Since June 20th my Dr. has me on Prednisone and Gabapentin at a very high dose. He started me off at 3600 mg. a day. I take 4, 300 mg. capsules 3 times a day and on top of that he started me at 50 mg. of prednisone a day for a week then a reduction, I am now on the taper dose of two a day for a week then im finished.
What I need help and advice on is I think this dose of Gabapentin is way too high. I walk around like a zombie, can't even get showered or dressed and am constantly fighting with my partner. All I want to do is sleep. I can't get in to see my dr. til friday and would like some advice about reducing this drug. My pain is better and have a bit of breakthrough pain depending on what i eat. I've also read that sometimes less is better. Any advice please. Thanks in advance Lauren
You need to contact Red Lawhern or a pharmacist( usually very helpful) about this. 3600mg right off the bat sounds crazy to me, my neuro had me taper up at 300 mg per day every 4 days. I started at 300 and than came up to 2700. It took weeks and my side effects were minimal. I still fairground if I move my head too fast, I don't do ladders and never look up without holding on to something solid. But I do not have the severe effects you discuss. I feel for you, I was once like you with an earlier Dr who titrated me too quickly on Tegretol. It's horrid!
I was on it and got blurred vision bad just be aware....i know all serizures meds have side effect...i'm on trileptal now is on gabapentin until this Friday their weaning me off of it....take care ..god bless
Thank you Jackie and Donna for your replies. When I first got my script my pharmasicts told me the dose was too strong but the dr. insisted I start at this dose. I don't know if it was because of the reaction i got to the Tegretol (got Stevens Johnson Syndrome and almost died). or what. All I know is I can't stand this anymore ....I think im going to drop my dose down to 2, 300 mg. 3 times a day or maybe i should only go down to 3...i don't know anymore im so confused. Thank you
I hear you on confused that’s the way with me … I’d call my dr back and tell him I’m having this smytoms … That is a high dose for starting out I think mine was 300 twice daily … good luck… God bless
I had to read this twice cause I didn't believe my eyes. Geez that seems like an outrageous starting point for gabapentin (3600mg). You wrote that he's your doc...I'm wondering if he's a neurologist and if he isn't I'm hoping you can get one right away. I'm hoping you can see someone else even if he is...
Colleen: I'm waiting to see a Neurologist right now. The dr. that gave me this dose is my family doctor?? I feel like i've been hit by a truck and can do nothing but sleep. Tonight I'm getting shocks going up and down my legs.
I can’t believe he started you on such a high dose myneuro started me at 300mg 3xday and just a few weeks ago he raised it to 900mg 3xday and he even said it was a big jump but neccessary. So I would suggest you call your dr and tell hiim what’s going on and make sure he doesn’t just brush you off with the “you’ll get used to it” thing. Also since he is not a neuro I would be careful of what he is prescribing (the prednisone is a common starting point) I would make sure to ask lots of questions about what ever he is giving you, average starting doses, what its for, reactions to others meds you’re taking, side effects, ect. Although those questions are good for any meds your prescribed for any reason.
Be VERY careful with Gabapentin, it burned my GI tract at 300 mgs day!! Sounds like at that large amount you could end up with ulcers, gastritis and IBS.
Oh Lauren, I'm so sorry to hear you're dealing with this! Does your doc have an emergency #? In the meantime, I'm wondering if you could take a much smaller dose just so you don't go off it 100%, pending of course what the pharmacist recommends! This was such an alarming email, I've been thinking about it all night. I don't like the leg shocks...you know to go to ER immediately if you have any kind of skin rash, heart palps, basically anything that feels like toxicity...
Don't be reticent to go get checked if you feel ready. What state are you in, if I may ask? Maybe someone could make a recommendation for a future reliable neuro? I will be very happy to hear when you are ok and under the care of a neuro. You poor sweetie. I can't check the site during the day but I will definitely be looking forward to hearing you feel better and under good care. Do you have someone that can stay and watch over you while you sleep?
Lauren said:
Colleen: I'm waiting to see a Neurologist right now. The dr. that gave me this dose is my family doctor?? I feel like i've been hit by a truck and can do nothing but sleep. Tonight I'm getting shocks going up and down my legs.
Thank you all for your concern and replies. I sent a message to Red Lawhern and discussed things with him and I feel alot better about what course of action to take. I found out today that my appoint for the Neurologist is on July31. The secretary told me if she gets a cancellation she will call me. Today Im just feeling really really tired but managed to get a shower. The leg shocks aren't as bad as yesterday. Unfortunately Colleen I don't have any support to help me here other than to go pick up meds and drop me at appointments. He's had it with me being sick so just avoids everything. Thanks again and I'll keep you posted. Lauren
I'm so glad you got good advice! Isn't it crazy that the most painful condition requires the longest and most ridiculous waiting? Just focus on maintaining until then. He better be a great neurologist, you deserve one. Take good care and if you feel down, come here. So glad you're shocks are subsiding some.
Hi Lauren - I was searching for the word "Prednisone" and came across your post. I didnt realize a steroid could help this kind of pain and was curious if anyone else took it. I hope you are doing much better now. I am on 2700 mg Gabapentin and do the 12 day tapering of Prednisone for break-through pain. It really does seem to be working, if you can get past the side effects. What caught me about your post is saying your partner has had it with you being sick. I want to tell you that you are not alone. My husband just doesnt get it, and avoids the situation as well. If you ever need a shoulder, I'm here. Hang in there and take care of you- and hoping you have some pain free days!