Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?

I hurt my back in November and received a TFSEI in my lower back within 3 days the neuropathy increased so they put me on gabapentin and I’m not sure but I keep thinking maybe the gabapentin is making it worse.

Welcome @brandij79, If I am understanding correctly, you had neuropathy before you received a transforaminal lumbar epidural steroid injection for your back and the neuropathy pain increased within 3 days. From what I've read gabapentin doesn't normally make pain worse.

"Can gabapentin worsen nerve pain?
It does not typically make pain worse: In trials comparing gabapentin side effects to placebo side effects, only 1% of people reported increased pain, and this was the same for gabapentin and placebo. Once you find the dose that relieves neuralgia for you, it is important not to stop taking it suddenly."
-- Does gabapentin help nerve pain? - Drugs.com:
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/gabapentin-nerve-pain-3557479/
Have you discussed the gabapentin treatment with your doctor since the new symptoms?

This is the worst drug that I was prescribed and it has ruined my life. I was given the medication for back nerve damage and corresponding leg pain and neuropathy. I was prescribed a daily dose of 300mg-3 times a day. I typically took it once a day and a handful of times twice a day for 6-7 months. Within 2 months, my pain increased with a feeling of numbness that is difficult to describe. I saw numerous neurologists and an a orthopedic surgeon and I kept being passed from specialist to specialist. I was dismissed by ER rooms after shaking, drooling, problems walking, extreme headaches and confusion. I have been off work for 4 months due to these issues. I noticed one day about 3 weeks ago that I would get agitated when I took the medicine to try to alleviate these problems. I quit the medication cold turkey and my physical symptoms started to diminish but my mind is still not functioning properly and I remain hostile. This stuff is pure evil and not one time was gabapentin mentioned as an issue. This drug has left me a shell of myself and should be banned in my opinion. I suggest that doctors pay attention for these symptoms when reported…especially at emergency rooms when nothing abnormal is presenting on blood, urine and ct/mri/scans. Gabapentin has ruined my life and I hope that I return to just being in pain and dragging my leg around.

I am a 77 year old agent orange Vietnam PD recipient. I was also given Gabapentin. First day one tablet, second day two tablets, third day start am-noon-pm. I was on three tablets three days and threw the bottle away. My memory dropped from can't remember yesterday to can't remember 20 minutes ago. Every pain I had got worse. I truly just wanted to die and get it over with. All of my random pains became less random and more pain. I try to do 1 or two hours a night of research and I try to stay on the edge of as few drugs as possible and every morning my wife makes me a tonic of Tumeric, ASV, ginger, honey plus some Asian herbs - there are a lot of names and formulas but those are the basics. Mixed as a tonic of 8 ozs of room temp water. I chug it. I take all the more highly recommended vitamins like b, c, d, e . the dopa/dopa seems to help some but the natural stuff seems to be the most stable. After covid (I got it) I am looking at drug companies as enemies and if something doesn't help I stop it fast. I am not a doctor and I can be drummed off this site but I am the only one that really cares about me and if I don't like what its doing to me I stop it.

Yes. It can. It is making my mouth swell and throat to the extent I won’t take it anymore.

ybones787878 - My doctor did try me on gabapentin - I was only on 300 mg daily which I think is a low dosage and I too become agitated after about 3 - 4 weeks of use. My wife first noticed it and then office staff as well. Doc told me that can be one of many side effects. I was removed from the med over 7 days or so and I felt better in a few days.

Excuse me, I am new to this blog. What does "PN" stand for?
Sorry for being such a dummy. I am here to discuss neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy.
And trust me, you are no dummy for asking! Sometimes medical sites use abbreviations that leave the rest of us feeling clueless!

Thanks so much!

I didn't do well on duloxetine. I had night sweats, sudden strong palpitation while sleeping, and other weird symptoms.
I did better on gabapentin.
But for me is sleep your life away or pain.