Anyone taken Gabapentin for chronic pain?

Anyone taken Gabapentin for chronic pain?

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HalfMoon

Original Poster:

296 posts

195 months

Monday 23rd August 2010
quotequote all
Has anyone on here used Gabapantin (Neurontin) to relieve chronic pain?

I've had stupidly bad knees for about 15 years but in the last 5 or so they've been going further downhill. I've had the usual painkillers - Dihydrocodeine, Tramadol etc and they're starting to not really cut it anymore and Gabapentin is about the only option that my GP has suggested. I'm happy to try it (just one good nights sleep would be good...) but a little concerned about effect on mood and the soporific effects. I know that these thing work differently for different people but any accounts would be appreciated.

dave_s13

13,863 posts

276 months

Monday 23rd August 2010
quotequote all
I know it's used in chronic neuropathic pain, especially for diabetic neuropathy.

The people I see on it seem to be OK but I think it's a suck it and see thing.

Any reason you can't have total knee replacements? Assuming you haven't already.

Has the GP mentioned referring you to a pain clinic? I assume most places have one, usually run by a consultant who's speciality is doping people up in weird and wonderful ways?

wigglebottom

542 posts

203 months

Monday 23rd August 2010
quotequote all
Im currently taking Gabapantin after loosing a fight with a car, Its to ease the pain from the muscle and nerve damage (also taking Tramadol but am lowering the dose till im off it totally).
But ive been lucky and not had any of the side effects - although i was a grump git before so maybe it couldnt make it any worse wink

HalfMoon

Original Poster:

296 posts

195 months

Monday 23rd August 2010
quotequote all
dave_s13 said:
I know it's used in chronic neuropathic pain, especially for diabetic neuropathy.

The people I see on it seem to be OK but I think it's a suck it and see thing.

Any reason you can't have total knee replacements? Assuming you haven't already.

Has the GP mentioned referring you to a pain clinic? I assume most places have one, usually run by a consultant who's speciality is doping people up in weird and wonderful ways?
When I was seeing the consultant (about 2 years ago now) knee replacement was talked about but he was reluctant to proceed due to my age and the lifespan of the replacements mixed with the excessive hypermobility that I have. I did the pain clinic thing as well and out of all the people that I've seen they were probably the most helpful - amongst other things, we talked about gabapentin and that where the side effects were brought up. I tried Amitryptaline previous to that but found the side effects of it to be pretty grim and not an experience that I would like to repeat.

Wigglebottom - glad to hear it's going well for you! Would love to come off the Tramadol as well.
smile

Craphouserat

1,521 posts

208 months

Tuesday 24th August 2010
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I've taken it pre-op for back problems. Currently about to start another course of Pregabalin - similar type of drug - been on this before, the pain iwas in /am in right now Pregablin helps the most. Both help severve pain - well do with me anyway.

Craphouserat

1,521 posts

208 months

Tuesday 24th August 2010
quotequote all
Craphouserat said:
I've taken it pre-op for back problems. Currently about to start another course of Pregabalin - similar type of drug - been on this before, the pain iwas in /am in right now Pregablin helps the most. Both help severve pain - well do with me anyway.
ETA moods were up and down for first week or so - then settled down. Looks like I will be on pregab for a long time. Guess mood swings will vary person to person - expect some swings - I found/was told by g/f i was very cold towards other - almost emotionless - i.e your dog has just died - me " really just a dog " g/f - Im not well - me " ohh well go to bed ". That type of thing !

Try it and see - all the best.

karona

1,924 posts

193 months

Tuesday 24th August 2010
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My other half takes it for MS and spondylosis. For the first couple of weeks they made her feel 'slow' and unconnected, especially in the morning. This settled down and her mood swings are no worse than usual argue

HalfMoon

Original Poster:

296 posts

195 months

Tuesday 24th August 2010
quotequote all
karona said:
'slow' and unconnected, especially in the morning.
That sounds like me at the best of times laugh

Seriously though, many thanks for the responses - appreciated!
smile