Does anyone find that Gabapentin helps? I'm up to 300 mg 3x a day and it's not helping at all. The only thing that really helps is NOT sitting or bending. So, I'm now having a problem with the prescription getting refilled due to the way the resident wrote it out (incorrectly I might add). So my question is, is it worth calling the dr's office...again...I trying to explain what I need them to send to the pharmacy to get it filled correctly or just quit taking it because I'm out and discuss with the doc in December???
Opinions??? More than a little frustrated with EVERYTHING today. Grrrrr.
Tracy
Gabapentin Questions
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TracyB7777
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:42 am
- Location: Vail, Arizona
Gabapentin Questions
Have been dealing with burning pain since Jan 2010.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
Re: Gabapentin Questions
Yes, it did help me. I was taking nortriptyline as well. And I hope that it will help me again, as I'm going back to it.
First time round, the pain clinic that I attend told me to take the dose of gabapentin up to 600mg three times a day, at least, before discounting it. I did get relief from the pain at that level, but I could not cope with the side effects. I am going to try it again, this time we will take it up much more slowly, each time waiting for side effects to settle, and I hope this will do the trick for me. I certainly wasn't getting any pain relief at all, when I was taking 300mg three times a day.
So I suppose I would suggest that you contact the doctor's office again and see if they can get your prescription right. You definitely don't want to suddenly stop taking this stuff, that is a bad idea. If you do stop taking it then you need to take the dosage down in a controlled manner.
Hope that you have a better day tomorrow!
First time round, the pain clinic that I attend told me to take the dose of gabapentin up to 600mg three times a day, at least, before discounting it. I did get relief from the pain at that level, but I could not cope with the side effects. I am going to try it again, this time we will take it up much more slowly, each time waiting for side effects to settle, and I hope this will do the trick for me. I certainly wasn't getting any pain relief at all, when I was taking 300mg three times a day.
So I suppose I would suggest that you contact the doctor's office again and see if they can get your prescription right. You definitely don't want to suddenly stop taking this stuff, that is a bad idea. If you do stop taking it then you need to take the dosage down in a controlled manner.
Hope that you have a better day tomorrow!
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HerMajesty
- Posts: 1134
- Joined: Sat Sep 18, 2010 12:41 am
- Location: North Las Vegas, Nevada
Re: Gabapentin Questions
It never helped me at low doses; I now take 2400mg per day and it does help take the edge off although I got much greater relief when I added valium. But, if I drop my gabapentin dose I do get more uncomfortable...also it is the med the Docs really PUSH me to be on because of their claim that it is the only one that really helps with nerve healing and nerve conduction...not so sure about this, but it is certainly the claim...they do not want me off the stuff!
When I 1st started taking the high dose, it gave me a mild high or drunk feeling but that did not last...what I have left now is "neurontin brain", or as a friend of mine also on the stuff calls it, "moron-tin"...I have to write everything down because I can't remember a durn thing, often lose words when I am talking, etc. MY BFF says I have developed a bad case of CRS and OSC : "Can't Remember S***" and "One Sided Conversation". I
t basically does have effects that mirror early senile dementia or mild brain injury, so you have to see if it works at high doseage and then also see if the side effects are worth the benefits. I feel like I have adjusted to having neurontin brain by putting together systems to remind myself of things I have to remember, etc. While I would dearly love to be off it, I also CAN live like this and AM living like this, including performing well at work and being a good wife and mom. But high dose neurontin is certainly a lifestyle adjustment, and low dose neurontin is rarely helpful.
When I 1st started taking the high dose, it gave me a mild high or drunk feeling but that did not last...what I have left now is "neurontin brain", or as a friend of mine also on the stuff calls it, "moron-tin"...I have to write everything down because I can't remember a durn thing, often lose words when I am talking, etc. MY BFF says I have developed a bad case of CRS and OSC : "Can't Remember S***" and "One Sided Conversation". I
t basically does have effects that mirror early senile dementia or mild brain injury, so you have to see if it works at high doseage and then also see if the side effects are worth the benefits. I feel like I have adjusted to having neurontin brain by putting together systems to remind myself of things I have to remember, etc. While I would dearly love to be off it, I also CAN live like this and AM living like this, including performing well at work and being a good wife and mom. But high dose neurontin is certainly a lifestyle adjustment, and low dose neurontin is rarely helpful.
pelvic pain started 1985 age 14 interstitial cystitis. Refused medical care from age 17, did GREAT with self care for years.
2004 PN started gradually, disabled by 2009. Underlying cause SIJD & Tarlov cysts
improved with PT & meds: neurontin, valium, nortriptyline, propanolol. (off nortriptyline & propanolol now, yay!)
Tarlov cyst surgery with Dr. Frank Feigenbaum March 20, 2012.
Results have been excellent so far; but I won't know my final functional level for a couple of years.
2004 PN started gradually, disabled by 2009. Underlying cause SIJD & Tarlov cysts
improved with PT & meds: neurontin, valium, nortriptyline, propanolol. (off nortriptyline & propanolol now, yay!)
Tarlov cyst surgery with Dr. Frank Feigenbaum March 20, 2012.
Results have been excellent so far; but I won't know my final functional level for a couple of years.
Re: Gabapentin Questions
I currently am on 1800mg a day and have seen some improvement especially in my other CNS symptoms (like headaches and burning feet). I don't really notice any side effects except that my heartrate runs anywhere from 95-115 (whereas I used to run in the 60-70's pre pain), but I don't know if this is a side effect. All my doctors have assured me it's not. I am going to try to increase it when I go to the doctor again. I didn't feel any affects until I got up to 1200mg daily and I have read that pt's can be on as much as 4000mg a day (maybe even more I don't know). One of my doctors (who is a research doc) said Neurontin side effects do not worsen with increased dosages, something about the make up of the drug. I don't know I don't have proof of that, but from my experience I haven't noticed any increased side effects (or new side effects, since I don't notice any) with increased dosage.
-11/08 vulvodynia began around conception of first & only pregnancy
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
-3/10 sacral/sitting pain began after SIJD manipulation
-Progressive widespread pain- central sensitization
-PT, meds, injections, botox, ESWT = debilitated.
-5/12 Potter MRI - scarring of left ST, coccygeous & posterior alcock
-12/12 - left FAI/labral hip tear surgery
2014-2019 managed w/ gabapentin, massage, and lifestyle mod
2020 - big flare up
www.thepurposeofpain.blogspot.com
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TracyB7777
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:42 am
- Location: Vail, Arizona
Re: Gabapentin Questions
Ok, I think I'll call the dr tomorrow and try to get the scrip correct. I've been upping by 100mg each week but he only wrote the scrip for taking it straight through with no increase. UGH. I skipped my afternoon dose today so that I can take the full dose tonight and a partial in the am. Will call first thing in the morning and hopefully have it filled, with luck, by lunchtime.
Thank you for helping me out with this one!!!
Thank you for helping me out with this one!!!
Have been dealing with burning pain since Jan 2010.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
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TracyB7777
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:42 am
- Location: Vail, Arizona
Re: Gabapentin Questions
Oh, HerMajesty, when you say the Gabapentin works for you for pain, can you actually spend any time sitting now? That along would be worth the CRS and OSC. I already have to write everything down even before I started the med. 
Have been dealing with burning pain since Jan 2010.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
Re: Gabapentin Questions
I was up to 5400 mg of Gabapentin when I switched to Lyrica. I have heard that it takes at least 4500 mg of Gabapentin to see pain relief from PN issues. I didn't hang around, felt no relief.
I currently take 900 mg of Lyrica, down from a maximum of 1500 a day. Plus, 180 mg of Cymbalta.
I switched from Gabapentin to Lyrica very quickly. It took 600 mg of Lyrica to see any pain relief.
Thanks to my neurologist who also doubles as pain M.D.
Rick
I currently take 900 mg of Lyrica, down from a maximum of 1500 a day. Plus, 180 mg of Cymbalta.
I switched from Gabapentin to Lyrica very quickly. It took 600 mg of Lyrica to see any pain relief.
Thanks to my neurologist who also doubles as pain M.D.
Rick
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TracyB7777
- Posts: 196
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:42 am
- Location: Vail, Arizona
Re: Gabapentin Questions
WOW! I hope the Gabapentin works soon. I can't take Lyrica due to the side effects. (I had visions of releasing the steering wheel while going 75 down the freeway next to a semi. Definitely not good for me.) I'm glad to hear it's working for you though. I'll just keep trying. I know I'll find the right combination soon. (Working on my attitude adjustment, can you tell? )
Tracy
)Tracy
Have been dealing with burning pain since Jan 2010.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
No sitting since April 2010.
Seen the following dr's: DO, GYN, Dermatologist, Accupuncturist,
URO GYN (his RN is the one who suggested the pain could be PN), Neurologist
Had ECG and MRI both inconclusive, only the SSEP said Pudendal reaction was abnormal and they lost that test result.
Saw Dr. Castellanos April 6, 2011. Next steps, MRI and botox. Having PT while waiting.-Botox denied, appealing to Insurance company now.
Re: Gabapentin Questions
I am currently considering starting on neurontin or lyrica for PN pain relief to complement or replace the opiates I am currently taking. Is lyrica the best choice to try first ? Do most people find it works better ? What about side effects ? I've heard it works faster and costs more.How hard is it to switch between these two drugs (withdrawal, etc.)
Mild to moderate PN for 5 plus years, pain controlled by lyrica and opiates.
Nerve block (unguided) 9/10 Dr. Jerome Weiss - sciatica for 5 months but got numb in painful perineal/scrotal area - he diagnosed entrapment - but no more cortisone for me
Potter MRI 5/11 - rt STL entrapment of PN at Alcocks
Consult with Dr. Hibner Feb. 2012
Bilateral inguinal hernias diagnosed by dynamic ultrasound - surgery on 6/20/13
Feeling a little better, a few more months will tell
Nerve block (unguided) 9/10 Dr. Jerome Weiss - sciatica for 5 months but got numb in painful perineal/scrotal area - he diagnosed entrapment - but no more cortisone for me
Potter MRI 5/11 - rt STL entrapment of PN at Alcocks
Consult with Dr. Hibner Feb. 2012
Bilateral inguinal hernias diagnosed by dynamic ultrasound - surgery on 6/20/13
Feeling a little better, a few more months will tell
Re: Gabapentin Questions
That's just what I'm doing - stopping tramadol, which although it isn't precisely an opiate, is very similar to one - and restarting gabapentin. I can tell you my own experiences with it.
I did try it once before, although I did get some good pain relief, I couldn't cope with the side effects. This time round, I'm finding it much easier - no idea why! - and I'm able to take it up by 300mg a week with no real problems so far other than some drowsiness, and this wears off a few days after each dose increase. Currently up to 600mg so no pain relief yet. It takes 6 weeks in all, to get to a therapeutic dose of 1800mg a day, split across 3 doses.
If I am not happy with gabapentin long term - I hope that I am, though - then pregabalin is the next one I would be trying. Usually it only takes two weeks to get up to a therapeutic level with pregabalin, so yes in that sense, it does work faster. Switching between the two is not difficult - I came off gabapentin over a couple of weeks, and as I said before, it only takes two weeks to get up to a therapeutic dose with pregabalin.
Why gabapentin first - well, it has been around for longer than pregabalin which is relatively new, so much more is known about it than pregabalin. I think that's the basic reason. I don't know about cost as I am treated by the NHS free of charge here in the UK.
One thing I would point out, most people with neuropathic pain are helped by the combination of an anti-depressant (usually a tricyclic antidepressant at low dose) and an anti-convulsant. In my case these are nortriptyline and gabapentin at the moment. The usual route is to try the anti-depressant first, and then add in the anti-convulsant if there is not sufficient relief with the anti-depressant alone - info from my pain clinic here.
So rather than go straight in with either gabapentin or pregabalin, it would make sense to follow the usual route on the pain ladder and try a TCA first. But your pain consultant is the one to talk to, of course.
I hope you find the combination that works for you!
I did try it once before, although I did get some good pain relief, I couldn't cope with the side effects. This time round, I'm finding it much easier - no idea why! - and I'm able to take it up by 300mg a week with no real problems so far other than some drowsiness, and this wears off a few days after each dose increase. Currently up to 600mg so no pain relief yet. It takes 6 weeks in all, to get to a therapeutic dose of 1800mg a day, split across 3 doses.
If I am not happy with gabapentin long term - I hope that I am, though - then pregabalin is the next one I would be trying. Usually it only takes two weeks to get up to a therapeutic level with pregabalin, so yes in that sense, it does work faster. Switching between the two is not difficult - I came off gabapentin over a couple of weeks, and as I said before, it only takes two weeks to get up to a therapeutic dose with pregabalin.
Why gabapentin first - well, it has been around for longer than pregabalin which is relatively new, so much more is known about it than pregabalin. I think that's the basic reason. I don't know about cost as I am treated by the NHS free of charge here in the UK.
One thing I would point out, most people with neuropathic pain are helped by the combination of an anti-depressant (usually a tricyclic antidepressant at low dose) and an anti-convulsant. In my case these are nortriptyline and gabapentin at the moment. The usual route is to try the anti-depressant first, and then add in the anti-convulsant if there is not sufficient relief with the anti-depressant alone - info from my pain clinic here.
So rather than go straight in with either gabapentin or pregabalin, it would make sense to follow the usual route on the pain ladder and try a TCA first. But your pain consultant is the one to talk to, of course.
I hope you find the combination that works for you!