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I have taken 1200 mg of Gabapentin for almost 30 yrs. Ive been sick for years with what they called an unknown autoimmune disease. Now they say its not autoimmune. I have tons of symptoms but some that started this year is purpura that started in january and myopathy in the proximal muscles. If I squat I cant get up without putting my hands on the floor in front of me. It takes several attempts to get back up. This started in march. Swelling, pain, severe insomnia and vision problems are present. Is there a safer alternative to Gabapentin? Is it worth it to do a biopsy for muscle toxicity to know for sure or just taper off? Ive spent tons of time and money trying to figure this out and I need answers or my 27 yr career is going to end.
Replies to "I have taken 1200 mg of Gabapentin for almost 30 yrs. Ive been sick for years..."
@tami1966 First, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I am glad you found us, and @jakedduck1 has offered some very sound advice based on his experience.
It's gotta be perplexing to you, to see these symptoms. I also get the bruising you pictured, and sometimes even remember that it will happen when I run into something, saying "oh, that's going to leave a mark!" As we age, our skin also ages, and gets thinner, more prone to bruising and disturbances. At 68, there often are marks I cannot give a cause for, but I also have several autoimmune issues, and sensitive skin. The myopathy may be an aftereffect of the hit to the area.
As for gabapentin side effects, here is a link to Mayo Clinic's information about gabapentin, that you might find useful https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064011?p=1 You haven't said what the original reason for this medication was, but I have to wonder if your system has grown so used to having this, that it is no longer effective for the original dosing? You'll see under "precautions" some of the things you are experiencing.
Let us know what your drs have to say. Are they considering changing your gabapentin dose? How will your 27 year career end if you do not find answers?
Ginger
Sorry. My pics wont upload.
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@tami1
various rashes are possible with Gapapentin including the life threatening SJS (Stevens Johnson Syndrome although SJS is extremely rare. I’m assuming the purple patches are not blistering or painful. Since brusing is possible I’d check with a Dermatologist or Neurologist. Have you tried taking Lyrica? There are various Seizure medications that may offer some degree of pain relief but other Anticonvulsants usually have more side effects. Gabapentin seems to be the most effective nerve pain relief med.
Tapering is certainly an option. when I took 3,600 mg of gabapentin it had no affect on my seizures or my neuropathy although I never had any side effects. If you choose to taper do it slowly. If you choose to taper at the rate your physician recommends chances are more likely than not that you will suffer from withdrawal symptoms especially if they have you decrease your dose by the same milligram amount month after month.
Best of luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress. Your experience could help others here.
Jake