I have been looking for a new cocktail. Currently on Carbamezapine / Topomax. Side effects are getting the best of me. Tired of being a Zombie
My Neurologist has suggested switching to a combination of Gabapentin / Amytriptolyn (sp?). Worried about trading one set of side effects for another.
Not looking for an endorsement, but since I am switching because of side effects can anyone that has been on Gaba / Amytrip please describe the side effect you experienced so I know what I may be getting into?
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
I've been on all these prescriptions at one time. All have been good in controlling the pain, but all have had a downside too, at least temporarily. The most common side effect of all of these meds is the drowsiness or dizziness.
However, each of our bodies react differently to different medications at different times. We develop tolerance to some medications and they also interact with each other. I hated Carbamazepine at the beginning, but after a few years it became my best medication (unfortunately it doesn't work any more for me).
It is possible that you will be trading one set of side effects for another. But it's also perfectly possible that a new combination of medications will work better for you on pain control and lower side effects. These are all good medicines, Topamax is expensive, though. Amytriptiline is the only one that is not an anti-seizure. It is a try-cyclical antidepressant that it's also known for its pain control. The main side effect felt by most people is that it may produce dry mouth.
Hope this helps. These are all good medicines, just keep track of your symptoms while being introduced to a new medication and keep in touch with your doctor.
Good luck and may you have a pain free future.
Carolina
Elaine --
I am currently on Gabapentin. My worst side effects are feeling "high" for a short amount of time after I take my dose (usually about an hour). I'm on a pretty low dose currently, so someone on a higher dose might be of more help. Good luck!
I have taken both of them and the amitrytoline at bedtime. After several months of being on the amitrytoline, it began to keep me awake. As was said earlier, all drugs react differently with everyone. I wish you the best and pray for all of us to stay pain free.
Thanks everyone. At least I know if I get drymouth, dizziness or have trouble with my sleep/wake routine, its likely the meds and not my internal craziness!!
Elaine
One follow-up if I may... As noted by others, medication side effects can vary remarkably between patients. However, there are many online sources that can provide a sense of the most likely and less likely outcomes. One of the places which I check when verifying drug interactions and side effects is http://www.rxlist.com. It's a searchable database of FDA-validated data on thousands of meds.
Go in Peace and Power
Red Lawhern, Ph.D.
Yes, and those side effects are likely to diminish over time. So you may feel less dizzy after some time using them. Let us know how it goes.
Wishing you a pain free future,
Carolina
I have atypical pain, 24/7 pain in my teeth. Amitriptyline has been the only thing (other than pain meds and benzos) that has helped me at all. I started experiencing lower pain levels once I reached the 100mg dose. Now we've added another 25mg in the morning. The side effects aren't too bad for me. A lot of people don't like it because it makes them drowsy. I think they give up too quickly. I would deal with any side effect to get rid of this pain (except for life threatening ones, of course). I also get a little dry mouth, but the Biotene rinse has helped with that.
We may add the gabapentin back into the mix, so it sounds like you're getting a standard combo.
Hope it helps you.
Hi Elaine, I'm taking Gabapetin 600mg 3x aday ( I'm experimenting with a 4th hit a day, makes me a little groggy so I take it after work) and Lamictal 100mg 2xlso I take Oxycodone when needed. Don't tell anyone but a drink can help. Most of the time, there is low level, tolerable pain is in my cheek area. But just when you think everything is cool, boom, you're reminded to be careful.