For those who take gabapentin, are you able to drive?
I've been putting off trying it, because I'm very worried about how it might affect my work. I typically visit 3 different offices each day. So I'm on the road quite a bit. And I am a bad driver in the best of circumstances.
My plan is to use Uber or taxis for the first few weeks while I adjust to the medication. But will that be enough? I'm not in a position to be able to stop working, so this is a big concern for me. And I don't live near a bus stop, so that's not an option either.
I could not tolerate gabapentin - I am on Lyrica and it makes me a bit "loopy". My driving right now is very limited to no more than a few miles until I become a bit more confident in myself. I have not been on a highway as of yet either.
I would recommend very short drives to build up confidence. Hope this helps.....Mary
Hello.. I take Gabapentin 800 mg twice a day.. At night it is wonderful because I sleep soundly.. If I take it during the day it makes my a little drowsy, I can drive and function, just feel a little tired.. Medication always works differently on everyone, so I would experiment with it when you dont have to work.. My doctor wants me on Lyrica during the day because it should not make you drowsy during the day but my insurance keeps denying it. They want me on something else and all of their suggestions are meds that make you drowsy..
Gab, or any drugs used for TN affect people differently -- or not at all. At one time I was on Tegretol. It took a week or so to get adjusted to it. I could go on and on about my experience with Tegretol, Gabapentin, Lyrica etc. but it would not be you. If you decide to try it, a thought would be start it toward the mid to latter part of the week, maybe give it the weekend to be in your system.. I'd talk to the doctor though about your driving and see what he says.
I believe it depends on how much your taking. I'm taking 600 mg of gabapentin and 10mg of baclofen and and drive locally ok. If your saying your already a bad driver you might want to think twice about driving. By the way I almost forgot you gotta stay focused, I was excited about an appointment I had to get a house and hit a truck when I was backing out of a parking lot nothing can distract you.
I take Gabapentin 800 mg twice a day (morning and late afternoon). I do drive but only on quiet streets or along the Coast Highway. I avoid freeways because they are too frantic for me
I take gabapentin, tegretol and norco daily. On those medications I drive daily with no problems in my car, but I do have strong concerns about riding my motorcycle. I haven't rode my motorcycle in over two years for fear of accidents from flare ups more than a medication issue. Just be careful if you have concerns, consult your doctor and get an open dialog with your doctor about medicine choices.
After a brief period of adjustment to gabapentin, I was able to drive. I still avoid long distances. If and when you do feel up to venturing out, I suggest that you take someone with you. That way, if you get a distance away from home and then have a problem, you'll have someone to get you home. Best of luck!
I just took a low dose at night, and eventually I went into remission. Wish I could explain why I went into remission for sure. I stopped taking my statin drug and I believe the statin's are what caused my TN in the first place. Can't prove that however, just my belief.
I have been taking gabapentin for about 8 months. My doctor might be a little different than most in that she lets you decide which dose is the most effective and least bothersome to you. So when I started taking it I only took it at night and slowly increased the dose by 100mg each day and when I got to 400mg I started adding it to the morning. I did the same thing for the morning dose. I’m now taking 600mg, morning and evening. I didn’t ever have a problem driving, my biggest problem was being really sleepy during the daytime once I started the morning dose. I really like the gabapentin to be honest with you!
I have been on gabapentin now for a few months.I found the first three weeks the hardest as I increased the dose. Dizziness was a very big concern of mine. I finally adjusted to it and am able to drive now. if your unsure dont get behind the wheel. But im glad I persevered as I am aware of the lightening attacks in my face now but I find it almost pain free. I am on a low dose and may in the future need to increase it. I was on Lyrica and had too many side effects. I couldnt sleep, painful red spots, false high feeling etc But everyone is different. If its not settling for you go back and visit your doctor and let them know your concerns.
I have been on gabapentin for 4 years and only had trouble with drowsiness after a recent drastic increase in dosage. You can limit the side effects greatly by starting very slowly and gradually increasing the dose every few days. I was very blessed to have doctors who knew how to prescribe this medicine and I was on 100 mg first week, increasing to 200 mg second week. I initially found relief there and stopped. Gabapentin comes in many different doses which help facilitate gradual dosing. If you go slowly enough (through your doctor’s guidance) you might be surprised.
I stopped taking gabapentin because I didn't like the way it made me feel. How much are you taking? At night I may take it, but I just try and endure the pain..
Hi, I've been taking gabapentin along with other drugs for my TN and I have never stopped driving. I also downhill ski and ride horses. This has been for the past 5 years.
Every once in a while if I've had a long day and take my pills just before dinner, I feel slow.
Of course we all tolerate our drugs differently. Best to you.
I've been on Gabapentin for over 3 years and I drive just fine I really continued to drive from the begining.. Not sure if it works like this with everyone?
I have been on varying doses of Gabapentin since being diagnosed. It has always been added to the other meds I am already taking. In the past I have waited a week to judge the effect on my system. I find when Tizanidine is in the mix of meds, I have to wait a couple of hours to ensure I am as focussed as I would like to be. I live in a large city and defensive driving is a must. Perhaps you could ask someone you trust to drive with you in your neighbourhood so that you could gain some confidence.
I drove when I was on GABA. But I ALWAYS took it with food and made sure it was mostly protein. Without protein, I was dizzy and spacey. So GABA with a bowl of cereal meant weak and spacey. GABA with an egg or cottage cheese meant functional for me. And when you start, begin with just the night dose for a few days because your initial adjustment will then be while at rest. Good luck.
Karen-
I am no longer on gaba, but when I was, I took over 3000mg a day & it did not impair me (perhaps b/c I worked my way up to that dose). different ppl respond very differently. Btw, if you’re in Austin TX, I’m just down the road in SA if you ever want to chat.