I started taking Gabapentin, 300 mg, on August 30th because I was having skin burning side effects from Oxcarbazepine. So far no noticeable side effects from Gabapentin. I started with 1xday, then 2xday and am now on my 4th day of taking 3 pills a day.
However, there is no relief or not much relief from jaw pain. I am taking them all (3) before I go to bed. If any of you are taking this same medication, is that the schedule you are on or do you take them during the day instead?
The "Striking Back" book says that the effects of this med are short-lived and therefore it should be taken a few times during the day. My doctor said they should be taken before going to bed so I wouldn't notice any side effects. I would rather have a few non-serious side effects and less jaw pain during the day. Thanks for any info and, as always, for the incredible support! ~ Carol
I've been on gabapentin for a year now and im on 1800mg daily. I take one in the morning (600mg), one at lunch time (600mg) and then one before bed (600 mg). It took a few weeks to notice them working but they have eased the pain abit for me. The only side effects for me is i get tired alot throughout the day.
Thanks very much for telling me about your experience. I seem to be having a communication problem with my neurologist's office as in they tend to ignore my voicemails for several days after I call to ask questions, etc. I guess the only way to solve that is to make another appointment. I am so happy that I found this website and everyone here. I hope the pills start working for me soon. Glad that you are doing well, other than the tiredness.
Very important,you should be able to go to primary care doctor and have the meds taken care of. They'll get to the Neuro pronto.
My experience is similar to Una,s.
I also take lamictal 100mg twice a day.
And, oxycodone for breakthrough pain
Currently my V3 (side of the face to the gum area-Yes it like a toothache-but there are no longer any teeth there) has frozen up Hurts to chew, causes a speech impedimment, and creates a sleep problem. Meds prevent what would be a catastrophe but this episode is pushing the boundary line
Hi, Carol. My neuro recommended that I take my Gabapentin in three doses throughout the day. I opted to take it in two doses because it is easier for me to remember morning and night doses. I do feel some aching around the time for my next dose, so, yes, it is short-acting.
I have found that it takes about a week to achieve results, assuming the dosage is right.
I think it depends on what type of pain you are taking the gabapentin for to how you set out your regime. For burning pain it is short lived, which is what I have, and I take 300mg every 3 hours. The safe maximum you can take a day is around 3000mg which i was for a while but you are left feeling quite numb and feeling quite wired, if that makes sense. I currently take about 1500mg a day and the most noticeable side effects are memory loss and brain fog.
Agree with the memory loss and brain fog comment by Luke, one of the reasons that I have switched to Carbamazepine. I was advised to take them morning, afternoon and evening along with a night dose of Amitriptyline.
I met with my primary care doctor yesterday and am now taking Gabapentin in three doses throughout the day rather than taking three pills all at once before I go to bed. I hope this new schedule will be more effective in decreasing my jaw pain but it’s too soon to tell. Will keep you posted and thanks, everyone, for your input and help.
I had been doing pretty well but the last few days have been pure agony. The pain is excruciating when it starts. I am trying to be optimistic and bravely deal with it but it is unbelievably painful. At least it isn’t constant. My Gabapenin has been increased to four 300 mg capsules a day as of today. I sure hope this helps. I have an appt. with my neurologist in November. Today I tried to make one for an earlier time and there are none available. When I first saw this neurologist I had no knowledge of TN. Now I do and I have questions. I am thinking of switching to another dr. if I can get an earlier appt. even though I liked the original one. Not so much his staff.