia which I tend to forget until I tell the doctor I am so much pain and he reminds me. What is doing what I don't know. The pain and swelling in both ankles and feet is causing me to cave. Both my ankles and top of my feet feel like all the skin has been rubbed raw and alcohol poured on them. The water in the pool I go to for physical therapy burns them so bad I could cry. There are deep lines in my ankles just from sitting. Proping my legs and feet up does not help. I had been taking 600 mg of Gabapentin before bed. I thought maybe cutting it down to 200mg twice a day may help. No difference and I still don't sleep. I take 50 mg of amitripliline (elavil) at night supposedly for neuropathy pain. I still do not sleep through the night or 2 hours at a time. I take 37.5 Effexor in the morning for depression. Still depressed. I was laying down a while ago, but could not rest. I got up and could barely put my feet on the floor because of the swelling and pain. I just took a percocet which I am perscribed, 3 a day. I usually only take a half, but I just took a whole one. I feel a little relief after taking that and rubbing epsom salt foot gel on my feet and ankles. My sister had sent me a tube of that to see if it helps. This is the first time using it. Can't hurt. She purchased it in the dollar store near her and actually feels cool. My ankles and top of my feet were hot to the touch. The numbness is so bad that when I went to put the gel on I reached to my leg to pull the socks I did not have on, off. Right now my ankles and feet are pulsating and pain again. Any suggestions, recommendations? Not much sense in calling a doctor. They are not seeing patients unless it is very necessary. My doctor is aware of my problems and not sure he will do anymore after talking to me on the computer. I understand where the doctor's are coming from at this time. I needed to share my feelings right now. I thank anyone with any response, recommendation or suggestion. I also take a fluid pill in the morning and potassium.
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2 ReactionsHey there @summertime4 . My heart feels your pain and I'm real sorry to hear of your struggles. Might something as simple as ice help, even to numb for a while? Have you tried medical marijuana? Is it legal in your state?
With all the pain I have the only thing that helps is marijuana the kind you smoke. Two pokes of marijuana will calm your pain and calm you and make you relax and it helps so much.
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3 ReactionsI am taking 2 of 300mg of gabapintin. at night It is a drug to help nerves heal. It is also for anti-seizure. This maker is called Neuriton. The Makers of a stronger gabipentin is called Horizon. It makes 600mg pills which 2 are frequently for restless leg syndrome. A third maker is for shingles. All are Gapipintin is the same but in different doses. It is typically not a pain pill. Did your Physician tell you why you were given the drug?
@rwinney Thank you for your response so quickly. Yes, I have my medical marijuana card. I have used oil 1:1. It helped some for sleep but no for pain. I go to the dispensary when I can and they no longer carry the same oil I have other products some higher THC. A speak too much THC and I am so anxious I can hardly talk. I have a J as they are called here. I tried several times and lit up, but did nothing but choke. It wasn't that I didn't know how to smoke. I smoked until 8 years ago. I probably need to have one of my nieces over and they can give me a lesson. They certainly are willing. I know THC:CBD can be a life saver. I have not given up and I have several different products. The last time I purchased a spray 1:1. I don't like that at all. It has blueberry flavor and really don't know how much to spray in my mouth. The gabapentin was prescribed for my neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Have others experienced pain that feels like your skin is raw and rubbing against a piece of sandpaper. Yes, ice is good. I will be putting an ice bag on the top of my feet very shortly. I did get some relief earlier after getting up from a flat position. I took the percocet and applied the epsom salt foot gel. The gel actually felt good. My anxiety is returning because night is rolling in. The pain and anxiety makes for a very painful night. I am alone. My husband died 2 years ago and night are the most difficult. I know something has to give. Love you all. Stay safe. I know all that is happening in the World feeds into the anxiety which feeds the pain.
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3 Reactions@summertime4 No need for thanks. I'm glad you reached out during a difficult time. I share nighttime anxiety with you. I'm sorry you're alone. I cant imagine how hard that must be. My husband goes to bed and I'm up alone in pain. I realize that noone can help me during these times. I do, however, recognize the importance of knowing he's there if I needed him. Evenings are the hardest as pain spikes and we feel caught in a merry go round. Many nights i sit like a deer in the headlights and look around the room, knowing I should be asleep, but wide awake and unable to settle my body and mind. Typically, I'm unable to comfortably sleep in my bed. If I can (based on hands, arms, head or eyes) I get on my phone for distraction and shop! Not buying per se but designing in my mind. I love interior design, landscaping etc...Many times I post on this forum. Whatever it takes to distract, calm and tire me out. What a viscous cycle it is, huh?
I wish you luck and encourage you to keep working with medical marijuana and your dispensary pharmacist on options and adjustments. Don't give up... It sounds like your body and mind need calmness and relief.
Positive thoughts for a restful nights sleep. Be well.
Rachel
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2 ReactionsI take Lyrica at night and gaba twice during the day, no ill effects for either except Lyrica makes me sleepy so I only take it at night. Peggy
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4 Reactionshttps://chronicpain.newlifeoutlook.com/how-to-deal-with-chronic-pain/
I thought this may help someone or at least provide a refresher. I resort back to many of my saved articles when needed.
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