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Joint and Muscle pain while on gabapentin?

Posted by ginger123 @ginger123, Aug 10, 2025

I’m a light-weight when it comes to medications. While stopping the .5 mg at night of lorazepam for RLS, my doctor put me on 100 mg gabapentin, then increased to 200 mg. I know these are baby doses for many, but not for me. I’ve started having major joint and muscle pain.
Could this be the gabapentin? I take no other meds.
I’m 74, and other than the relentless RLS, in pretty good health.
Thanks for any input from our members.

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djk75 | @djk75 | Aug 18, 2025
In reply to @debbyswimmer "Here is what I found on does of PEA: Dosing PEA is generally available in 300mg..." + (show)
Profile picture for debbyswimmer @debbyswimmer

Here is what I found on does of PEA:
Dosing PEA is generally available in 300mg or 400mg capsules. The maximum daily dose is 2400mg/day (i.e.8 x 300mg or 6x 400mg capsules). A simple regime for treatment is to take 1 x 400mg tablet three times per day. If this is not effective after a couple of weeks increase the dose to 2 x 400mg capsules three times per day. If after 1-2 months this does not provide a significant benefit then you may not be a responder to PEA and you can cease the trial.

For people that find 3x/day dosing difficult or would like to take things more slowly and alternative regime wound be 1 capsule twice daily. You can then add an extra capsule every 4-5 days until youget to the maximum dose above. An example would be to start with 1 capsule twice daily. Then increase to 1 three times per day. Then increase to 1 in the morning and midday and 2 at night. Then 2 morning, 1 midday, 2 night. The 2 capsules morning, noon and night.

For dosing we tend to prefer 400mg capsules to reach a therapeutic effect more quickly. However, some patients find the capsules quite large and difficult to swallow. In this case 300mg capsules may be better and the dose can be adjusted as is suitable for the patient. In fact increasing dosing to 4 or more times per day may allow for even better for absorption but tends to be easier to forget a dose.

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thanks - that's helpful.

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debbyswimmer | @debbyswimmer | Aug 18, 2025

Thanks- and I fully agree on fact checking AI! I actually hate that on google searches, it always gives AI summary and you have to dig for the real references. I did attach a link to a 2025 review of the scientific literature on PEA, which looks interesting. I plan on discussing with my neurologist.

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lizars | @lizars | Sep 3, 2025

I think it’s the GABA. Bc I went on it about a month ago and thought I was ok until recently. I woke up in middle of the night and had severe joint pains. I tested the gaba by not taking it for a few days and the pain and swelling decreased. I went back on and the joint pains came back. It’s the GABA. I too can’t tolerate medicine most of the time. And I react to meds differently than most. Wish I didn’t. Hang in there!

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