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Due to start taking Gabepentin this evening

Posted , 3 users are following.

karen36013
karen36013

Car accident has left me with a swollen and painful right foot for 4 months, waiting on a MRI scan but in the meantime the sic has prescribed gabepentin, but after reading the side effects I'm scared to take them, the only good thing I have read is the fact that they make you sleep, and with pain in my foot I don't get much of that, are they as bad as the information leaflet says .... Karen

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • plushly
    plushly

    Posted

    Hi Karen

    Drug companies are obligated to list all possible side effects documented in trials. You may experience few or none of these. Gabapentin is one of the best drugs available for neuropathic pain. How bad is your pain? Is it bad enough to risk some possible side effects for a couple of weeks? Personally I find the drug pretty impressive. I've experienced some sleepiness and light headedness (and initially dizziness). Severity of side effects seem very dose dependant with this drug. If you have to drive and work everyday, this may be an issue. If you are off work and only drive locally, not so much. Every person is different how they react and benefit. If the pain is getting too unbearable, all you can do is give it a go and see if it helps.

    You will see many people on forums complaining about side effects of drugs like these. All drugs have side effects. It is a matter of weighing up the lesser of two evils for your circumstances. Frankly, if I'm in that much pain I'm more than happy to put up with some side effects - as long as they are less debilitating than the pain.

  • florence
    florence

    Posted

    Hi Karen, have been on Gabapentin for about 5yrs now, for neuropathic pain in my feet and legs.

    It all started when I had a dropped foot, just woke up with it (Horrendous pain) The tablets do help but I

    always seem drugged up.Its a case of have no sleep at night and suffer the pain, or take the tablets.

    Don't worry to much about the leaflet you will see for yourself how they suit you not everyone is the same

    Wish I could have had an MRI scan but I have a Pacemaker so I cannot have one.

    Hope you get fixed up alright.

  • karen36013
    karen36013

    Posted

    Hi there Florence, and thank you for your support, well I had 2 tablets yesterday and due to start 3 today, yesterday I did feel lightheaded but as you stated about sleep, I slept like a baby, had a dry mouth all day tho. Sorry you have a pacemaker too and can't have MRI life's cruel at times,x
  • karen36013
    karen36013

    Posted

    Thank you plushly for making sense of these tablets, I know your right, I was just a bit scared as I never really take tablets been fortunate not to have to, but these seemed so strong for someone that hasn't really had tablets before, but Iv started them, did feel bit sicky and lightheaded yesterday but hopefully il get used to them and they work a treat on my foot pain x
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