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Positive gabapentin experiences?

Posted , 4 users are following.

carolyn32091
carolyn32091

Hi!  I was prescribed gabapentin for chronic back pain from a herniated disc (exacerbated by shingles).  I was wondering if anyone has had good experiences with this medication?  I've had injections, therapy, patches, etc...nothing seems to help.  I haven't been given any opioids but I am not interested in those anyway.  Thanks!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • nancy67024
    nancy67024 carolyn32091

    Posted

    Well, I would say we all have, UNTILL  you have to come off it!!!

    It takes care of pain, curbs hot flashes...but it is a b***h to get off it once you start it.

    ?Not sure if it's worth it...

  • diane80014
    diane80014 carolyn32091

    Posted

    I was ok until I went to a higher dose! That’s when all the side effects came rolling in! Getting off is not great! I have read where people have had no problems! It was NOT a good med for me! Just be careful! 
  • UKSteve
    UKSteve carolyn32091

    Posted

    Its hit and miss with these Gaba meds (gabapentin and pregabalin).

    Some people get great pain relief, others dont.

    The average response seems to be reasonable efficacy at the start of treatment but the benefits wear off after a while and you are no longer able to achieve the same level if pain relief even at higher doses.

    This is because tolerance to this medication skyrockets very fast.

    Where it does come into its own for pain relief however is when taken , cautiously alongside opiate medication there is a strong synergistic interaction even at low doses, enhancing the analgesia of both medications. However there are high risks of unpleasant side effects (predominantly psychological in nature rather than physical, confusion disorientation dizziness and amnesia) and this medication should not be taken lightly.

    However that said many people slang dismiss these medications too quickly ...at at the end of the day if it's the only thing that gives you relief then it's better than a lifetime of pain and suffering.

    It's worth trying for pain but keep the doses moderate and cycle in with a few weeks break now and again to maintain efficacy.

    (If you have any history of depression or anxiety however I would stay well clear of this medication.)

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