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Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?
Neuropathy | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (374)Comment receiving replies
I have had both of my knees replaced (2013 & 2018). I began having numbness burning & tingling in my feet & legs about a year ago. Dx. Idiopathic PN. I have insomnia & use CPAP machine. My primary physician put me on Gabapentin 100mg. 6mos. ago. I still have numbness in my feet and knees. They tell me that 100mg. of gabapentin is a small amount, and I take it at bedtime hoping it will help me to fall asleep. but I experience vertigo, problems with balance. Also, have feelings of not being myself, a sort of brain fog. I recently read that PN can be a side effect
of the B/P and Gout meds. I take.
Replies to "I have had both of my knees replaced (2013 & 2018). I began having numbness burning..."
@cameron2020
Some of us here have suffered with all the Neuropathy pain but only have numbness now. I don't think anything helps with the numbers. I hope I'm wrong though.
Jake
@cameron2020
A number of my doctors believe my Neuropathy was medication induced. Probably by Dilantin & Phenobarbital.
Jake
Connect
I’m very sorry to hear about your ongoing issues. The numbness, burning, and tingling seem to be pretty ubiquitous with neuropathy, in varying degrees. My numbness and tingling are now pretty much everywhere. I’ve been doing as much walking as I can, following a strict diet, and taking supplements, all of which I believe is at least keeping the neuropathy pain tolerable with Gabapentin mostly limited to the evenings. I do have gout and severe muscle pain, probably caused by meds and Sjogren’s.
Have you discussed your medication side effects with your doctors? I know people have many different reactions to Gabapentin, from few, like me, to many. Your symptoms are listed as potential side effects, and your reaction to such a low dose is concerning. Definitely something to check with your doctor about. Perhaps they might recommend Pragabalin instead, although it’s in the same class of drugs, so explore other options with your doctor. Have you seen a neurologist? You mentioned your primary put you on Gabapentin. I’d definitely recommend being referred to a neurologist, if you have not.
I don’t think there is a medication that makes the numbness and tingling go away. I’d be interested if anyone has discovered something. I do hand and feet exercises to keep my muscles active.
Hang in there. I’ve found people on Connect to be very helpful with tips on what has helped them with neuropathy. I take notes, try the supplements and ointments that don’t interact with my meds, modify my diet, and ask my doctor about other suggestions.