Gabapentin vs Side Effects
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.
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Good Morning Everyone.Here are some facts for you all to mull over. Yes I have this debilitating "Thing" the Docs labeled Fibro. # 1 Gabapentin does not work. Long term effects are Erosive Gastritis,ulcerated stomach.Dont forget Kidney Disease. Fibromyalgia Fog. I have had them all.Two Docs agreed with me saying they don't really know what it is. there is no blood test for it, No ultra sound test. If the patient aches all over they label it Fibro.Dont forget 28 LB weight gain. I got fed up after 10 yrs of this nonsense and tapered off the gaba. NOT telling you to do it. I had a long talk with a Dc friend of mine and he gladly agreed that I could try Elavil,The generic name is long and cant spell it. Smile now.I took it years ago because I was a Migraine Sufferer,in bed 3 days ,vomiting. etc.it slowed them down. I am having a surgical procedure next week, and after that back I go on Elavil, if you want to look it up it is for pain of Fibromyalgia and Neuropathy.and mood. I have both. 85yrs old and spend most of my time lying on couch, hurts to even stand to cook dinner. So OUT with useless Gaba time to go back to something old but worked, Look it up ,it cant hurt and may save you a lot of pain and aggravation.Remember I can not give medical advice, this comes from my own experience. Good Day To All. my favorite phrase is "Happy Landings On A Chocolate Bar" THIS IS IN NO WAY MEDICAL ADVICE>
28LBS enough ??? Thats Bad Stuff
900 mg day=large dose
I am on 1800 mg a day of neurontin!
I have had a 30# gain! Can't get it off either!
I got the 30# weight gain too. After 2 years I still can’t lose it.
@busterbrown Right now I think we have covid pounds I know I do
I did not experience any excessive weight gain in the 8 months on gabapentin; I do appreciate your sense of humor to be lucky. I feel our approach is half the battle. Have you tried adjusting your diet or exercise program?
I was on Gabapentin for 8 months and I too experienced brain fog. I was prescribed the medication to supress big mood swings, which I think it did, but it also caused brain fog and after 5 months I started to experience headaches in the morning. At the same time I also started to feel restless and had difficulty sleeping through the night.
Its been two weeks since I have completely titrated off and I no longer have the headaches, I am sleeping better and I don't feel the brain fog.
However, my thoughts seem to be more clear and they at times feel like they are racing.
I have also experienced mild depression and sexual dysfunction in the last week but I am believing things will improve. I suspect the sexual dysfunction maybe a result of the mild depression as my overall libido is noticeably lower since titrating off.
If anyone has experienced any sort of lower libido while on or after taking gabapentin for any reason I would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you,
Caleb
I was taking Gaba 300mg HS for a couple of yrs for Chronic pain/Fibro and Osteoarthritis . The Gaba was for the back pain.I felt it wasn't working as even after having it in my system for those 2 yrs the pain is even worse and my range of movement to turn or twist if for certain worsening. SO, I just stopped taking it I had no ill effects and don't feel any worse.