Wondering if there is anyone who has had intolerable side effects from gabapentin (Neurontin) that has had better luck with pregabalin (Lyrica). I have tried gabapentin several times, but each time the side effects (inability to think and severe ataxia) have been so intolerable that I have never been able to get even close to a therapeutic dose, so no pain relief.......and yes, I titrated up very, very slowly.
My current diagnosis is trigeminal neuropathic pain. I started with combination typical & atypical TN, had 2 MVDs (9 years relief and then only 9 months relief) and then a failed stereotactic radiosurgery procedure. I have been trying to find adequate pain relief for almost 7 years now. Currently barely getting by on Oxycontin 20 mg twice a day with breakthrough about 3 times/day, for which I take additional oxycodone 5 mg each time. At night I also take clonazepam 0.5 mg. About 6 weeks ago I was started on Prozac for depression, but I am not any better. My Dr. wants me to stop taking the clonazepam, but it's the only thing that allows me to get any sleep at night.
So now I am thinking about trying pregabalin, but worry about side effects, since by bad experience with gabapentin and all the other anticonvulsants, as well. I hate to spend any more money on a medication that is useless to me. Whatever happened to free samples from the Doctor....lol