Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?

CLONAZEPAM AND COVID VACCINE - INFORMATION WANTED please

Hi I know this isn't correct place to ask but not sure where.
I have put off having Covid vaccine as unwell wont go into details.
There is one of many additional ingredients in Pfizer vaccine called polyethylene glycol which some people have reactions to. I spoke to a dr. over phone at an allergy clinic and he said it should be fine as in fact the Clonazepam I take has polyethylene glycol in its ingredients.

I thought OK, will go ahead, but when checked Internet I read that anyone taking an anti-epileptic med such as CLONAZEPAM (I only have low dose .5 a day for anxiety but for years).... could get a delayed reaction.

PLEASE.. does anyone know about this. i have so many other issues including P.N., Tinnitus, Ear pain; Glaucoma, etc. etc. that am not sure I can handle a bad reaction.

Or, anyone know where I can find out more correct info as I don't want to put off having vaccine any longer. THANKS much appreciated!

Thanks Chris!

@lacy since you are interested in connecting with members on CLONAZEPAM, I might suggest you join the following discussion to ask this question in order to have more members familiar with epileptic drugs and already talking about the COVID-19 vaccine as well.

- Covid-19 vaccination & Epilepsy:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-vaccination/
Feel free to copy your post (highlight and use CNTR C and paste it (CNTR V) into the new post in that discussion so we can keep this discussion on topic. Thank you!

5 years out on my diagnosis of PN and trying to avoid Gabapentin or any other drugs to date but realize, this won't be forever. Does gabapentin slow down the progression of PN?

thank you

For me, Gabapentin greatly reduces the sharp nerve pains I have in my feet and lower legs. It also helps me to sleep better. I have not found it to reduce general foot discomfort, numbness, and tingling.

I have managed to keep my dose relatively low, 200-300 mg in the evening, as like you I have concerns with medication use. Gabapentin is highly prescribed for neuropathy, but everyone reacts differently.

There are other discussions on medications people on Connects have tried, including Gabapentin, so you might take a look at these. I believe @artscaping can offer insights as well.

Good evening @windsorchris. And thank you @athenalee for your attention and response. The question about progression is on the table fellow travelers on this PN journey. My own opinion and personal experience are that my SFN, small fiber neuropathy, has progressed considerably more this last year. The all-over pain, when occurring, also seems more intense which limits my activity. I have to take into account the fact that I am older with more normal aging discomfort. I have also been hospitalized with kidney stones and am preparing for a TKR on my right knee in a couple of weeks.

When you read about SFN and realize that we have fewer and fewer nerves that can work for us and that nerves simply take longer to regenerate, it doesn't seem likely. I think nerve regeneration may be the direction the scientists are taking to find a solution but this is just my voice. Does anyone else have an answer or at least an opinion?

Chris

I take 1,000 MG gabapentin 3 times a day and had no problem with 2 doses of the Pfizer shot.
Lynn

Hello @lynnv, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you mind sharing a little about your diagnosis and what you were searching for when you found Connect?

Jake, I have never been Dx with seizures, they are given to me for different reasons; pain, sleep, headaches. The dosage has changed over time. I honestly believe I have MS, but I have a crappy neurologist who only wants to take care of my aneurysms, even though my cardiologist is keeping an eye out on my remaining cerebral lesions. Medical care is turning to crap over the last 15 to 20 years.