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.

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@cwalkowicz

It does not sound like you have neuropathy but rather a pinched nerve. I was told I had nonspecific neuropathy but when tests were done I had two pinched nerves, a herniated disc, an annular tear and Radiculopathy. I would see a spine doctor before things get very bad. I waited too long and the pain became unbearable.

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I have pinched nerve, herniated disc and radiculopathy and Igg vs Fgfr3 10.000 Does it mean fgfr3 refers to radiculopathy or I have radiculopathy on top of neuropathy?
I had very bad shingle too few months back and some neuromuscular website suggests Fgfr3 is an indicator for localized neuropathy due to shingles

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hi
I've had shingles and it can be rough. I had and have herniated disks in my lower back and neck. The pain is much different then the neuropathy I have. The shooting pain the cold feet the burning in my feet and the way my legs always feel beat up is what I feel from neuropathy. What you feel from a pinched nerve is normally localized to one leg or arm not both like neuropathy. The pain is definitely different. The burning or cramping caused by a pinched nerve doesn't make your feet cold make your feet and hands burn in the same way. It doesn't dramatically cause you to loose all coordination and affect your ability to concentrate. When I was hit with neuropathy I described it to my doctor like this my legs are killing me my feet are cold yet they burn my hands are the same but to a lees extent. I have shooting pain that's like something is drilling into my legs I fall and loose my balance all the time and all the sudden I've become stupid. Much different from my pinched nerves.
Hope this helps

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@adamek3638

I have pinched nerve, herniated disc and radiculopathy and Igg vs Fgfr3 10.000 Does it mean fgfr3 refers to radiculopathy or I have radiculopathy on top of neuropathy?
I had very bad shingle too few months back and some neuromuscular website suggests Fgfr3 is an indicator for localized neuropathy due to shingles

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@adamek3638, I found a few articles that may provide some more information for you.

FGFR3 Gene: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/FGFR3
FGFR3 Antibodies in Neuropathy. What to do with them?: https://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/P1.463
Clinical Characterisation of Sensory Neuropathy With anti-FGFR3 Autoantibodies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31690697/

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@da20pilot

hi
I've had shingles and it can be rough. I had and have herniated disks in my lower back and neck. The pain is much different then the neuropathy I have. The shooting pain the cold feet the burning in my feet and the way my legs always feel beat up is what I feel from neuropathy. What you feel from a pinched nerve is normally localized to one leg or arm not both like neuropathy. The pain is definitely different. The burning or cramping caused by a pinched nerve doesn't make your feet cold make your feet and hands burn in the same way. It doesn't dramatically cause you to loose all coordination and affect your ability to concentrate. When I was hit with neuropathy I described it to my doctor like this my legs are killing me my feet are cold yet they burn my hands are the same but to a lees extent. I have shooting pain that's like something is drilling into my legs I fall and loose my balance all the time and all the sudden I've become stupid. Much different from my pinched nerves.
Hope this helps

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This description is the same as what I have experienced. It is quite accurate, in my view. Therapy can work for pinched nerves if you do it long enough. I am still puzzled about neuropathy. Doris Huffman

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@da20pilot

hi
I've had shingles and it can be rough. I had and have herniated disks in my lower back and neck. The pain is much different then the neuropathy I have. The shooting pain the cold feet the burning in my feet and the way my legs always feel beat up is what I feel from neuropathy. What you feel from a pinched nerve is normally localized to one leg or arm not both like neuropathy. The pain is definitely different. The burning or cramping caused by a pinched nerve doesn't make your feet cold make your feet and hands burn in the same way. It doesn't dramatically cause you to loose all coordination and affect your ability to concentrate. When I was hit with neuropathy I described it to my doctor like this my legs are killing me my feet are cold yet they burn my hands are the same but to a lees extent. I have shooting pain that's like something is drilling into my legs I fall and loose my balance all the time and all the sudden I've become stupid. Much different from my pinched nerves.
Hope this helps

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Very accurate. I have cervical neuralgia, it feels like something is crushing my head. And TMJ. I have problems with balance as well

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This topic, like the other topic about gabapentin, has the hallmarks of an organized "smear campaign". Peggy

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@pfbacon

This topic, like the other topic about gabapentin, has the hallmarks of an organized "smear campaign". Peggy

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I am willing to share my experiences in relieving pain in my old age, but I do not participate in organized "smear campaigns." I am not a medical person or a group organizer for any cause. I only share my experiences, and have not been successful personally with gabapentin. I read and study about medicines to protect my health. I know the difference between opinions and facts, and I am not easily swept into a certain view. In this time of isolation, I prefer to not discuss health issues if someone accuses me negatively. Dorisena

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@adamek3638

Very accurate. I have cervical neuralgia, it feels like something is crushing my head. And TMJ. I have problems with balance as well

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I have it too - cervical neuralgia and tmj, which makes me think the root of the problem is cervical misalignment. However I had negative experience with chiropractor who manually tried to fix my spine and I ended up with pinched nerve. Attending physical therapy since couple of months now. Does anyone try alpha lipoic acid? I also got dulsevia

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@pfbacon

This topic, like the other topic about gabapentin, has the hallmarks of an organized "smear campaign". Peggy

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smear campaign? Everyone reacts differently to medications. Chill out and let everyone share their experience

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@adamek3638

smear campaign? Everyone reacts differently to medications. Chill out and let everyone share their experience

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Thanks, Kathy. I won't have much time for sharing now because I will begin my planting this week. I can only do a little at a time, but I can still get out there. Dorisena

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