Has anyone been persribed Gabapentin to reduce cough

Page I remember I had gabapentin prescribed for tingling feet by a neurologist but not for cough

My ENT doc gave me gabapentin for cough many years ago. It didn't make much difference but maybe it depends on the cause of the cough. That was before i was diagnosed with asthma and later bronchiectasis and NTM

@pagechapman Gabapentin is sometimes used for "idiopathic chronic cough", and shows some effectiveness.

However, idiopathic means "of unknown origin." Since you know the cause of your cough - bronchiectasis and infection - it would seem you do not fit the profile.

Have you asked your pulmonologist about this recommendation?

@pagechapman I have advanced BE/MAI and have been told I have, in addition, a neurogenic cough (triggered by eating, drinking, blowing air). I have previously posted in detail about my cough issues and medical work up if you want to search prior posts for it. For neurogenic coughs (which are believed to be due to nerve injury in the larynx) they can do nerve blocks or drugs, but my recollection of the drug discussed was an anti-depressant which has been shown to benefit the nerve issue (my doctor preferred to start with the nerve blocks before trying drugs but I am waiting for one more procedure, FEES, before making any decisions). Gabapentin is also used with nerve pain generally so I see some connection there, but if they think your coughing may have a neurogenic component, I suggest you see a laryngologist who specializes in neurogenic coughs as there may be more effective options for you than gabapentin.

I just sent a reply but not sure it went. Page

@pagechapman I don’t see a substantive reply but feel free to message again if you want to discuss further.

Thanks for getting back to me. I am neither a Dr. nor do I know much about medicine, and I have never heard of a neurogenic cough until your comment. I have been to several places and a multitude of Docs and no-one has ever mentioned it---this includes National Jewish in Denver, Mayo, several infectious Disease Docs and a multitude of pulmonologists; several CT's and X-rays of my lungs, etc. Although I have never asked the specific question about neurogenic, I have a hunch that is not what I have. Primary reason for saying that (other than no one he's ever mentioned it), is that my cough is extremely productive. With every coughing spell (15/20 per day ) I bring up enormous amounts of mucous, more than I would have thought possible. My understanding about neuro genetic is that it is mostly a dry cough. Anyway, I will certainly ask my Docs at Mayo for their opinion on my next visit. Thanks again for your interest.

Amitriptyline is another option. It’s considered an antidepressant, but not at the levels it’s given to help with neurogenic cough. I believe it helped me early on my disease. I was also using an Aerobika so it’s hard to say for sure. It probably was a combination of the two.