Greater side effects but less relief from Gabapentin

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
1

Hi all,
I have been taking 600mg of Gabapentin 4x a day for the last year for bilateral ATN. In the past few days I have noticed that it is doing less for my pain, but my side effect of dizziness has increased. Anyone ever have this happen? According to my neurologist , this is the max dosage for me. I am hoping to get an appointment with a pain management doc soon, but would love to hear from anyone that has had this type of experience.
Thanks
Christine

2

Meclazine might help your dizziness.I don't have any experience with Gabapentin.I take Carbamazapine which is generic Tegratol.It lost full effect fairly quickly also,but it did help.Good luck with the Pain management office!

3

Thanks, Don.

4

Hi Christine! Yes, I too had the same problem with Gabapentin, Dizziness and confusion. Haven't been on it for a couple years. My biggest challenges with most of these medications that work for the pain is that I have a difficult time functioning because of the side effects (dizziness/drowsiness), I have a fast paced job and need to my brain to be crisp. It's very frustrating.

My Neurologist put me on Tegretol recently and the side effects were worse. I just don't know what else to do, I've tried most of the medications out there over the past 8years. And of course I'm not a candidate for surgery. I have a call out to my Dr. now to see what else I can do, the pain is just frustrating.

keep me posted

Erica

5

Hi Erica

Has anyone ever suggested a peripheral nerve stimulator to you? I had one implanted on my right side after an MVD failed to take away my burning boring pain, it is really working quite well.

Unfortunately, I have bilateral ATN, so am still on the Gabapentin for my left side. I am allergic to Tegretol, and have not had any success with Lyrica. I am having MVD on the left in October, so maybe I can eventually kiss these meds good bye!

6

I wish i had known about the PNS before i had Gamma Knife.I'm 95% no pain after 9 ( i think) weeks and finally down to 100 mgs of med so im happy.But i would have chosen the wiring kit ( : over radiation i think.Best of luck with your MVD.I was sceduled for that when they found a AVM near the site and wouldn't proceed.I can't imagine having this TN on both sides!I so feel for you.Best,Don

Christine said:

Hi Erica
Has anyone ever suggested a peripheral nerve stimulator to you? I had one implanted on my right side after an MVD failed to take away my burning boring pain, it is really working quite well.
Unfortunately, I have bilateral ATN, so am still on the Gabapentin for my left side. I am allergic to Tegretol, and have not had any success with Lyrica. I am having MVD on the left in October, so maybe I can eventually kiss these meds good bye!
7

Thanks, Don. Glad to hear your pain has been so greatly reduced! Hope you continue to get better.
Christine

8

I am taking 700mg of Gabapetin 4 x a day I believe the max dose is 3200 MG a day but I have heard of peopel taking more Some days my side effect are worse than others ( dizziness foggy head no short term memory fatigue ) I was thank 400mg 3 x day pain increased when to 600 mg 4 x day and am know on 700mg 4 x a day my neuro said If neaded to take 800mg 4 x day I have both 300mg and 400mg pills so I can adjust the dose up or down but no more than the 800mg 4 x a day a total of 3200mg do not know why side effect are worse on some days Good luck

9

Everyone reacts to medications so differently. For me, I couldn't handle 900mg of gabapentin a day. Although I'm also taking 1200mg oxcarbazapine. I was in a total fog. I take Lyrica 3 times a day now and 300mg gabapentin at night. I'm still making silly dumb mistakes.