COVID vaccines and neuropathy

I have taken a low dose of Gabapentin for two years, 200–400 mg, first for liver pain, but now for neuropathy pain (just to note, I only weigh 110 pds. and have a good metabolism). I take it in the evening, as that’s when the pain is worse and it helps me sleep. I’ve not had any side effects from it.

@tigreyes2004 |- Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you! Although I am excited about having my second one this Sunday I also have a certain fear. So I know what you mean. It's new and it's scary, especially for those with underlying illnesses. In the US we have only been injecting people for about 8 months, not a very long time at all. But the risk of contracting COVID-19 is far more severe than the risk of having the vaccine and a reaction to it.

I think that every one of us who has the vaccination is a pioneer! We are brave and willing to help stop this deadly virus. Our sore arms and aches are our badges of honor! Good for you! I hope that you feel proud!

Does anyone here take gabapentin? My doctor prescribed it for the burning I'm experiencing after taking the first shot of the pfizer vaccine. Are the side effects as bad as they say?

Thanks I'm a bit nervous about taking it. I seem to be very sensitive to medication.

This happened to me too. I developed neuropathy 2 yrs ago after taking Levaquin. It improved after about a year and I was no longer on any medication for it. Other than occasional mild flares if I overexerted, it was a non-issue. I got the first Moderna shot Jan 5 and within 6 hrs my feet started to burn. Within 8 hrs it was nearly my entire body and it did not go away. I saw my PCP and said although neuropathy isn't an expected reaction to the vaccine there are too many unknowns to know. She wouldn't advise on the 2nd dose because there are too many unknowns. I ended up not getting the 2nd dose. Unfortunately I still have the neuropathy all over. I've searched my brain to find another variable to blame, but there just isn't one that I can see. I'm now back on gabapentin 3x a day. I did report this through the vaers system. I hope in time things calm and it's not permanent. Every individual is unique and rare doesn't mean impossible, which medical providers often forget. In no way do I want to sway anyone from the vaccine. We all have to choose based on our own health history, risks, etc. My family and friends who received it had no problems. But I did want to share my experience.

Hello @mrspowerssd and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad you were able to find someone else who you are able to relate to in @mawagner13. It is certainly difficult to navigate any healthcare dilemma when you don't feel understood or heard so I do hope you will find the support you are looking for here with others!

I know there are several others with Neuropathy on Connect who have struggled a great deal with their decision to get the vaccine and weigh the risk of potential side-effects. Members like @artscaping @johnbishop @avmcbellar and @tigereye have all been active in this discussion and feel may have varying views that they would be willing to share.

Have you signed up for the vaccine yet or just noticed more availability in your area?

I am sensitive to meds too. I can't take any pain pills or things of that nature. I have adhesions in my stomach that are knotted & twisted & it can not be removed so I suffer from a lot of different types of pain. Hang in there.
God bless
Genie

mawagner13 - I've come across your post searching for this exact situation. I was hospitalized in Aug 2020 and given levofloxacin for 8 days. I've too developed a neuropathy. It's been about 8 months now and still hasn't gone away. I would love to connect if you are open to that. No one really understands what I'm going through. Appointments in my area are starting to open up for the covid vaccine, and I'm terrified it will make the neuropathy worse. My doctors all seem to just have the same copy paste "the benefits outweigh the risks" line, which I'm sure is true, but doesn't make it any less scary.