Gabapentin for Neuropathy

[Linda0818]

So I may have brought this up a year or so ago because my doctor prescribed Gabapentin for my foot neuropathy. But I never took it. I'm "pill paranoid" and, after reading too many horror stories about Gabapentin's side effects, I decided not to take it.

But my neuropathy has gotten worse, mostly in my right foot. I have a bunion on my right foot as well, which doesn't help the pain any, plus it's my driving foot. So every day I'm putting pressure on that foot and, by the time I get home from work, I'm literally limping into the house. That and I've been getting these awful nerve zaps that wake me up in the middle of the night. Last night was real fun. They started around 4am and I've been awake off and on ever since. I'm now a walking corpse, at work, attempting to function on very little sleep. And this has been happening way more often lately.

That said, my doctor, once again, sent in a script for Gabapentin, which I'm picking up today after work. I'm going to try it because I have to do something. I can't function like this day after day. This neuropathy is affecting the quality of my life. I'm pretty much in constant pain. But I'm still scared of possible side effects and wondering if the medication will even help me.

Has anyone here taken (or currently taking) Gabapentin? Did you have bad side effects when starting the med? Has it helped you?

I realize that everyone is different and what may work for one person won't work for another. But I'd like to hear your experiences with this medication. Or maybe you've tried a different medication for nerve pain and it worked better?

 

[forty_caliber]

I suffer from this too. Please PM me, certain details are not for public consumption.

.40

 

[Linda0818]

I suffer from this too. Please PM me, certain details are not for public consumption.

.40

Now you have me scared half to death, lol.

Will do.

 

[pictonguy]

Do you or have you been diagnosed with a root cause? Basically why did this happen, any clue?

 

[Linda0818]

Do you or have you been diagnosed with a root cause? Basically why did this happen, any clue?

I'm diabetic.

Edit to add: diabetes runs in my family. My mom literally lost both of her legs from the knee down because her toes turned black from lack of circulation. And I'm scared to death that's going to happen to me.

 

[pictonguy]

I'm diabetic.

Edit to add: diabetes runs in my family. My mom literally lost both of her legs from the knee down because her toes turned black from lack of circulation. And I'm scared to death that's going to happen to me.

Are you injecting insulin?

 

[Linda0818]

Are you injecting insulin?

No. I take Metformin daily and Trulicity once a week. My A1C hangs around 5.7 to 6.1, so my doctor is calling my diabetes "controlled."

 

[HeyItsSara]

I have ben prescribed this but was afraid of the side effect of dizziness so I did not continue. When is a medication going to have the side effects of awesome, sexiness?!!!

 

[pictonguy]

No. I take Metformin daily and Trulicity once a week. My A1C hangs around 5.7 to 6.1, so my doctor is calling my diabetes "controlled."

I'm only conveying my personal experience and in no way suggesting that this is medical advice. I can if you like link to research that you might find interesting.

Yeah I had some symptoms about 8 years ago and had similar A1C, of around 6, basically prediabetic with elevated metabolic markers that are go hand in hand. My A1C now generally hovers around 4.8 and 5. Mostly through dietary changes which I still maintain for the most part, which does drive systemic inflammation much much lower from the increase in insulin sensitivity and has basically changed my life.

Has your Doctor offered or have recommended you see a registered dietitian specializing metabolic dysfunction and specifically, your condition?

 

[Linda0818]

I'm only conveying my personal experience and in no way suggesting that this is medical advice. I can if you like link to research that you might find interesting.

Yeah I had some symptoms about 8 years ago and had similar A1C, of around 6, basically prediabetic with elevated metabolic markers that are go hand in hand. My A1C now generally hovers around 4.8 and 5. Mostly through dietary changes which I still maintain for the most part, which does drive systemic inflammation much much lower from the increase in insulin sensitivity and has basically changed my life.

Has your Doctor offered or have recommended you see a registered dietitian specializing metabolic dysfunction and specifically, your condition?

No, she hasn't, but I have a pretty good idea of what I should be eating for better blood sugar control. I bought a nice book that contains recipes and information for diabetics, plus I do a lot of online reading.

I'm still afraid to take that medication. But I have to do something. I can't live like this anymore.

 

[pictonguy]

This may sound simplistic because it is, but if someone remove almost all sugars from their diet, the body has no choice but to make adjustments that improve greatly blood sugar control and reduces the inflammatory milieu that exists.

The main problem is chronically elevated insulin responses from the food we eat where there's little or no time between meals which on average takes 2 to 4 hours to come back to baseline before insulin sensitivity starts to recover which if someone includes carbs in every meal and are eating 3 times a day with a few snacks in between, then it's really left up to sleep time for this to happen and ideally we want recovery to happen then mostly and not digesting food for best case scenario.

When someone is trying to adjust to a life threating disease, then it's very important that we try to understand the basic mechanisms that are really implicated in diabetes type 2, in my opinion of course and there's also science to back this up this claim.

Normally I don't like the idea of medicating the symptom because that is a one way ticket to progression but in the case of "Trulicity" which is a GLP-1 antagonist it kind of mimics the hormonal response that helps with satiety, which does make the desire for certain carb heavy foods less desirable and also has shown to reduce weight, which always helps in these matters.

People will have to weigh the consequences in the short term but in the long term when something is told that they are "controlling" without offerings anything but some medication, then it's basically time to take ones health more seriously because that explanation is not acceptable when there's so many studies and research and metabolic clinics that actually reverse diabetes and get people totally off medication to almost all people that try that intervention, which is again shown in actual hundreds of papers and studies. The big problem, especially older people is changing their diet, starchy carbs are pretty tasty and tough to give up.

 

[Linda0818]

This may sound simplistic because it is, but if someone remove almost all sugars from their diet, the body has no choice but to make adjustments that improve greatly blood sugar control and reduces the inflammatory milieu that exists.

The main problem is chronically elevated insulin responses from the food we eat where there's little or no time between meals which on average takes 2 to 4 hours to come back to baseline before insulin sensitivity starts to recover which if someone includes carbs in every meal and are eating 3 times a day with a few snacks in between, then it's really left up to sleep time for this to happen and ideally we want recovery to happen then mostly and not digesting food for best case scenario.

When someone is trying to adjust to a life threating disease, then it's very important that we try to understand the basic mechanisms that are really implicated in diabetes type 2, in my opinion of course and there's also science to back this up this claim.

Normally I don't like the idea of medicating the symptom because that is a one way ticket to progression but in the case of "Trulicity" which is a GLP-1 antagonist it kind of mimics the hormonal response that helps with satiety, which does make the desire for certain carb heavy foods less desirable and also has shown to reduce weight, which always helps in these matters.

People will have to weigh the consequences in the short term but in the long term when something is told that they are "controlling" without offerings anything but some medication, then it's basically time to take ones health more seriously because that explanation is not acceptable when there's so many studies and research and metabolic clinics that actually reverse diabetes and get people totally off medication to almost all people that try that intervention, which is again shown in actual hundreds of papers and studies. The big problem, especially older people is changing their diet, starchy carbs are pretty tasty and tough to give up.

Yes, it's very difficult to change. I've tried to change some things, but often find myself reverting back to old habits.

The Trulicity was the 'boost' I needed to get my A1C lowered. Metformin alone wasn't cutting it. Adding the Trulicity has made a huge difference. Hasn't done anything for weight reduction, though. I'm by no means horribly overweight, but could definitely stand to lose a few pounds.

As for food, carbs are my biggest problem. I don't eat a whole lot of bread, but I do consume way too much of things like potatoes and pasta. And nope, no whole grain pasta here. Can't stand it.

My podiatrist was the one who suggested the Gabapentin. Perhaps I should ask my PCP about prescription topicals.

 

[Kathleen]

While I am diabetic, it is controlled. I do have some nerve issues stemming from pinched nerves and am hoping to avoid surgery. I was first prescribed gabapentin. It did not do much for the nerve pain. Then I was switched to lyrica, which worked much better. Both make me sleep a bit more than before I took it. However, they have me now taking both together. The plus side is that the pain is hugely diminished. When I include the back injections, the pain may 100% disappear! However, when I do get tired, I am tired. Sleep is needed. I can fight it but the minute I sit, I am out for a couple of hours.

I have a different perspective on medication. My mother was part Momma and part witch doctor. She regularly combined medical solutions with holistic ones. Growing up, I was asthmatic. I then developed diabetes. I've broken multiple bones, have a metal plate that fuses four of my 7 neck vertebrae. My r/ships with my doctors are outstanding and my primary is considered the hub of my medical wheel meaning all include her in discussions. If I was questioning a recommended treatment, I would talk with my team and come up with a medical or holistic solution.

It's odd, but I do not fear death. I do, however, fear pain. Given the option between pain and trying a different medication, I will try the medication - especially if I am being closely monitored by the medical team.

On a side note, and in full disclosure, I am a "when in doubt, cut it out" mindset meaning I'll have whatever removed if it betrays me. Tonsils, gallbladder, appendix....all distant memories. So accepting "better living through chemistry" was not too difficult to do.

I cannot stress enough.....when controlling pain, you have to develop that relationship with your medical team. It's critical. When my journey to less pain started, feedback to them daily was not unheard of. Currently, my docs are monitoring the success and length of relief from the injections along with the medication. After much discussion, we opted to try a rhizotomy on my lower lumbar....now that sounded very scary and that area has remained pain-free ever since.

Most of my nerve pain stems from a bad car wreck that happened almost 30 years ago. I had a lot of stress fractures....but the medical capability was not advanced enough then to foresee what could happen down the road.

I just saw that you mentioned your podiatrist recommending your gabapentin. I strongly recommend that you talk to a pain management specialist. When it comes to pain, I don't feel it is a one-person/doctor decision.

 

[Linda0818]

While I am diabetic, it is controlled. I do have some nerve issues stemming from pinched nerves and am hoping to avoid surgery. I was first prescribed gabapentin. It did not do much for the nerve pain. Then I was switched to lyrica, which worked much better. Both make me sleep a bit more than before I took it. However, they have me now taking both together. The plus side is that the pain is hugely diminished. When I include the back injections, the pain may 100% disappear! However, when I do get tired, I am tired. Sleep is needed. I can fight it but the minute I sit, I am out for a couple of hours.

I have a different perspective on medication. My mother was part Momma and part witch doctor. She regularly combined medical solutions with holistic ones. Growing up, I was asthmatic. I then developed diabetes. I've broken multiple bones, have a metal plate that fuses four of my 7 neck vertebrae. My r/ships with my doctors are outstanding and my primary is considered the hub of my medical wheel meaning all include her in discussions. If I was questioning a recommended treatment, I would talk with my team and come up with a medical or holistic solution.

It's odd, but I do not fear death. I do, however, fear pain. Given the option between pain and trying a different medication, I will try the medication - especially if I am being closely monitored by the medical team.

On a side note, and in full disclosure, I am a "when in doubt, cut it out" mindset meaning I'll have whatever removed if it betrays me. Tonsils, gallbladder, appendix....all distant memories. So accepting "better living through chemistry" was not too difficult to do.

I cannot stress enough.....when controlling pain, you have to develop that relationship with your medical team. It's critical. When my journey to less pain started, feedback to them daily was not unheard of. Currently, my docs are monitoring the success and length of relief from the injections along with the medication. After much discussion, we opted to try a rhizotomy on my lower lumbar....now that sounded very scary and that area has remained pain-free ever since.

Most of my nerve pain stems from a bad car wreck that happened almost 30 years ago. I had a lot of stress fractures....but the medical capability was not advanced enough then to foresee what could happen down the road.

I just saw that you mentioned your podiatrist recommending your gabapentin. I strongly recommend that you talk to a pain management specialist.

I've had a couple of spinal procedures, including injections and a nerve block, but that was for sciatic pain I was having. Did nothing for my feet. That was through a pain management doctor.

Perhaps I should make an appointment to speak with him again about my feet, but I honestly don't feel there are many options out there for neuropathy.

 

[Kathleen]

Linda, my sciatica starts in my back and then skips my thigh to travel to my lower calf around the ankle into my foot. It goes across the top of the foot and then into my toes causing cramps at times. Since you have mentioned sciatica, which can travel in odd ways, it is worth a discussion with your pain person. Also, is your pulse strong in your feet? Diabetic neuropathy is often accompanied with a reduction of circulation in your feet. Again....worth checking out.

Also, see if your primary will act as your "hub" for all medical issues. I have everyone...absolutely every one loop mine in regardless of the issue. She is excellent as the gate keeper.

 

[blissful]

Disease reversal is usually only an option if you deal with it right away. For people that have reversed type 2 diabetes, if the neuropathy was a recent symptom, it may reverse too. If the symptom of diabetes, neuropathy, is numbed out for 2 years using medication to treat the symptom instead of the cause, it may always linger.
I used to be prediabetic I had some neuropathy starting in my toes, that has reversed due to diet change. Any tingling I feel in my feet is a sign to me that I'm not eating right.

 

[Linda0818]

Linda, my sciatica starts in my back and then skips my thigh to travel to my lower calf around the ankle into my foot. It goes across the top of the foot and then into my toes causing cramps at times. Since you have mentioned sciatica, which can travel in odd ways, it is worth a discussion with your pain person. Also, is your pulse strong in your feet? Diabetic neuropathy is often accompanied with a reduction of circulation in your feet. Again....worth checking out.

Also, see if your primary will act as your "hub" for all medical issues. I have everyone...absolutely every one loop mine in regardless of the issue. She is excellent as the gate keeper.

Well, the sciatica came about (and lasted approx. 6 months) kind of recently and was due to a cyst pressing on the sciatic nerve. Went to pain management doc (referred by my primary) and had a couple of spinal procedures and even went through physical therapy. Nothing helped. Then the pain subsided on its own and, knocking on wood, hasn't come back. The pain management doc said it's common for those cysts to 'burst' or drain on their own.

My primary is definitely a good gate keeper, as most of the doctors I see came from referrals from her.

Yes, I can feel my pulse in my feet sometimes. Is that good or bad? LOL

 

[Linda0818]

Disease reversal is usually only an option if you deal with it right away. For people that have reversed type 2 diabetes, if the neuropathy was a recent symptom, it may reverse too. If the symptom of diabetes, neuropathy, is numbed out for 2 years using medication to treat the symptom instead of the cause, it may always linger.
I used to be prediabetic I had some neuropathy starting in my toes, that has reversed due to diet change. Any tingling I feel in my feet is a sign to me that I'm not eating right.

So glad you have it under control. It's definitely a miserable condition.

 

[medtran49]

DH got shingles of mid severity, but he developed intermittent horrendous bursts of being on fire pain (nerve type) down his left arm. Doctor prescribed gabapentin for him and it took a few days of working up to full dosage and the pain started getting better. He took it for several months, then was weaned off. He very, very, very occasionally still gets a quick zing of fire pain down his arm.

I got a very mild case of shingles a month or so later. Thought it was an allergic reaction to something for the first few days actually, but then realized it was shingles. Doctor also prescribed gabapentin for me and I took it for a little over a month, then weaned off. Shortly after that we had a regular checkup and I mentioned that I had been having trouble sleeping for some time. Doctor asked if either of us had any gabapentin left, we did, and suggested I try taking 2 at night before trying anything else. It helped a lot and I still take 2 at night a couple of years later.

Hopefully, your doctor has mentioned that you have to gradually increase the dose on starting, and especially that you cannot abruptly stop it. Needs to be weaned off.

 

[Linda0818]

DH got shingles of mid severity, but he developed intermittent horrendous bursts of being on fire pain (nerve type) down his left arm. Doctor prescribed gabapentin for him and it took a few days of working up to full dosage and the pain started getting better. He took it for several months, then was weaned off. He very, very, very occasionally still gets a quick zing of fire pain down his arm.

I got a very mild case of shingles a month or so later. Thought it was an allergic reaction to something for the first few days actually, but then realized it was shingles. Doctor also prescribed gabapentin for me and I took it for a little over a month, then weaned off. Shortly after that we had a regular checkup and I mentioned that I had been having trouble sleeping for some time. Doctor asked if either of us had any gabapentin left, we did, and suggested I try taking 2 at night before trying anything else. It helped a lot and I still take 2 at night a couple of years later.

Hopefully, your doctor has mentioned that you have to gradually increase the dose on starting, and especially that you cannot abruptly stop it. Needs to be weaned off.

Yes, she has started me on a slow taper (up) dosage. She always starts me at the lowest dose of something, then works it up, if needed.

I really hate these "mind-altering" drugs that mess with your brain. Years ago I was on citalopram (Celexa) for my anxiety and holy sheep sharkles, the side effects were horrendous. And I can't get into the nightmare coming down off of it was. Even though I slowly tapered down, the withdrawal was wicked crazy. I was 'this close' to jumping off the nearest cliff.

I don't do well on drugs that change brain chemistry.