Gabapentin anyone?

Gaberpentin works on your central nervous system, that's why it's an anti seizure drug.
Lyrica/ Pregabalin is a newer version which is more expensive and the NHS moan about prescribing although it has less side effects and is lower doseage. They certainly can have nasty side effects....If I had the choice , which I don't because I have extremely painful sensory neuropathy I would never go near these drugs.

Oh dear! Wish I hadn't looked up side effects of this drug after seeing this post. It has been a wonder drug for my mother who at 91 lives on her own and is in extreme, constant pain with debilitating arthritis despite having hip replacement last year. She takes morphine, but has had terrible spasms which gabapentin has mainly relieved. She has had a few falls recently and some other symptoms which I see may be drug related, but realistically I don't suppose her increasing problems can all be due to side effects, Her choice is really to suffer or risk drug effects. I don't think I will tell her.

Ignorance is bliss!

I used to suffer from migraine headaches. I realised that it was the position of my head in bed. I only ever sleep with one pillow, and the feather or hollow fibre pillows are too soft. I bought a buckwheat filled pillow. I haven't had a headache since.

Thanks folks. It is always worth trying other GNrs for something like this.
I have just been put on it for long term facet joint back pain problems .
(I had it about four years ago when the tendons in my arms were frayed by bony shoulder spurs.

I am now on day two of 100 (whatever units.)
last night I had some most bizarre dreams which were exceptionally odd but not totally scary. Hopefully that will reduce after a week or so. As it is, all drugs affect people differently. My GP says he will see me again in a month.

This pain has been bulding up for years and was dreadful while I was away last week so much twinging when I walked.
I took one co-codamol and one paracetamol. I really don't like the hung over effect after I have taken an opiate pain killer.
"and in that sleep what dreams may come" (Thanks to Will)

I'm fairly sure my daughter has this for fibromyalgia ,however she's been on ..and off several different things and her GP says she has been overmedicated so we 're looking at a private clinic that specialises in Fibro in the hope they can get her off some of the stuff her GP has prescribed .Ideally I'd like her taken off everything and start again...but her GP says that wont happen.Is this the one that causes brain fog?

I think it's likely the brain fog is a symptom of fibromyalgia rather than a side effect of medication, paddyann. I have had fibro for 27 years and have never found brain fog is particularly linked to medication but in fairness I have never taken Gabapentin. I find lack of sleep, lack of attention to nutrition, stress and over exertion are the main triggers for increased brain fog which on some level is always part of every day life. It's debilitating and I hope your daughter is able to find specialist intervention. I have found the most helpful intervention for me has come from a knowledgeable GP, referral to a specialist pain clinic and also homeopathy which I know the NHS now disapproves of. It's certainly worth searching for an understanding specialist for a proper review.

I was on Gabapentin for a considerable time after I fractured my spine and was in constant pain. However, it didn't have much effect I'm afraid. I did manage to get off it without much difficulty. I was working at the time and it did not as far as I know affect my cognitive ability.
Like Cornergran, the breakthrough came when I was referred to a specialist pain clinic.

paddy we've previously discussed our daughters' fibro problems and at the moment I'm more optimistic.
After assessment this week she will be attending a 3week pain management course which she's sure will help.
With great determination she has cut out all the opiate-based drugs (but still uses lyrica). The fog still comes and goes but generally she's significantly better at the moment.
Will pm you soon.

I was prescribed Gabapentin for a pinched nerve in my neck and shoulders. To be honest, it didn't appear to do anything to ease the pain or condition, even when my GP doubled the dose. I took it for several months and then had to slowly ease myself off them, before stopping completely. I'm sure they would help some people, but not me unfortunately.

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