Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?

Posted by cwallen9 @cwallen9, Apr 16, 2019

I started getting peripheral neuropathy pain about nine months ago in my feet and hands right after I received a cervical steroid injection. I started taking gabapentin about 7 months ago. I have gradually increased my dose from 100 mg a day to 1500 mg. I can't say that it has decreased my pain at all. In fact, my pain has gotten steadily worse. I was just wondering if it is possible that gabapentin can sometimes make neuropathy pain worse. My EMG and biopsy results are negative for short fiber neuropathy so far.

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

lynnv | @lynnv | Jul 11, 2021

In reply to @athenalee "Thanks Chris!" + (show)

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

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 11, 2021

In reply to @lynnv "I take 1,000 MG gabapentin 3 times a day and had no problem with 2 doses..." + (show)

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?

hyeary | @hyeary | Sep 2, 2021

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@hyeary 6 Anticonvulsants, I'm surprised you know when you're coming or going. Which meds are you..." + (show)

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.

billbonin | @billbonin | Sep 2, 2021

In reply to @hyeary "Jake, I have never been Dx with seizures, they are given to me for different reasons;..." + (show)

INDEED!! One Neuralogist says pushing too hard when vision is blurred after 2 1/2 miles even tho for years n years going 10 as hard as i can go forever n no blurred vision r ANY SIDE EFFECTS, next one says we don’t know much about long term covid-pots like symptoms so we just gonna up your b.p. Medicine without questioning my ride to her office with psycho on my bumper trying to kill me!!! WTH IS GOING ON!!!!???

kenc | @kenc | Sep 3, 2021

Wondered the same thing.

cameron2020 | @cameron2020 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @athenalee "For me, Gabapentin greatly reduces the sharp nerve pains I have in my feet and lower..." + (show)

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.

tdsrv | @tdsrv | Sep 4, 2021

I have Diabetic Neuropathy and I take 3600 mg a day and have no side effects. I have medium Neuropathy after 50 years of type 2 Diabetis.

d13 | @d13 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @cwallen9 "Thanks for responding. I did have a skin biopsy that was negative for SFN, but positive..." + (show)

The BP medication; Metoprolol gave me tinnitus. I was given something else in it's place, but hasn't completely gone away. I've also read others reviews of taking Metoprolol and found that they also developed tinnitus while using it. I found that it may never fully go away. I did just order a supplement strictly for tinnitus sufferers; called Synapse XT and given an A+ rating. Probably wasted my money once again! I bought one bottle, but usually these companies want you to buy at three to guarantee that they will work.

Jake | @jakedduck1 | Sep 4, 2021

@tdsrv
Is the Gabapentin helping at that dose?
Jake

athenalee | @athenalee | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @cameron2020 "I have had both of my knees replaced (2013 & 2018). I began having numbness burning..." + (show)

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.