1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Neuropathic Pain

Morphine versus Gabapentin

Posted , 7 users are following.

joyce12429
joyce12429

Hi,  Hope that all of you suffering from this debilitating condition are getting somewhere nearer a cure.  I have a problem and will try and be as concise as possible.  Approximately 16 months ago I had an unknown virus which left me with severe mid- back (thoracic) pain to the extent that I cannot wear a bra or anything that applies pressure to this region without getting excruciating pain.  After seeing several specialists and countless alternative private practitioners in my quest for answers I have had to accept that I have this horrendous 'neuropathic' pain with no known cause.  Throughout this horrible time I have been very resistant to medication, absolutely convinced that I would find out a cause and get it fixed and also because I take a lot of other heart medications. However, I have now come to the conclusion that I cannot fight the pain any longer and must find some way to control it.  I have dabbled with Gabapentin but only 100mg capsule three times per day which I am told is a useless dose always resisting more capsules as I take so many other prescription drugs, I took the Gabapentin alongside Co-Codamol.  Now another doctor has told me to use Butrans patches (buprenorphine) which deliver morphine over a seven day period.  I started last week with 5mg patch and was told to take paracetamol every four hours alongside.  After three days there was absolutely no difference, in fact the pain got worse if anything.  Another visit to another doctor (we never seem to get the same one) and she increased the dose to 10mg patch which applied on Wednesday.  Again, absolutely no relief and pain really bad again.  So, my question is, should I come off the morphine before they get a hold on me and I need stronger doses or should I give the Gabapentin a fair trial but in the much larger dose that they suggest.  I really am struggling with this decision so any suggestions you may have would be incredibly helpful, or if you know of an alternative drug that could give me relief I would be really glad to know about that too.  Look after yourselves and thank you. 😜

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Yogadatti
    Yogadatti joyce12429

    Posted

    Are you in uk?   Pregabalin is the other drug you can try.   Apparently it's more expensive so the NHS don't like to prescribe it first.... That's what I have been told.   Pregabalin is Lyrica.... All these drugs have different names in different countries etc.    I wouldn't keep on with anything if it isn't helping.....what is the point..?   
  • carol18316
    carol18316 joyce12429

    Posted

    Hi I am on 1800 over Gabapentin and 600 Duloxotin a day and have been for 2 years. This has been the best for me getting good rid of 90% of the pain. The rest of the time I practice Yoga and find that helps as well. It is just something you live with and trial and error with the drugs. Don't give up there will be something out there for you without being spaced out a the time. P.S. try and ask for same doctor to get correct treatment.

    Carol

    • Enna1
      Enna1 carol18316

      Posted

      Ha ha, you do the same as me, and almost take the same thing, Pregabalin which is the same as Gabapentin.  It hasn't really relieved my pain all that much I agree whole heartedly with you, yoga is stretching and is good for the back and true youhave to go on with the tablets until you find the right one, there are so many, just discovered that there is a generic drug for Pazital.  With me, its getting them down my throat.  I also agree with the continuation with drugs, when I first got this problem I went to the same doctor as I read my notes and it said I was putting my pain on.  He gave me cortisone injections. When he left the practice, the dr in charge of injections would do it for me. So whether a conversation between drs took place I don't know. As I was coming to spain I didn't bother changing drs but would in normal circumstances.

      I have a feeling that America do things we don't although the surgeons in Spain are supposed to be marvelous. Except, a few years ago they weren't paid and so these good surgeons left and set up private practice.  With my friend who worked for X Stop I had 2 views on what I could do and both said fusion....

      Not having had much sleep last night, I am going to try and get a good nights sleep.

       

  • elizabeth20203
    elizabeth20203 joyce12429

    Posted

    Hello Joyce,

    I can understand the frustration of taking meds for neuropathic pain that don't seem to help. I take 900 mgs a day of Gaberpentin, alongside Naproxen, co codamol and 10mg Amitriptyline at night to help with sleep. Amitriptyline does help, thou when the body gets used to the low dose i will have to increase. I was on this years ago till i went up to 50mg. I am going round in circles as i have been on codeine for a while as well. I recently read an article that states that opiates can actually cause more pain. Opiates being co codamol, tramadol, codeine etc. I think the co codamol as actually increased my pain. I have arthritis too. I ring the GP i get taken off something, then another GP disagrees then i get put back on them, i am going round in circles. However i read also that Tumeric is really good, now i have tried tumeric tablets from Holland and Barrett which didn't help. It's the raw fresh Tumeric that is supposed to help. Grated raw in salads, everyday for 2 months. I am going to try this, i have heard Sainsburys sell it. I don't care how much it costs or even if i don't like it, if it helps with the pain it's worth it. I have no life because nerve pain is excruciating and arthritis too. Opiates are addictive as well. I wouldn't care how addictive something was if it helps with pain, i don't care. 

    I hope someone here can give you advice. Also what works for one doesn't always work for another. We can support one another at least.

    Elizabeth.

    • joyce12429
      joyce12429 elizabeth20203

      Posted

      Hi Elizabeth,

      Thank you so much for your comprehensive reply.  I often wonder why, after years of being fit and healthy I am now in this horrid situation.  However, I know that there are people a lot worse off than me and bless you, you seem to be one of them as you have the added complication of arthritis as well.  I know I have to stop looking for a cause and concentrate on reducing the pain but I have such an analytical brain that it's proving very hard.  I would guess that like me, you have to take lots of drugs apart from the ones for neuropathic pain and it's really horrible filling our bodies with all these chemicals.  I think I am going to stop the morphine patches and look seriously at the Gabapentin again but can't get to see my own GP until a week on Tuesday so I guess I will have to persevere until then.  I feel it's too important an issue to just change things myself but I am not sure I'm doing the right thing or if I should just swap myself and see what happens.  I will go to Sainsbury's and try and get some turmeric - this seems a more natural approach and one that I hope will help us both.  So thank you once again Elizabeth and do take care of yourself.  Kindest Regards.

  • joh13240
    joh13240 joyce12429

    Posted

    Inhibit Joyce,

    i have preferial neurophy , bone damage and arthritis in my feet. I have tryed just about every known pain med you can think of. opiates are for broken arm type pain and will have the tendency to make nerve pain feel worse. I have tryed gabapentin, lycircia., topical compounded cream wil no real relieve and sometimes distaturios results. I am now mild pain most of the time, but I can function on a fair good level now. I was lucky to find a hat  psychiatrist that was very experianced in pain management. the attack plan on my pain was both mental an physical. I ended up using a combination of  using meds "off label " to take the edge of the pain in conjunction with mental health therapy. presently I take indocin, Kloinipin , and Celebrex. this combination works to take the edge off the pain and I don't have to deal with the bad side effects of traditional prescribed pain meds

  • joyce12429
    joyce12429

    Posted

    Hi,  Thank you for the reply.  I took the patch off yesterday as it really was giving me more pain and I found myself having to top up with strong painkillers.  Regarding my recent post I have now ordered some fresh turmeric from Thailand and hope to grow it here in the UK and use that for the pain.  Thanks again for your help and advice.
    • elizabeth20203
      elizabeth20203 joyce12429

      Posted

      Hello Joyce,

      let me know how you get on with Turmeric. I haven't managed to get any yet thou asap i will be getting some.   

      Elizabeth.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.