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Gabapentin and the Law

Posted , 6 users are following.

kevin80250
kevin80250

I have been recently told that the law has changed regarding Gabapentin and that I should not drive whilst taking it as insurance companies are nullifying policies for those involved in an accident whilst being prescribed Gabapentin.

I'm told Gabapentin has recently been reclassified along with others simpilar drugs that may cause drowiness or affect eyesight, Tramadol, and Amatripilene to name but two.

Can anyone confirm these changes as driving my motorhome around the UK and Europe is the only pleasure I have left.

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • sheila1
    sheila1 kevin80250

    Posted

    Hi Kevin,

    Sorry I don't know the Law in regard to Gabapentin, I was on Gabapentin about 16 months ago, but I had so many bad side effects so Gp changed it to Pregabalin, I stuck with it for 9 months and also used Tramadol 300 or

    400mg per day and also 75 mg Amitriptyline at night. I felt ill all the time and still had my pain so I stopped the Pregabalin and within a week my

    head felt so much clearer but my pain gradually increased, Gp then advised me to up my Amitriptyline to 100mg at night and referred me back

    to pain Consultant.

    What I was trying to say is that I stopped driving when I went onto the

    Gabapentin as I didn't feel safe to drive and I've not driven since. I have

    so much pain I feel too ill to go anywhere anyway.

    I went to see Pain Consultant last week, he's refered me for MRI of my

    head and full spine and blood tests to check my liver, kidneys, Thyroid

    etc and for any deficiencies.He said I may need to revisit the Pregabalin as it may help with my burning pain I get all over my body.

    So it looks like it will be a lot longer before I'm back on the road.

    But that is the least of my worries I would settle for never driving again if they could take some of my pain away.

    Every one reacts differently to medication, you may feel safe enough to

    drive so if the Law has changed you'd think they could let you take a test to check if your reaction times are quick enough. It would be sad if you

    had to give up your motor home.

    We have a Caravan but not been anywhere for two years now as I've

    Not been well enough but it's my Husband that drives when the Caravan

    is on tow

    .I will try and find out about the Law and let you know if I get any info

    Sorry I've rambled on a bit.

    • jayne10080
      jayne10080 sheila1

      Posted

      Hi Sheila I too was given gabapentin alongside tramadol and the rest..I must admit I had never felt so incredibly disconnected from life mentally. Physically the balance control that I did have went completely out of the window. It was that bad I actually thought I was having a stroke what with my slurred speech. It was,nt until a friend came to visit who has CRPS asked me if I had been given Gabapentin? She advised me to see my G.P and change to something else as the same symptoms that I was having, she had previously experienced. Dont get me wrong fantastic for nerve pain but it completely spun me out . Im not sure how the law stands with this drug at this moment in time sorry Kevin jx
    • sheila1
      sheila1 jayne10080

      Posted

      Hi Jane,

      Good to hear of your experiences on Gabapentin, I know exactly what you went through. My balance and speech were also

      affected. I was beginning to think I had Dementia, I either

      couldn't get my words out or I would forget what I had started

      saying.I got to the stage that I wouldn't even start a conversation or join in one as I felt so self conscious. I wouldn't answer the

      phone, I would even forget my address and phone number.it was such a bad experience but you try anything to ease the pain.

      I hope you are on more manageable medication.

      Thank you for sharing.

    • Twitchy1963
      Twitchy1963 sheila1

      Posted

      Sheila I thought that my neuropathic pain was severe until I read of yours and realised that mine isn't so bad. Sorry you have this horrible neuropathy everywhere - mine is just in my feet and hands, legs and arms but that's bad enough!
  • sheila1
    sheila1 kevin80250

    Posted

    Kevin I went on the internet and typed in New Law on Driving while on

    prescription drugs. It went onto Gov.uk site and gave a list of eight

    Prescription drugs. The Law Should come into force in March 2015

    Morphine and Diazepam are on it. I'm not sure of the other medications

    as sometimes we know them from their brand names.

    It states that you must not drive if you feel affected by your medication

    As you will be breaking the Law. You must read the medication leaflet

    and if it states the medication may make you feel sleepy, then don't drive for a few days to see if it affects you.If you continue to drive and your

    ability to do so safely is affected then you are breaking the Law and can be prosecuted.

    Hope this helps a little, If you are worried you should speak to your

    Doctor as they have all been informed of the New Laws.

    • UK-Ven-medicate
      UK-Ven-medicate sheila1

      Posted

      The new laws are going to alienate alot of people that rely on the ability to get out. Its just a sign of the crazy legislative world we live in. What the hell happen to common sense
  • Twitchy1963
    Twitchy1963 kevin80250

    Posted

    I couldn't even think about driving when I was on Gaberpentin - even at a low dose. I had to stop after about three weeks because it caused such drunken sensation that I couldn't even walk in a straight line and people were starting to talk - plus it made me terrible angry and gave me severe stomach cramps. I was on Amitriptyline for three years at only 20-30mg but it eventually started giving me heart palpitations and dizziness too so had to quit. Now on Duloxetine and it doesn't affect me at all but I'm on it at a low dose - if anything it gives me insomnia. I think it's good that there is new legislation regarding people affected by prescription drugs and driving or legal highs driving -  but I think it will be hard to police and making one rule to fit all would be disastrous for many people.
  • UK-Ven-medicate
    UK-Ven-medicate kevin80250

    Posted

    I have moved of some drugs today in preparation, I now moved to Propanel from Diazepam as required. Basically I cant afford to not be able to drive even thou the drug in the few times I have taken it has not affected my abilities.
  • john09650
    john09650 kevin80250

    Posted

    Hi Kevin

    Gapapentin and the law!!. I just paniced when I read your enquiry, as I have just bought a car and had no knowledge of the law on this.

    I have been on gabapentin since my shingles 3 years ago and after pregabalin. I now suffer with PHN. in my side and across my stomach. Whilst, reading about so many with serious pain I call my pain a discomfort as some days I think it is  going, then it's back again. I take 1200mg. a day and it does not have any effect on me. I am trying to reduce the dose.Although, the pain can get quite bad especially if I do anthing a bit strenuos. I think about it before doing anything. I do go to work and find it takes my mind of the pain at times. I'm 70 and feel I must retire this year. I have just come across a gadget "Actipatch"  for pain relief. Has

    anyone tried it?          

    • christine_14512
      christine_14512 john09650

      Posted

      Hi John and Kevin

      I have been on Gabapentin for the past 3 years for neuropathic pain following spinal surgery.  I drive, but was unaware of any changes in the law.  I am so glad I read your concerns about this drug and driving.  I think I shall contact my insurer and ask them about this, and how I stand regarding driving.  I feel ok to drive and have been doing so, however I am not on Tramadol as a lot of other people appear to be.  I do intend to come off the Gebapantin, as I hate the side effects, my weight has increased dramatically since taking this drug, i would love to hear from other people if they have had weight gain.  I will update you on what my insurer states about the Gebapantin.  

      Kind Regards  

    • jan1961
      jan1961 john09650

      Posted

      Hi John ,yehave tried the actiatch nd it is very good on   many pains,sadlyi did not find it amazingly better n nerve pain ,but that maybe because i really needed more of them. Still much better than popping loads of pills its definely worth tryingsmile

      jan

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