1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Gabapentin

Taking gabapentin for years, not sure where I am

Posted , 3 users are following.

david95648
david95648

I have been on 100mg once or twice a day for along time, originally after a foot operation. Advised to keep on, to help arthritis pain and after effects of hip operations etc. The dose was raised to 300mg at night and 100mg twice a day. I always feel rather odd and have muscular convulsions over a long time, befotre the dose increased. Currently have shoulder aches and stiff neck with headache, put down as tension. Has anyone had similar problems, could it be the gabapentin, - so difficult to tell?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Jayive
    Jayive david95648

    Posted

    Hi David,

    I am also on Gabapentin, for about 18 months since a THR, as I have very bad pain following the THR. I take 9x100 mg tablets daily, and don't think I have any adverse effects. You can take a much higher daily dose, ask your doctor, it is a drug that eeds to be taken at set intervals and the same dose each time in order to gain the maximum effect. Hope this helps

    • david95648
      david95648 Jayive

      Posted

      thank you.Yes, I have been a little up and down with dosage. Am seeing Doctor this week. Originally recently prescribed 2 x 100 thro' day and 300mg at night.
  • plushly
    plushly david95648

    Posted

    Hi David

    I agree Jayive regarding taking at set intervals. Gabapentin has a relatively short half-life, thus the recommendation to take set doses 3 time per day. Miss one dose and you can start to get mild withdrawals; or at least expect a bit of rebound pain.

    I currently take Lyrica; normally taken only twice a day as it's effect lasts longer than gabapentin. However, I cut back to one large dose in the evenings due to drowsiness at work. However, come dinner-time the next day I am usually starting to experience side effects similar to what you have described. Muscle tic's and aching bones generally remind me when I'm overdue for a dose.

    • david95648
      david95648 plushly

      Posted

      most helpful and interesting thank you. Of course I have been wondering whether to stop altogether, so it is interesting to hear what you have said about overdue for a dose.
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.