Anyone on Gabapentin?

[CathyA]

My doc put me on it several weeks ago for tingling legs.......and I mean bigtime tingling legs, 24/7. I also have tingling elsewhere (arms/intestines/head). Dang I hate being on those kinds of drugs. This is an anti seizure me, which works for peripheral neuropathy. I'm going up on it very slowly to avoid some side-effects. I love my doc.......probably the best one I've ever had.........but why would you put someone on this without caring about the state of their spine? or possible toxins? or deficient vitamin levels?

Just curious if anyone has ever been on this and how it worked for you.
I have an appointment with a really good neuro doc, but I couldn't get in for a couple months. I can't wait to hear what he has to say.........if I live that long.
No matter where I itch on my body (neck/arm, etc.), it sends stronger waves of tingling down my legs. Very bizarre. No.......not in diabetic range yet.

[Teacher Terry]

Cathy, some of my old dogs have been on it for severe orthopedic pain.

[pinkytoe]

My FIL was on it for a short while for advanced neuropathy due to diabetes.

[CathyA]

Thanks you guys!

Teacher Terry.....My dog was on very expensive shots for her arthritis pain, but it didn't do much. Then I requested the Glucosamine/chondroitin pills for her, and she's doing better. She's also been put on an Omega 3 liquid....so maybe that's helping too.
Pinkytoe.......Just a short while? Was it not working? Too many side effects?

I think my doc doesn't tell me about side-effects anymore, 'cause he knows I'll get them then. haha

[Simplemind]

All I would say it do your due diligence and research the side effects as well as how difficult this is to come off of. Many support groups out there for people who have been damaged by it. I wouldn't touch it with a stick.

[CathyA]

Simplemind.........I'm soooooooo aware of these brain drugs and how hard they are to get used to and even harder to get off of. I've been avoiding them at any cost. But sometimes, when symptoms get so awful, I guess I decide to give it a try. But............I'm having BIG problems when they are suggested and prescribed when the doc hasn't gone through a thorough process of ruling other things out. I feel so backed into a corner, with no one really giving a sh*t about me living or dying........or just having any quality of life. Sorry........I'm just really bummed out.

[jrpoole59]

Not now. I was on Gabapentin right after a stroke back in 2012. One of the effects of the stroke was a neuropathy in my left leg. Considered idiopathic and still have it to this day. Gabapentin was discontinued after a few months. Despite all the warnings I have read I didn't have any bad effects while taking it. Perhaps it was the dosage level?

[mschrisgo2]

Vitamin D3 levels? Magnesium level? B6?
Its usually better to treat the cause than the symptom...

[CathyA]

I take around 5,000 of D3 every day, along with about 400+ of magnesium. I was taking a B complex, but I swear it makes my nerves worse, so I backed off it.
I had my magnesium checked and it was a little high........but labs can't check the level inside the cells........which is where the problem usually is.

[Tammy]

I like to rely on the expertise of doctor and not waste my time second guessing ...

[CathyA]

I've been to many doctors throughout my life, and have learned that some of them don't know jack sh*t....... So I like to research things myself, and also talk to others about their experiences. I also know that everyone responds differently to meds, so I take things with a grain of salt. Still.....I like getting lots of info/opinions first.

[Teacher Terry]

Cathy, I do the same as you. No one is more concerned about my health then me. Now I give my old dogs CBD biscuits from Canna Pets for pain. It works great. My old 80lb dog was falling and not walking far and within 6 days he was walking 3-4 miles/day and not falling. He is also running to fetch and he had quit doing that a year before. A couple in a park told us about it and I figured it was worth a try. It has been amazing.

[pinkytoe]

What about B12, Cathy?

[CathyA]

pinkytoe.....I use sublingual methylcobalamine every day...... I know how much it's supposed to help, but it doesn't seem to make a big difference, unfortunately.

Teacher Terry.....I didn't know there was such a thing for dogs. I'll check it out. Are they expensive?

[Simplemind]

Sounds like you have your research under control CathyA. No more pharma experiments for me... hell getting off all the crap, off now for 8 months, feeling much better and beginning to use CBD.

[Suzanne]

I take it sporadically for peripheral neuritis. It works well for that. 90 days is usually enough. Now that I think about it, it’s about 5 years since my last flare! Long may the peace continue!

[Gardenarian]

I took it briefly for epilepsy, but found other medication that worked better for me. Gabapentin made me feel horrible all over. Really icky drug.