gabapentin??? Does it help you?

[qhcrazy]

I read that some of you are on gabapentin (I hope I spelled that correctly). I have never heard of this for pain meds. I have hear only of lyrica and neurontin, both of which never helped me. Does it really help with the buzzing?

[susan]

Gabapentin is the generic name for Neurontin. I find that it helps buzzy, numb, pain, etc at really huge doses but it doesn't completely take it away. What dose did they have you on? The reason I ask is that I went to a couple of different doctors in my journey and every time I thought I was at the max dose, someone told me I could take more. I now take 700mg 3 times per day and 900mg at night. My doctor now says it wouldn't help to take more. I have been told you just urinate it out, so I spend a lot of time in the bathroom! I see patients at work on like 100mg twice a day, and I'm thinking "amateur"! Might as well not even bother.
Now I am trying Topamax with the Neurontin. This is the last drug I am trying. If it doesn't work, I will just have to learn to live with my symptoms, which is pretty depressing.

[8338]

Hi, it's me,
Susan, I am so sorry that you are in as much pain as you are.
I am currently taking 300mg 3x a day of gababentin and it takes the edge off. The buzzing in my legs just feels like a numbness now. However, the numbness in the trunk and all around the middle of my body is very, very painful by the end of the day. I can't stand to have any clothes on it (not too good at work :0.

My family doctor says that someone with an injury like mine should be on a higher dozage but I will stick with this and work up if need be.

Barb

[reneemoss]

Hi Susan -
I am now on 600mg Gabapentin 3X per day (1800 mg total) plus 30 mg of Cymbalta and I feel like my pain is very much under control .
I am always 'aware' of my back - but the low level of discomfort does not interfere with any daily function..........
I have tried Lyrica (gained weight) and also went through various doses of Gabapentin up to the now 1800 mg. My pain doctor said that 1800 mg is still a 'low' dose and others take much more??
I found the combination of the Cymbalta w/the Gabapentin takes the 'last' edge off the pain level.....and also helps to control my mood. It definitely is a 'happy pill'.
The 'burning' sensation in my back has disappeared - the 'tingling' sensation in my left foot has disappeared and the 'weakness' in my left foot is also gone.
The thing that 'acts up' (and only when I stand too long in one position ie. at the sink cutting up salad etc.) is a sort of 'muscle' pain around my right shoulder blade. It disappears when I sit down and rest for awhile. Hubby laughs and says I only complain so he has to cut up the salad and do the sink work!!
I feel very lucky!
PS. July birthday I will be 75 yrs. 'young'............

[betty]

Wow Renee I am happy you have found some relief.
Betty

[sophieruth]

Hi Susan,
I am now on 600 mg Gabapentin morning and night and 900 mg at midday. It definitely helps with the sharp stabbing pains but does not do anything for the burning sensation around my torso and the numbness in my feet. I found out that it is important to take it in regular intervals. Side effects: I think I am tiring more easily but maybe its my age.... Sophie

[tc]

I did a trial of gabapentin/neurontin, but didn't get beyond the 3rd day. By then I felt like my two big toes were going to explode (like gout) and that was on a very low dose. It was very painful. I also had a terrible stomach ache by the 3rd day. Based on that experience, my neurologist told me not to try Lyrica, because the two drugs have some similarities. So, gabapentin isn't for everyone. I couldn't tolerate it.
Teresa

[Tmasgio]

I took it for about a year and then got off of it. It seems to make me gain alot of weight. I was always hungry on it. I did try Topomax too. Now that stuff makes you lose weight but it robs your body of Magnesium and Potassium. We need Magnesium for nerve conduction. I actually take Magnesium supplements. I would say it is worth a shot. If it works that is awesome.

[Joel]

I took neurontin for maybe 8 years (900 mg/day) and liked it OK, but then switched to Lyrica (250 mg/day) and I think Lyrica works better. I don't necessarily attribute any weight gain to either of them, but Nuerontin is supposed to make memory worse, so that is why I switched. Both essentially took my foot pain away...

[8338]

Hi,

As I said before, six years out of surgery and the gabapentin still works fine.

My memory seems to be fine.
BTW, Joel who are you Ha, ha.

Barb