How long do you take Gabapentin?

update on the gabapentin, I was to edgy, irritable and more- I weaned myself off of the gabapentin.
This chronic headache has gone on now for 2 years, doctors have tried allot -it’s not a migraine ( I can stop the migraine with over the counter migraine meds) Weird to have a migraine with my headache ( pressure on both sides of head, more I do the worst it gets. I feel like I am beginning to live in a black hole

I have had headache for years and nothing worked. Tried Tramadol and it was a miracle! If I take it the minute I feel a H/A coming on, it nips it right in the bud. Hope you find something!

Hello @amkhead. I can't imagine your suffering due to your chronic headache lasting that long.

I am curious what sort of testing your PCP has done and what has been ruled out at this point of your journey? Have you considered another opinion from another hospital to get a fresh perspective and team looking at this for you?

I am now trying Emgality injections- my first dose was doubled. I got severe migraines within hours of the injections, Doctor does not feel the first dose ofEmgality made those headaches. So 4days later after trying my over the counter migraine meds, finally stopped.
And 3 weeks in, I felt unstable, like deep black hole.
Informed doctors- no change ( and I already have depression, and they take chances on let’s try this drug.)
I’m trying 1 more dose, Jan.12-see if any of the head pain is relieved..
otherwise I’m not fighting anymore, if headaches don’t go away- I hope I go away..

I have taken gabapentin for many years and recently took the timed release form called Gralise ER. It seemed to help with sleep more than anything for me. But it is supposed to be taken regularly, not occasionally like aspirin and you must wean off of it should you decide to stop. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Hello @popeyegurl, Welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your experience with gabapentin and Gralise ER. Do you mind if I ask what brought you to Connect? Are you looking to find answers to any questions you might have for a health condition?

@amkhead It sounds like you are at the end of your rope. You said that you have depression and that if your headaches don't go away, you hope you go away.

Do you feel you can keep yourself safe? May I ask what you support system looks like (friends, family, partner, therapist, etc.)?

@amkhead I have had lots of head pain for literally decades. I was finally diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with both occipital and auricular neuralgia. I only have pain in my head and none in my neck area at all. At first I was seeing neurologists; they could not solve my problem. They sent me to their pain management doctors. Best thing ever. I get 3 injections in 3 different areas of my head that is a mix of a steroid and an anathesia. Relief lasts about 2-3 months and then I have to get the injections done again.
My wish for you is that you find something that will help you. There’s lots of great medical institutions but I personally think Mayo is the best. 😊

I was prescribed gabapentin/Neurontin 4 days ago for a pinched nerve in my left upper back. The prescribed dosage is 100 or 200 mg at dinner time each day. I haven't had any side effects, but I am wondering when I should expect my nerve pain to completely subside. I think there has been some improvement.

@ritchie Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!

As you may have read here, each person has their own timeline in responding to medications. I will tell you, in my experience, that it took several weeks for my discomfort to be at a lower level than before starting Gabapentin. Like you, I was given a very low dose. That was due to my failing kidneys, and a higher dose would be detrimental to them. A lower dose means a longer time to see/feel effects of this medication. I wonder if that is the case for you, having other conditions that will preclude you from a higher dose?
Ginger