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.

grannytx1 | @grannytx1 | Dec 28, 2023

Gapspentin is awful. I lost my balance and it did nothing. Feel much better without its side affects.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 29, 2023

In reply to @grannytx1 "Gapspentin is awful. I lost my balance and it did nothing. Feel much better without its..." + (show)

Hello @grannytx1, Welcome to Connect. I think a lot of folks feel like you do about gabapentin. It sounds like you might also have neuropathy. Do you mind sharing more about your symptoms and any treatments that you have found helpful?

marc11 | @marc11 | Jan 10, 2024

In reply to @lisalucier "A few members who may have some thoughts on whether gabapentin can make neuropathy worse whom..." + (show)

I have Charcot Marie Tooth disease, which is a peripheral neuropathy, and I cannot tolerate gabapentin well. It makes me groggy and off-balance, most of the antidepressants and epileptic medications people have mention also sedate AND cause restless leg syndrome. My main problem is nighttime pain which leads to insomnia. I take 1mg of clonazepam at bedtime, but it does work for the whole night. I used to taken Norco also a couple hours before bed and the combination worked quite well for me. Then everything changed and I moved to a new state and no one will prescribe an opioid drug while I’m on clonazepam. Does anyone have experience with be refused drugs that worked well together—I took the Norco/ clonazepam combo for 12 years.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 10, 2024

In reply to @marc11 "I have Charcot Marie Tooth disease, which is a peripheral neuropathy, and I cannot tolerate gabapentin..." + (show)

Welcome @marc11, It must be frustrating to say the least that you can't get the treatment that worked to provide relief from your nighttime neuropathy pain after moving to a new state. There is another discussion where members are sharing what has helped them with the nighttime pain.
--- Neuropathy Pain at Night: What helps?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/night-pain-2/

Another source of help might be the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy in case you haven't already seen the website - https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/.

Have you looked into any alternative treatments to help with the nighttime pain?

mamabee | @mamabee | Apr 15, 2024

I am one of those individuals as well. I've weened myself off once again. When my back messes up I'll start taking it because my foot pain and the "humming" I feel from my hips to my ankles is so disruptive! Every time it'll get worse despite trips to the chiropractor, tens unit, ice packs, walking. When I come of of it, it starts improving.

cocokoohlah24 | @cocokoohlah24 | May 25, 2024

I am fairly certain I read a post about someone's neuropathy feeling worse after taking gabapentin. I didn't take a night time dose and did not experience the burning and shooting pain that I usually experience after taking the med. Initially I thought it was that whole thing about pain getting worse at night. Anyone experience anything similar? I haven't found anything online about it. I also experience the psychological side effects of increased depression and agitation. I thought I was losing my mind!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 25, 2024

In reply to @cocokoohlah24 "I am fairly certain I read a post about someone's neuropathy feeling worse after taking gabapentin...." + (show)

Welcome, @cocokoohlah24.
I think you may be referring to this discussion:
- Can Gabapentin make neuropathy pain worse?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-gabapentin-make-neuropathy-pain-worse/

How long have you been taking gabapentin? Did you talk to your doctor about your wosening symptoms?

cocokoohlah24 | @cocokoohlah24 | May 25, 2024

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome, @cocokoohlah24. I think you may be referring to this discussion: - Can Gabapentin make neuropathy..." + (show)

I've been on it for a few years. I haven't spoken to the dr yet because it seems the physical symptoms were gradually getting worse at night over the past week. The emotional has been going on for while but that too has increased in intensity. I plan on calling after the holiday, but I am leary. I don't want my concerns to be dismissed.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 26, 2024

In reply to @cocokoohlah24 "I've been on it for a few years. I haven't spoken to the dr yet because..." + (show)

@cocokoohlah24, I don't think you are alone about feeling a little leary when talking with doctors. What helps me is to write down questions I have and plan my conversation with the doctor before I have it. If you want to give it a try, here's a site with some helpful information - https://www.patientrevolution.org/tools.