I don't want to wait until I'm in agony, really I don't. I know better. But, I've needed to adjust my Gabapentin for a few weeks now, and I keep putting it off. Occasional pain has increased to an almost constant discomfort. I know that if I keep putting off an increase I'm going to have a bad attack, it's just a matter of time.
But, here's the problem... I'll feel like a zombie until my body gets used to the new dosage. There has been no convenient time for me to zone out. I have a husband and three kids, two with special needs. During the week, I have to drive my children to and from school. I'm afraid to drive like that. I'm also on call to substitute at my son's school (where I might like a teaching position in the fall.) I can't teach feeling that way. On the weekends, there is always something going on.
I could say that my family is counting on me, that I need to work, that I don't want to feel that drowsy, exhausted, dazed feeling. But so could any of you. So how do you manage med adjustments? I have no family, friends or church that I can depend on. I have to make this work on my own.
If only this monster would wait three more weeks until Spring Break, I could do it then. But, I don't think it's wise to wait that long.
Christi
Hi Christi,
Can you tell me what dose of Gabapentin you're currently taking, in what form or dose sizes are your pills / tablets and what you're wanting to increase the Gabapentin to? Have you spoken with your doctor about the increase you are about to take and if yes, what have they told you to do? If I can help, I'd love to - if you want to discuss this privately, please send me a message!!
Cheers,
Kerry.
Thank you for your reply, Kerry. I'm currently on 150mg of Lamictal and 600mg of Gabapentin. My neuro said that I could go as high as 900mg of Gabapentin before my next appt. Right now, I'm taking 300mg morning and night. I have 300's and 100's to work with. I'm thinking of doing a mid-day dose to carry me from morning to night. Obviously, I'll increase by 100mg, and you would think I'd have no side effects, but I am very sensitive to medication.
Last week, I popped an extra 200mg because the pain was getting intolerable. I was exhausted the next day, and spent a lot of time in bed. The problem lies in all the driving I have to do. Besides school runs, there is soccer, chorus, dance, and doctor appts for the kids. I suppose, I'll keep my calendar clear next weekend and start then. (sigh...)
Christi
Hi Christi, You sound so much like me. I have a very busy life. I am being treated for TN. I am always being put on different doses of meds. Don’t seem to help much? What is Lamictal? Currently on Elavil at bedtime and Neurortin 600mg a day. Tegritol made me very dizzy along with them and stopped.
Hi, Judy! What a nice profile pic! The little boy is absolutely adorable. Is he your son?
You asked about Lamictal. Like Neurontin, it is an anti-convulsant. I was already on 150mg for seizures for more than 5 years before TN appeared on my radar. My neorologist says that Lamictal is not very effective for TN, but I have heard of others who found relief with it. I believe that having Lamictal in place, kept my TN from hitting me full-force from the beginning. My "pains" started out as twinges and remained as such long enough for me to take notice, see a doctor, and begin treatment.
Christi