Gabapentin side effects?

She did mention it, but she said they were about the same. My insurance requires generic meds, but I could certainly try it to see if it works better. I went to a podiatrist, and she prescribed a compound cream which consists of gabapentin, lidocaine, clonidine and 3 others that I can't remember. It helps for about 3 or 4 hours.

That sounds so awful! I am so sorry you went through that. I am on 600 mg three times a day currently. It feels like I am losing ground. But from what you said I'm not sure I want to increase my dosage. I appreciate your information and wish you the very best with your feet.

I am so sorry to hear of your distress, and yet I am relieved to hear your experience with Gabapentin, because I have recently experienced a similar situation. I have been taking Horizant (gabapentin enocarbil) for 3 years for neuropathy pain, ( with accompanying side effects of fatigue, balance issues, and brain fog) and was just recently diagnosed with gastroparesis! Now I am in a dilemma, not knowing if Gabapentin has caused the stomach issue. If I go off the Gabapentin, there really isn’t anything else the docs say that will help with the nerve pain. And yet the dietary restrictions for gastroparesis are pretty severe. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

Romans8. I was taking so much gabapentin, and my gastro doctor told me it was most likely the gabapentin that caused it. He said there is a major nerve in your stomach, which aids in digestion, so the gabapentin turned out to be the cause, also blocking that stomach nerve from fully digesting my food. I went from 1800 mg a day to 600 mg a day. The gastro paresis went away in just a few days, but I suffered with it for months. I am going to see a pain management doctor to see what they suggest. Spinal cord stimulator is one thing to try, but I'm very hesitant. I've seen so many doctors about the neuropathy, to include a podiatrist. She had a compounding pharmacy make a cream consisting of 6 different meds. It works well, but only for 3 or 4 hours. I'm constantly on the search for relief.
Let me know if u need anymore info.

I am being scheduled for an in-office treatment called Qutenza. Uber strong capsaicin applied using anesthetic as well. Sounds promising, recommended by pain physician in my area. Hopeful in that! Do not apply over the counter capsacin to your feet if you have neuropathy on your own, it almost killed me !

@romans8 and @carolm23 Good morning to both of you. I want to join you two in your search for alternatives for Gabapentin that will help manage the progressive reality of SFN pain.
My loyalty to Gabapentin has been 10 going on 11 years. The brain fog from the medication has increased due to aging and cognitive decline. In essence, my life was shrinking and I was in denial as to the cause.

About 4 months ago, my PCP and I had one of our "health partner" sessions. We have also been together for 10 years and counting. She recommended that I taper off the 2400 mg a day of gabapentin down to 200 mg at bedtime. As a replacement and with her support I have increased my daily medical cannabis and added an as needed dose of Ibuprofen (600 mg). This is exactly the medication program I used two years ago for my second TKR surgery when my orthopedic surgeon took a special interest in my SFN condition. This collaborative relationship continued post-surgery when my PT at the orthopedic center discussed her exercise choices with my MFR (myofascial release) therapist. Because everyone was working together, I had an amazingly positive recovery with only modest discomfort.

Mayo Clinic is well known for its team approach to health care. By inquiring and explaining I was able to create the same team at three different facilities. Recently I read that Mayo Clinic is now making this kind of collaboration possible for others.

Give it a try.....you may be surprised how helpful the "team" you create can be for your current distress. Don't hesitate to ask questions.. I am here for you.

May you be safe, free and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

I can't take any pain meds, and now that I've learned what gabapentin did to your stomach, I'm aghast that several doctors were pushing that medication. I've had GERD and an esophageal hernia for over 30 years, which I've handled with carefully planned menus, etc. Could not handle the meds prescribed for the GERD, meds which later turns out created issues for users, including risk of cancer. I can only shudder to think the added layer of pain if I'd taken the gaba and suffered what happened to you. So sorry you've had to deal with that.
I had the good fortune to have found an outstanding podiatrist, through a great deal of searching online, checking credentials, reviews, education, each doctor's philosophy about treatment approach. This doctor is not affiliated with any medical groups, which is essential for me, and gives his time generously. My prior podiatrist of over 30 years was just not addressing the neuromas, peripheral neuropathy, and other pain issues that contribute to a painful and unsteady gait. This new podiatrist uses ultrasound, taping, and gave me a brace for the ankle because it was "loose" from the over 2 yrs of lack of proper medical attention. In addition, as with your podiatrist, he created a prescription for a pain cream which was filled by a compounding pharmacy in another state. Generous sized pump container which gives just the right amount of cream per pump. No odor (I told him how sensitive I am to "smells" from OTC pain creams), not greasy, rubs on smoothly, and effective. Helps tremendously with the intense pain that often ebbs the entire foot due to the neuromas and then affects the hammer toe. Intense. Burning. Gripping.
Elevating the foot contributes to the relief. I'm so happy to now be in the care of a podiatrist who goes the extra mile to address the needs of his patient. My prior podiatrist is not missed at all.

Delia74,
I also have a hiatal hernia and GERD. I've been taking prevacid for many, many years. I recently went to 2 x day for the prevacid.

That's wonderful that the Prevacid is beneficial for your conditions. I had been placed on the strongest prescribed strength and STILL had issues, so gastroenterologist agreed it was best to discontinue. I researched foods, etc., and examined microscopically everything that I enjoyed eating, eliminating (sadly!) quite a few of them. Have not had citrus nor carbonated beverages in decades, for example, and learned that supposedly "safe" foods caused problems. For example, had to give up oats and bananas. Adopted a GF lifestyle which helped my stomach issues as well as non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. Huge impact not having the "healthier grains" that my body cannot tolerate. No red meats in over 35 years. Make my own taco seasoning mix in order to avoid the harsh ingredients in even GF commercial brands. Had to give up many cultural foods; not easy for a puertorriqueña who adored spicy pork! Many other considerations went into my creating a lifestyle about which even my gastroenterologist is complimentary. Once in a while I experience a trace of heartburn, but Tums takes care of that. Not at all easy dealing with what you and I have.

Anyone on or considering goin on Gabapentin I recommend you look it up on YouTube and view the videos done by medical doctors and others about the risks and benefits of Gabapentin treatment. I’m a retired nurse who was prescribed it but couldn’t tolerate the side effects.