Gabapentin vs Side Effects

Posted by suzanne2 @suzanne2, Oct 29, 2020

It was suggested I start a new discussion on the medication Gabapentin. I have been on this medication for 2+ years for Fibromyalgia I don't feel this is of benefit to me for the prescribed pain but my doctor is not of the mind to taper me off. The issue of dizziness and brain fog which is a problem in Fibromyalgia and I feel is intensified by the medication. I don't think it is helping my daily pain but I would like other thoughts on this medication, side effects and long term use.

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

wheelerma | @wheelerma | Nov 25, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "@wheelerma I forgot about this! I had terrible tremors while on gabapentin, at times I could..." + (show)

I have been off Gaba for several weeks. How long did yours last? Have you found anything for pain? I even have Ketamin (sp) nasal spray and it doesn't help. Thank you.

bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Nov 25, 2020

In reply to @wheelerma "Did Lyrica make you gain weight?" + (show)

@wheelerma It made me gain weight

bustrbrwn22 | @bustrbrwn22 | Nov 25, 2020

In reply to @wheelerma "I have been off Gaba for several weeks. How long did yours last? Have you found..." + (show)

@wheelerma. Nothing helps/helped the pain but a painkiller, hard to come by in these overreactive times. Dropping you a PM.

wheelerma | @wheelerma | Nov 26, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "@wheelerma. Nothing helps/helped the pain but a painkiller, hard to come by in these overreactive times...." + (show)

Where do I find your PM? I think I found PM but I didn't know what to look for?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Nov 27, 2020

In reply to @wheelerma "Where do I find your PM? I think I found PM but I didn't know what..." + (show)

@wheelerma you should receive an email notification when @bustrbrwn22 sends you a PM (Private Message). More information can be found in the Get Started on Connect guide here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/

You can access the guide at the bottom of any Connect page by clicking the Get Started on Connect link in the left footer column.

wheelerma | @wheelerma | Dec 4, 2020

Thank you so much. How to access his message? I saw how to send one. Thanks

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 4, 2020

In reply to @wheelerma "Thank you so much. How to access his message? I saw how to send one. Thanks" + (show)

@wheelerma, if @bustrbrwn22 sent you a private message, you should have received an email notification which will take you to the private message. You can view all of your private messages that you sent or that someone sent to you by going to the top of any Connect page and clicking the small envelope icon to the left of your profile icon.

wheelerma | @wheelerma | Dec 4, 2020

Thank you so much!!

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 4, 2020

In reply to @bustrbrwn22 "@wheelerma. Nothing helps/helped the pain but a painkiller, hard to come by in these overreactive times...." + (show)

I was on gabapanten for several years, for chronic pain syndrom, fibromyalgia, neck/spine/back pain. It did help dull the pain, didn't relieve it, tho. I was also on Lyrica, for neuropathy, fibromyalgia and restles leg syndrom. It was very helpful, probably the most help I've had for each of those issues. I'm tapered off both now. Also, off hydrocodone, 800mg ibuprophen, celebrex, and a bunch of other pain meds. Actually, the best for my pain was huge doses of ibuprophen, for the anti-inflammatory qualities. And, I had no brain fog or other issues with it. But, it addressed only limited pain. Now, I take extra-strength tylenol, believe it! With, 1:1 cannabis. I also use THC tincture spray during the day if needed for pain. Just a touch helps take the edge off. I use CBD drops for anxiety, etc daily and at night.No vapeing or other cannibis. Methacarbanol 750mg helps me. I also use water therapy for exercise which is the very best thing I've found, with the cannibis, to relax muscles, relieve pain and recondition my body, mind and spirit. I think I've found a pretty good combination of treatment for the different needs. BTW: I've lost 20 pounds since off Lyrica!!!!

faithgirl30 | @faithgirl30 | Dec 4, 2020

Thanks for sharing @ess77. I loved reading your plan - until I read about the 20 pounds weight loss when you came off Lyrica. I take 150 ml Lyrica 3times a day and am dealing with 60 pounds unplanned weight loss due to an undiagnosed condition. I couldn’t imagine dropping another 20 pounds if I stopped taking Lyrica! Yikes.

However, you sound like you are doing great. That’s encouraging to hear.