I experienced uncontrollable movements, especially in my arms, while taking gabapentin. I was also EXTREMELY depressed and felt like crying all the time. It also made me sleepy. Most of my doctors just wrote me off and said something like. "I've never heard of that. That's not gabapentin that is causing the depression, uncontrollable movement, and the somnolence." It's good to know that I wasn't just dreaming all of those side effects. I hope there is a special place in hell for those providers who wrote me off. Thank you for posting this video.
[nurse here] I hope you discontinued the meds and also got a new doctor! Those *are* really rare side-effects (the dyskinesia/movement problems) but depression and somnolence are both pretty common and they should have known that. Those movements may be tardive dyskinesia, which can be permanent, even if the medication is discontinued, so I'm guessing you definitely stopped them, but PLEASE DO if you haven't. I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience with those doctors. I'll never understand why some medical professionals ignore their patients feedback, particularly when you were as obviously distressed as you were. The Hippocratic Oath literally starts with "First, do no harm" and neglect like that is definitely harmful. I hope you're doing much better now :)
Most doctors and providers (pharmacist) are simply pill pushers for our goverment. Most dont have a clue about anything because in school they learn about 200,000 medications and 95 percent of them arnt even used. Our world is so backwards right now
Yeas SOME Dr's are horribly arrogant, thinking they know everything,feeling like God's. But thank God there are good Dr's that actually listen to their patients. To those few ,THANK YOU.
This stuff is a god send for me!! Stopped my sciatic nerve pain, herniated disc pain and fibromyalgia pain!! It's been absolutely fantastic for me. I guess it depends on the person. I wish everyone who suffers with some form of pain find the medication that best suits them and makes them live a happy and pain free life. Cheers.
I have the same condition as you do today is my 8th day of taking it so far I can tell a little difference I am glad finally to see it has helped someone with this kind of of nerve pain
@@klv400 Keep taking it!! If it'll work for you it will kick in soon. It doesn't work for everyone so just give it a Chance!! Also, make sure you're taking enough as well. Your doctor will play with the dosage until it works. Hopefully it'll help you man, it saved my life. Keep me posted!
@@gman5689 Man thanks for getting back to me. I'll tell you I have been putting up with this for three years the last year has been a ass kicker. I sure will be glad when it starts working today makes the 8th day. Thanks man
As someone with MS, I really appreciate that you acknowledge that everyone's body reacts a little differently to these meds. I've been taking gabapentin for some time, and it alleviates severe neuropathy for me.
My physician prescribed it to me for pain in my neck due to bone spurs in C3. It worked great! After awhile I started to forget things, like misplacing keys, forgetting items at the grocery store. One time I went to the teller machine and forgot my pin code. The icing on the cake was when I had a doctor appointment, and when I forgot how to get there, I knew there was a problem. When I got there I told my doctor, and he immediately had me stop the drug, weaning it off of me gradually. Once off, my memory came back and all is well. It really worked for the pain, but the side effects were not worth it.
I went to see a neurologist at a concussion clinic. She prescribed me gabapentin 900mg daily for my migraines, and that was the end of it. She didn't explain any side effects, and said to book a follow up with her in 6 months. I'm really anxious after learning of the potential side effects - the cure being worse than the disease - especially since I won't see her again for a very long time. What happens if I have side effects - do I just suffer through them and keep taking? Stop, but then worry about withdrawal symptoms? Go see a regular doctor at the walk-in clinic? Or just not take the drug - but then live with the chronic headaches? I feel so overwhelmed, up all night, don't know what to do...
Why? What you're saying is then, for an incurable condition on which it is undoubtedly helping, you have to come off it and just put up with pain for the rest of your goddam life? I think you're wrong myself
So far it has been my go to for opioid withdrawals. So far so good..hopefully peeps can get off it NOW without too much hardship. And for those that need it for ..all the power to them!
Been taking 15 yrs .. A GOD send for my anxiety and motivation issues.. I’m able to be out and apart of the world instead of being so afraid and worrying that I stay like a hermit and miss out on so much of life… anybody else feel it helps with depression as well to anxiety?
Excellent job taking the technical and making it understandable. On a side note, I love the "gag reel" at the end, and the chameo of Quinn. The Monty Python reference in the credits is pure genius.
Dr Reeves, GABAPENTIN IS NEW TO ME ,BUT MY PAIN DOCTOR STARTED ME ON IT AND ITS DOING GOOD SO FAR, I'VE BEEN ON ANGIATY MEDS FOR YEARS,AND NOW NO ONE WILL PRESCRIBE IT FOR ME,AND THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH AN ALLERGIC REACTIONS WAS WITH PAXEL,AND A STEROID SHOT,BOTH GAVE ME A TERRIBLE RASH, INSIDE AND OUT AND BURNED LIKE FIRE, HAVING TO BATH IN COLD WATER FOR ANY RELIEF,AND I STILL CAN'T TASTE MY FOOD BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE RASH BURNED MY MOUTH TONGUE AND THROAT..
So sorry for the side effects but glad it helps with pain. I just wish there was something else. Be sure to communicate with your doctor about the effects constantly. Good luck
I’ve been on gabapentin for around 25 years, I really think I need to get off this medication. I have experienced so many of these side effects.The brain fog and sluggishness is a very big problem for me. A lot of times I can’t even talk right very bothersome.
I am on Gabapentin and have experienced uncontrolled movements. I worked at a textile company on ring frame spinning machines. The gaba made me 'jump' causing my arms and hands to go dangerously close to the dangerous spinning machines whilst I was working on them. On the plus side my life long depression has become bearable because the gaba makes me feel slightly doped up which numbs all the crushing symptoms of Generalised Depression. For this reason I want to stay on Gaba despite the negatives.
When I first started taking it, it made me feel clumsy and uncoordinated. Not really dizzy, just klutzy. That has pretty much disappeared now, and the only effect it has now is it helps me sleep at night. They prescribed it for low back pain - sciatica- , but it doesn't do much for that. Nothing does.
I was prescribed this for 30 years of constant itching from hives on my arms. It helped a very little and causes 10-15 ponds of weight gain per year. My chiropractor said her mother had similar scars on her arms and stopped eating sugar and her hives went away within 1 1/2 weeks. It worked for me too.
Was near crippled with back pain, bladder and bowels stopped working. A single dose and results were immediate. A few more pills and I was able to leave the hospital. Four months of this medication and I feel near normal. How long does a person have to continue this medication?
I so impressed on watching the video on Gabapentin, I was so scared on talking this tablet, thinking that it is a narco . First time when I took it I get high felt so relaxed very mellow and happy. Full sleep, no pain in legs and feet. People said it is not a narcotic , but I was always suspicious. Today I have a sigh of relief. All negative thinking turn to positive. Thanks a lot .
I abused pregabalin and gabapentin, so yeah, the potential for abuse, dependence and addiction is there. It really hurt me in the end, I would never take even a single pill of that stuff, it really affects your memory and brain function. This doctor is just like most of them, a seller for Big Pharma, don't trust them.
Gabapentin really helps with my newve pain and fibromyalgia. I don't notice any negative effects but I do find that I need to focus more when driving. I just worry about getting addicted to it. Are there any risks of becoming physically addicted to it?
If your using these to get off of other substances I recommend taking them right before you go to sleep. (‘When your ‘passing out’). It’s the only thing that allowed me some sleep while weaning on klonopin. This advice is worth a small pile of gold to me, I hope it helps you too. It’s the sleep withdrawal that has been so insidious with respect to repairing and recovering.
Also, I never take more than 100mg, ever. I know drs prescribe upwards of 500-2000mg a day. I really don’t recommend that. I’ve taken large doses and became rather psychotic. I don’t like this drug but I can’t Deny it’s ability to allow me restorative sleep. I find that it’s not good in any other way. As for neuropathy, I think we should aim not to get addicted to this drug, it’s not harmless as many people prescribed it have told me. And their doctors told them.
@@dnbjedi what dr would tell you any drug is completely harmless. I know people taking 3900 mg a day and they hate it and doesn't even relieve the pain. Doctors need to pay more attention to the patient rather then the endless contradictory studies. Glad it gives benefit for sleep stay in constant communication with your doctor. Good health going forward.
@@dnbjedi Wow. I take 1600 to 2400mg a day, and have no side effects. It helps me sleep at night, that's all. When I don't take it, I can't sleep due to restless legs.
Another question can you take gabapentin as needed? Without answering for my specific situation, as I will discuss with my psychiatrist. Here is some background. I have been started on Modafinil for my TRD, it is the first medication that has had a positive effect in 14 years. Yet it has triggered burning, prickly pain in my lower lip that previously only had numbness and tingling, from jaw surgery. This is severe and yet does go away over night. Only to start up with the next modafinil. So I was wondering if the gabapentin, can work on an as needed basis? Just to cover the day time? Advil did take the edge off but not something I want to take daily.
I got infected with necrotizing fascitis 2 years ago. It almost killed me and almost took my left leg. 2 months in the hospital and 11 surgeries on my leg left me gratefully alive but def my leg wont ever be the same. After being out of the hospital i still had some pain in my leg. I was taking up toi 2 aleve a day. After about a year of this my doctor suggested we try a different medication Gagapentin was his prescription. The Aleve I had been taking was damaging my liver. I was shocked after my first dose to feel the relief of pain in my leg!!!! Its a medicine that you must respect and monitor for yourself. Strong stuff and some people it is good for and others not. I am careful with this drug...and we all need to monitor the use of this amazing drug.
1800 mg. per day is an excellent mood stabilizer helping me to focus with concentration abilities achieving 4.0 in school. neurontin alleviates P.T.S.D. symptomology.
I got it for shingles but he said it will help me sleep I'm 57 yrs young but I can't sleep before my Hives would u say Its a bad additive drug. God bless nidza
Nidza Infante I took it for months for insomnia. Quit cold turkey (because I think it made me gain weight) and no side effects. I couldn’t tell I was taking it, it just made me sleep at night. It did make me unable to recall words, which was weird. Maybe I was a little ditzie. But not a big deal.
I had some of these symptoms before starting gabapentin, now im not so fatigue, helps my pain in feet , legs, hands and actually has helped my balance problems,along with my essential tremors. Guess im the unusual.
It heps me tremendously with pain and i feel like i become my self again. BUT I have noticed that I am beginning to fall a lot and recently I had a bad fall from a horse, (first in 10 years) - as well as other falls. Its not good for me to go and fall so much and I am beginning to suspaect the med. What is your opinion on this ? I am prescribed 3 x 300 a day, but have only been taking 1 x 300 . x
Gabapentin has helped my chronic Fibromyalgia pain, Flare-Ups and Planters Fasciitis. But two things that are negative is the Brain Fog and it messes with my menstrual cycle. The Brain Fog seems to get worse as i go along and I find it very frustrating because I'm usually one who remembers everything.
Thank you for the explanation Dr. I tried a single (!) dose of gabapentin 42 days ago and it's caused pretty bad fatigue/somnolence till now. Up until some days ago, it was also causing anorgasmia like some part of my brain was inactivated. I don't take any other medications, and the effect followed the dose, so I can't possibly attribute it to anything else. My doctor is on maternal leave, so I asked the PA to order some blood tests (12 days later) and the only thing that was abnormal was my thyroid. Last time I had checked some months ago my TSH was 3.11, which is around where it hovers. Now it was 4.54, the highest it's ever been. I checked 3 weeks later at the same time in the morning and it was 4.24, which I hope means it's going down. I do have some residue of mild epilepsy (some lights/aura for like 30min every few months). Not sure if that was a factor in causing this reaction. I suffered a concussion when I was 10 years old and they had me on Tegretol for 3 years for mild epilepsy (which my mom said made me sleep like 13 hours a day). Anyway, I guess there's nothing else to do but wait ah?
@@AndrewReevesNeurology yes, but unfortunately not the changes it effected in the body, such as the thyroid one I mentioned. Those have lasted much longer.
@@mr1001nights do you have any medical study to support your claim? Your tsh is not a reliable test for anything. You need a complete thyroid panel. A 1 point swing isn’t that outrageous. An out of wack thyroid can cause a lot of hypersensitive reactions. Have them test your thyroid levels and antibodies. Either way one single dose of gaba would not have that kind of inhibitory effect on your thyroid.
I take gabapentin and tramadol together. It's been 4 years now. Will be any brain damage of any kind if used long term? It as worked for me with only one small side effect. I do take both together every 6 to 8 hours. That routine only works if I don't walk, set, or stand for longer than 10-15 min. I have to lay back down and wait for about 30min.and than I go to it again. Anyway it's taken a lot shit before I was able to do that routine. I just recently straighten out me insurance issues so now I can start going regularly to a physical therapist and pain management. I hope pray that will work. If can to any advice I would appreciate it . Thank you for reading,
I was prescribed 300 mg 4 times a day for restless legs syndrome. After 8 or 9 months I decided to stop taking it, holy hell broke loose. Panic attacks, cold sweats, restless body. I decided to taper down then quit but that wasn't easy either.
Bubbles o0Oo how are you doing now? We’re you able to get off them? I also get cold sweats and I get into a really bad mood. I’m dying to taper off and finally get off them for ever!
@@daughterofzion5903 yeah I actually ran out before I tapered off them as much as I wanted to, I don't want to scare you but it wasn't fun and took about a week before I started feeling better. As long as you taper slow you should be able to avoid the nastier side effects. Good luck!
I was on this medication from late 2007 to 2020. From 2013 to 2020 I was only on it because of when trying to get off of it I would have auditory hallucinations (fine, can deal with it, the things aren't real), visual hallucinations (fine, can deal with it, the things aren't real) and tactile hallucinations (yeah, not able to deal with this one as they felt a little too real). The only reason I was able to get off this drug was cause I was placed on methadone which was actually something that helped control the pain better (CRPS from C4 down and also affects my face and mouth, central pain syndrome, hyperalgesia and allodynia). The weird list of side effects were a bit embarrassing for me. The worst of the two were occasional bladder incontinence and occasional bowel incontinence. I'd also go through random periods of vomiting for no rhyme or reason. Like sure, at first it helped with the pain, spasms and some of my sleep issues, but then it didn't and my doctor would have to increase the amount. By the time I was able to actually get off of it I was on 800mg 4 times a day. Now, the majority of my pain is controlled by dilaudid (from pain management) and inhaled nicotine (vaping it, and it's helpful with much more than just pain such as my vertical intolerance and migraines). No, I would NOT recommend vaping nicotine for health conditions unless you are either already vaping for cutting from the smelly cancer sticks or unless you have a medical provider who is at their wits end trying to figure out what can help your issues and figures that a mild stimulant (which is what nicotine is) would be of benefit for your specific issue(s) and they don't want to put you on a prescription stimulant for various reasons.
Was just put on 600mg morning and night. Took many weeks to break my body in to take this stuff. It was very difficult 😕. Now I just have dry mouth, unsteady on my feet sometimes. Afraid I will fall and I have Osteo. I don't think I should be on this long term.
Started three days ago for sciatica. No strong side effects yet. Take 200 mg three times a day. Might work up to 300 mg. Has none nothing for low grade nerve pain at. All, nothing. Might help at night since sciatica is worse at night for me. I wonder if it takes time to work?
I saw this video about 2 months ago, I then decided I wanted to wean myself off this Greg. I did wean myself off and I’ll tell you my mind is so much clearer. I’m remembering more things and just a clear mind. Best choice I ever made.
I’m on 1200 of this daily for neuropathy and restless legs/ anxiety. I guess. The psychiatrist loves to happily tout it as very safe, no problem whatsoever, and verbally told me I could take a couple more 400’s if I needed. But didn’t tell the pharmacy and I ran out and raised some eyebrows with my own history of addiction issues. I don’t think it does much for my fingers and toes but it does seem to calm me. I can get sometimes 7hrs of sleep a night without kicking all the blankets off. I suspect it renders my aDHD meds useless somewhat, which is not fun. I can read for longer but really have to spur myself to be physical. Tire easily. I personally think they give it out like candy and (in Canada anyway) it’s a stop-gap for people like me who have been waiting over two years to see a neurologist in hopes of finding out WHY my hands don’t work anymore.
I have constant back pain and my doctor put me on gabapentin. I've noticed that I sometimes have blurry vision. However, it's helped me with relaxing my jaw which I tend the clench.
Thank you for responding to my previous question. Is one more toxic than the other ? Cause more long term consequences ? Pregabalin vs Gabapentin ? Are there any other options for nerve pain in feet natural or chemical ? I know -- too many questions.
Yes, there are other options. Some options include: tricyclic compounds, zonisamide, lamotrigine, some topical mixtures. Some day I should make a video about some of that!
I've just started taking gabapentin nt 300 mg for my polyarthralgia.Drowsiness, dry mouth, tastelessness ar some common side effects.Bit of headache in the morning.Head feels heavy.
This is really helpful I am starting pregabalin for nerve pain. Could you do a video on now to mange the initial start up side effects that on so many medications create? I know the neutral language that these effects are common, but that was not enough to prepare me for the migraine, nausea and the “trippy” feeling. “Drunk, tired and stupid …” Thanks your video I will contact my doctors office on Monday as I have noticed my irritability has been magnified and for me that usually is a sign my depression is going to intensify.
Took gabapentin ok but has many side effects and long withdrawal period. Took paracetamol instead for safety and went to a good chiropractor for my low back pain. Had shingles before my lower back. Now I am better with a few trips to the chiropractic clinic.
I finally quit taking it a few weeks ago after 5 years on it for anxious depression after watching a couple of these videos saying how problematic it is. My memory is back, I was beginning to worry I was pre-dementia! I now have a new VA doc, I hope they're a bit more reasonable about priorities.
@@jessiemaeja5101 You have to taper or you'll hurt yourself. I was only taking 200mg 3x/day, so it was really no big deal, I just cut the dose to 100mg for a week and then quit.
I was given gabapentin for nerve pain with shingles, it did help me. Having disintegrating hip and spine pain now, Dr give tramadol. It doesn’t last the whole eight hrs at night. Would cortisone shot help me more than pain pills? 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
It allows me to sit down as i have pudendal nerve entrapment. Otherwise i would be able to drive anymore even. Also - at the end of the vid, was that the bloopers or had you taken a high dose yourself and got confused? 😂😂
Dr, is right on track for what im experiencing... tremors, sensation of falling backwards, anxiety attacks almost going to panic attacks all hot and sweaty, no sleeping to escape, cant remember annnnnything! Brain just “ poof “ mid sentence clears its data. But! If you have fibro - try it? It def helps pain but makes me stoooooopid!
Fibro fog is also an issue, so it's not just the meds! Since I got sick my memory had been a mess (I have fibro and M.E). It's a little worse on the Gabapentin, but not a huge amount. The pain relief is worth it for me. I couldn't function before I was on it.
This drug was great at first. I was suffering anxiety and agoraphobia and it really helped. Helped too with my stomach and bowel condition and pain. But if you try getting off it, that is where I had major problems. I tried to quit quite a few times, once cold turkey, and other times by reducing with the doctor. I was off it for 6 weeks and although my anxiety came back I felt better off it. I went back on it because I was waking every night with my heart racing and sweating immensely. My bed sheets would be soaking, my hair was so drenched is sweat that it was like I'd just washed it, soaking. Wish I'd never taken it.
I am curious if that’s what’s happening in my case. I was on 300mg 3x daily for 1.5 years. I started tapering and I toalla did it too quickly. So I slowed down and it seemed to be working. I made it down to 200mg per day. So 100mg capsules 2x per day. Seemed to be going well. For some reason after two weeks on that dosage I just started not feeling “right”. I can’t exactly put it into words. I had some headaches on vacation and dizziness and felt like some anxiety flair up. I know that these are some of the symptoms related to tapering off of gabapentin. However, I figured after two weeks of feeling OK that these symptoms should have shown up earlier on. It’s been almost another week, and the dizziness and headaches have seemed to lessen but I still have moments throughout the day and evening of anxiousness and I find I’m not sleeping as well. I eat well and exercise. I think some of my anxiety would be lessened if by some miracle I could be told with confirmation, that this was just let if the tapering process. I have heard the gorros stories of getting off of this drug from those with higher doses. I can’t imagine.
@@TheOfficialJohnGonzalez there is a good information group on facebook called "Gabapentin (nurontin) Suffers Desiring Action". It's all sorts of people sharing what works for them, what doesn't work, what they are going through, etc. You have to join but there some good sources of information on there.
After several years of Valium, I was prescribed gabapentin for anxiety, and while at a VA appointment with PM&R for pain a Doctor pointed out helps with pain. It works well!
Thank you for this video! I've used gabapentin (lowest dose available 100mg) once a day for past five years. I now use 300mg/day because that is what is available in Africa. I've gone off of it for months at a time too without any noticeable repercussions. After a while, when I start having off-base thoughts, I go back on it. I've felt some small side effects from time to time, like slight finger twitches, VERY SLIGHT vertigo and it does distend my belly some, but the net gain of the mood stabilization outweighs the negatives for me. It calms the chaotic mind. Honestly, I could say that it helped save my life.
@@julietpowell5164 yes you can cut the pills in half, but the capsules, not so much...I have since gone off of all medications. I stay fit emotionally, spiritually and physically by running/ working out, reading and listening only to things that are edifying to mind and soul. I completely quit smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol in February and that has made a huge difference.
Absolutely. It has helped my depression and related anxiety like no other medication. I have stopped it at times and I have increased anxiety but that stops and it goes back to the normal high level. I love it.
Tried the Gabapentin a lot of strange things went on , so l weened myself off! and too l think the older you are the worse it can get ,you are so right everyone is wired differently it may not bother some and in my opinion it may even be a dangerous problem for some 🙏🙏🙏
Does taking gabapentin affect dopamine activation or reception? I know that with DRD, my tremors and spasticity worsened while I was taking gabapentin.
Your magnesium is probably low. Gabapentin depletes magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can cause tremors. Magnesium blood tests are unreliable; cellular magnesium test is the most accurate way to check magnesium levels.
Gabapentin helped me sleep. The doctor used very high doses on me to ween me down from highly, highly addictive, Klonopin. Very addictive !! I was dizzy on Gabapentin, tired. It really helped the insomnia. It did ruin my vision. Everything became blurry. Especially in bright light conditions. To ween off benzodiazepines, is almost impossible. Gabapentin made it much easier, even though I could not get completely off of Klonopin. 😢
Hi I was just prescribed this medication 100mg I’m kinda afraid to take it but the pain I’m in is excruciating is this safe sorry if I sound stupid I don’t take medication an have a 18 month old daughter who I take care of when her dad is ad work can someone tel me whether I should ask for something not so strong or is this medicine fine
I have to take 1200 mg. three times a day to control my pain from fibromyalgia. Smaller doses did not control the pain. No weight gain from Gabapentin but used Lyrica before (pregabalin) and it caused constant hunger causing massive weight gain.
@@NickGilbertkideazy1704 but good luck to you. I take 300mg a day so far for anxiety but am prescribed 4 a day so I'm taking it easy this time. I was on 1800mg a day before and it was kinda hard to taper off of. You'll need magnesium once you come off of it
This medication, taken at night, has completely erased my severe RLS (Restless leg Syndrome). It is one of only a couple of medications that can actually help RLS. Since I started taking it, I have not had an episode and I used to suffer w it several nights a week. If you have RLS, I suggest asking your Dr. about it. My dose is very low.
@@vincivedivicilextalionas4036 Actually , FYI, I run, jumprope, rebound and any other damn thing there is . Another FYI, I only take 1/300mg. before sleep and often skip it. So before you tell a USMC VET to *exercise*, first KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. Many meds. can be abused/misused and *can become* addictive. Do some real world research before you start proclaiming a medication is *addictive* , especially when taken as prescribed. And severe RLS is debilitating. Again, do some research instead of ASSuming anything.
I was prescribed gabapentin in low to moderate doses first to make my valium work better and keep my benzo tolerance as low as possible. I was prescribed it this last time by some "addiction specialist" when I gave up zubsolv. I explained this to my current doctor but he keeps me on it. tbh it isn't even prescribed FOR anything anymore. I just tell him it works for me at 400mg 3x/day and he gives me 6 months worth of refills. I'm not complaining, just explaining how easy it is to be prescribed this medication. I stopped using it daily a while ago however and try to keep it to a few days per week at most. I'm also prescribed wellbutrin 150mg s.r. in the morning and valium 5mg 4x/day for anxiety. I've been on and off benzos for a decade now and even after abstaining for months I still function much better on them than without so I don't need any lectures on how they're addictive and only intended for short term use, lol... I'll shut up now and listen to what this doc has to say cause I've heard some horror stories about gabapentin causing brain damage
Yes, gabapentin has found a role as an "adjunctive medication" (like a "supporting medication") as you describe. As far as horror stories about "brain damage" people have told you, I would ask them for the data. Generally, I feel that if a drug taken by millions of people caused "brain damage," it should be pretty easy to find and study. I'm generally a bit more worried about unexpected and severe side effects from a drug which is a) fairly new, or b) taken only by a small number of people.
+Andrew Reeves Neurology I believe the specific term or phrase I read was something like "long term gabapentin use permanently destroys the brains ability to form new synopsis"
@@AndrewReevesNeurology Stanton Uni study. It's online. It stops one's brain cells from growing. It's for all to see. med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2009/10/study-pinpoints-key-mechanism-in-brain-development-raising-questions-about-use-of-antiseizure-drug.html
@Nitroblast I am very familiar with the ion channels, sodium, potassium, calcium as I have "Action Potential" meaning my sodium channel is always sending a damaged message to my brain. All I am suggesting is when your system is bombarded with meds that alter serotonin/dopamine, high doses of Neurontin/Gaba(same thing), which is ALSO a KNOWN Serotonin elevator, shit can go sideways. If you think Neurontin/Gaba does not elevate serotonin, you are mistaken. "National Library of Medicine 1998 PMID: 9551785 DOI: 10.1016/s0920-1211(97)00084-3 "Gaba is associated with an auxiliary subunit of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels... gabapentin inhibits voltage-activated Na+ channels... Gabapentin increases serotonin concentrations in human whole blood, which may be relevant to neurobehavioral actions." These are DIRECT, unaltered cut and pastes! I have a degree in physics, not medicine. However, I kill it when it comes to research. I would not, to the best of my ability, try to mislead anybody suffering pain, as I am a brother in pain as well. All I want to do is help, not trying to "One-Up" another person on social media. I am not trying to bash you. However, I stand behind what I say as I actually read as much as I can, being as many papers written on a subject I understand very well.
I went through a period with gabapentin that at times I couldn't control my body. I would be eating or something and my arm would involuntarily fling my fork and food across the room. The worse thing was temporary black outs. That happened a couple of times at the top of stairs and I came to at the bottom with carpet burns and such. It happened once when I got to the store and got out and hit the ground and got right back up. Had to lower the dosage. The medication is a godsend to a lot of people even me. It's just one of those medications that too much or too high of a dosage can be a nasty thing as well. Also it is one of those that when mixed with tramadol can be a really bad combination. Not all opiates but specifically with tramadol
@Claudia: Gee -- I was up to 4,000 mg a day. I felt rather lethargic and depressed but that’s it. I just kept forgetting to take the dosages on time and the nerve pain would comeback and then it would take much longer after taking the pill for the pain to go away. Lyrica (Pregabalin) works faster and longer but has more serious side effects. That’s my understanding. I don’t want to be on either one.
I was put on neurontin about a month ago. I take 100mg twice daily. It's not really helping. I have difficulty walking, pain in my left lower back, also down my left leg some. I have pain on my right hip and back when sitting. I had an MRI and L3 to L5 are not bad, but there's a lot of big words. I have this feeling of a barrel around my midsection, and it is numb on my back. My legs get all weird, like they aren't my own. I feel off balance and have to concentrate to walk ( forget doing something else at the same time!). I'm seeing ortho, gastro, and neuro soon. I hope they can help!! Neurontin and flexeril are doing nothing!!! I want to just cry the whole time at my job. I'm a server at a restaurant and there is so much I am not able to do. Or I do it anyway and hurt myself. I apologize for the fussing. It's just been a hard few months.💜🙏
@@jessiemaeja5101 Feeling the same. Had fusion surgery on 3 cervical vertebra to open up my spinal cord. It has scarring, so I have permanent numbness on left side and around my abdomen and chest. Applying for disability with an advocate, but still waiting. Miserable to say the least.
@@ineedanewname9595944 I hope you get to feeling better and soon. My body feels the same like it’s not mines but I have to carry the weight of it 😥. I see a chiropractor Monday so hopefully they will be able to tell me something.
I've been on this since 2014 , I feel like gabapentin has slowly destroyed my brain , I used to be way more social on it, now if I want to be that way I have to take more , I need to stop this asap
Oh no💔 please tritate don’t quit cold turkey. I fought this evil drug with all my might but it left it’s mark: Gabapentin toxicity, akathisia and tinnitus. I got tinnitus from quitting cold turkey as 75mg 2 xs a day gave me (an optimist) suicidal thoughts😔 How was I supposed to know that even low doses will severely affect my life? I now have IBS and SIBO too. I turned gluten intolerant too😒
I dont mean to criticize but ive had those “involuntary movements” and i would describe them better as toe curling and muscle flexing. Not necessarily spasms but more like, i get the uncontrollable urge to start flexing and releasing my muscles
I would say that restless leg syndrome is WAAAAY more common than movement disorders associated with GBP use. And the GBP movements I've found didn't have an "urge" associated with them, rather the movements just happened. Of course, there are a lot of different syndromes in this wide world!
I've had seizures for 15 yrs, i started on gabapentin like 5 yrs ago and it seemed to help my seizures, but i still had them, but this seemed friendlier than the previous meds i was on. Then the doc changed me from capsules to solid pills, since then i've been seizure free, and that is for 2yrs and 9 months. With the pill form i find i have more of the side effects. ugh.
Has anybody had what I got,I took 1 for 4 days,and my fingers,mainly index and middle ones swelled up and went very dark,they felt very very tender and itchy,I stopped taking them but now in the cold I get chilblains,red lumps which are very tender
I'm waiting for the Psychiatrist appointment to give me a prescription. I had good results years ago but not tried it for a long time. Now Anxiety is attacking my nerve damage I'm hoping this will help me again. Is someone able to respond to my comment please.
@@markmandell8120 Gabapentin is a drug that may help some, marijuana is much more helpful. I am weening off Gabapentin now the thinning hair, night terrors, weight gain, racing thoughts, mood swings, veritgo and dizziness all for no pain relief what so ever.
This is an account of my gabapentin experience (bit long sorry) I had two discs in my neck push out of place and put pressure on my spinal chord,this resulted in awful pain and paralysis to left arm. I was prescribed gabapentin and told to start on a low dose increasing dosage daily until I had noticeably less pain, this I did and by the second week I still had no improvement. So the next day I took one more as advised 20minutes later I had a huge seizure, I couldn't focus my eyes or make them point the same direction my heart was irregular and I struggled to breath. With all of my remaining strength and will power I dragged myself across the floor to the bathroom and slumped in the bath fully expecting to die (I figured it would be less mess to sort when found 🤔) I happily recovered after about 2 hours of hell. It took two weeks reducing dosage to wean off as I was advised by my doctor that stopping immediately would certainly increase the risk of seizure. Be careful with gabapentin it can really mess you up so keep dosage as low as you can and get off it asap. I have had fantastic surgery (metal plate and screws to partly fuse my neck and my left arm when I woke from surgery my left arm worked perfectly). I just wanted to share this for anyone in a similar situation so they get a broad view of experience and can plan meds accordingly 👍
What it does is halts the production of new synapses in your brain. Notice the brain fog you had when you were on it? If I am going to take something for pain, it is going to be vicodin or percocet. Not this stuff!
Scott Cupp it is such a strange med... its such a relief to be out of pain - but i feel like im falling backwards most of the time- i get rushes of butterflies in my stomach then no joke my brain and skull feel separate...
I’ve developed epilepsy out of the blue over the last few years, I’m 30 now. So I’ve been on Lamotrigine for almost two years now, which has never really done anything side effect wise for me, but has never fully stopped seizures unless Ive taken something else on top as well... Clobazam wasn’t great, Keppra made me very angry... then was Topiramate which is the worst thing I’ve ever put in my body. Had to get off that stuff fast... and now it’s Lamotrigine and Gabapentin... That’s the only combination that has stopped any big tonic clonic ones for me from happening over the last 6 months or so... still have some minor weird partial seizures still... but overall my neurologist thinks I’ve got a weird situation as it stands..... the biggest thing for me that Gabapentin has done is I’ve definitely gained weight/ fat mostly, it definitely makes me more hungry. The biggest problem for me is what it does to my short term memory... it’s very very bad... so we will see, I’m heading to another neurologist this month, I may be an advocate for trying something else, even though gabapentin for me (I’m not even on a very high dose, only 300mg twice a day) seems to be the only thing with Lamotrigine that I’ve tried so far that actually works... so it is a good drug.
I was on lamotrigine for over 20 year's. Every time I told the neologist I still have seizures they kept raising the doses instead of listening to me when I said I wanted off. The truth is it was caused more seizures, depression and worsening my anxiety. During covid I started to ween myself off. It took six months by cutting the pills a little bit every two weeks. I lost a lot of weight immediately. I have had only one seizure since and that was when I had covid.
I experienced uncontrollable movements, especially in my arms, while taking gabapentin. I was also EXTREMELY depressed and felt like crying all the time. It also made me sleepy. Most of my doctors just wrote me off and said something like. "I've never heard of that. That's not gabapentin that is causing the depression, uncontrollable movement, and the somnolence."
It's good to know that I wasn't just dreaming all of those side effects. I hope there is a special place in hell for those providers who wrote me off.
Thank you for posting this video.
I have the same symptoms. Ur right
@@kennyadams8748 and ggffggg vff yi
[nurse here] I hope you discontinued the meds and also got a new doctor! Those *are* really rare side-effects (the dyskinesia/movement problems) but depression and somnolence are both pretty common and they should have known that. Those movements may be tardive dyskinesia, which can be permanent, even if the medication is discontinued, so I'm guessing you definitely stopped them, but PLEASE DO if you haven't.
I'm sorry you had such a terrible experience with those doctors. I'll never understand why some medical professionals ignore their patients feedback, particularly when you were as obviously distressed as you were. The Hippocratic Oath literally starts with "First, do no harm" and neglect like that is definitely harmful.
I hope you're doing much better now :)
Most doctors and providers (pharmacist) are simply pill pushers for our goverment. Most dont have a clue about anything because in school they learn about 200,000 medications and 95 percent of them arnt even used. Our world is so backwards right now
Yeas SOME Dr's are horribly arrogant, thinking they know everything,feeling like God's.
But thank God there are good Dr's that actually listen to their patients.
To those few ,THANK YOU.
This stuff is a god send for me!! Stopped my sciatic nerve pain, herniated disc pain and fibromyalgia pain!! It's been absolutely fantastic for me. I guess it depends on the person. I wish everyone who suffers with some form of pain find the medication that best suits them and makes them live a happy and pain free life. Cheers.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is all natural and can reverse the nerve damage and help with pain
@@rlf2960 Is this a natural supplement you're speaking of?
I have the same condition as you do today is my 8th day of taking it so far I can tell a little difference I am glad finally to see it has helped someone with this kind of of nerve pain
@@klv400 Keep taking it!! If it'll work for you it will kick in soon. It doesn't work for everyone so just give it a Chance!! Also, make sure you're taking enough as well. Your doctor will play with the dosage until it works. Hopefully it'll help you man, it saved my life. Keep me posted!
@@gman5689 Man thanks for getting back to me. I'll tell you I have been putting up with this for three years the last year has been a ass kicker. I sure will be glad when it starts working today makes the 8th day. Thanks man
As someone with MS, I really appreciate that you acknowledge that everyone's body reacts a little differently to these meds. I've been taking gabapentin for some time, and it alleviates severe neuropathy for me.
It helps me with anxiety, but Phenibut is much better but veeeery addictive.
My physician prescribed it to me for pain in my neck due to bone spurs in C3. It worked great! After awhile I started to forget things, like misplacing keys, forgetting items at the grocery store. One time I went to the teller machine and forgot my pin code. The icing on the cake was when I had a doctor appointment, and when I forgot how to get there, I knew there was a problem. When I got there I told my doctor, and he immediately had me stop the drug, weaning it off of me gradually. Once off, my memory came back and all is well. It really worked for the pain, but the side effects were not worth it.
Perhaps look into Lions Mane mushroom suppliment. I think its a great companion with gabapentin
I went to see a neurologist at a concussion clinic. She prescribed me gabapentin 900mg daily for my migraines, and that was the end of it. She didn't explain any side effects, and said to book a follow up with her in 6 months. I'm really anxious after learning of the potential side effects - the cure being worse than the disease - especially since I won't see her again for a very long time. What happens if I have side effects - do I just suffer through them and keep taking? Stop, but then worry about withdrawal symptoms? Go see a regular doctor at the walk-in clinic? Or just not take the drug - but then live with the chronic headaches? I feel so overwhelmed, up all night, don't know what to do...
Yes gabapentin can help in certain situations with certain people. But it should NOT be used for a extended amount of time.
Why? What you're saying is then, for an incurable condition on which it is undoubtedly helping, you have to come off it and just put up with pain for the rest of your goddam life?
I think you're wrong myself
So far it has been my go to for opioid withdrawals. So far so good..hopefully peeps can get off it NOW without too much hardship. And for those that need it for ..all the power to them!
@@briantoal8872 Hang in there. We've all been there. How are you doing now?
Been taking 15 yrs .. A GOD send for my anxiety and motivation issues.. I’m able to be out and apart of the world instead of being so afraid and worrying that I stay like a hermit and miss out on so much of life… anybody else feel it helps with depression as well to anxiety?
Been on it for 3 years now to stabilize mood swings and yes it does help with depression
Excellent job taking the technical and making it understandable. On a side note, I love the "gag reel" at the end, and the chameo of Quinn. The Monty Python reference in the credits is pure genius.
Thanks, Mike! I'm glad someone got the whole "Monty Python credits" thing! Quinn did camera work, editing, and helped with music selection.
Dr. Reeves. Thank-you so much for this video. I appreciate hearing a Neurologist’s overview of the medication. Very helpful.
You're welcome, Darlene!
Dr Reeves, GABAPENTIN IS NEW TO ME ,BUT MY PAIN DOCTOR STARTED ME ON IT AND ITS DOING GOOD SO FAR, I'VE BEEN ON ANGIATY MEDS FOR YEARS,AND NOW NO ONE WILL PRESCRIBE IT FOR ME,AND THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH AN ALLERGIC REACTIONS WAS WITH PAXEL,AND A STEROID SHOT,BOTH GAVE ME A TERRIBLE RASH, INSIDE AND OUT AND BURNED LIKE FIRE, HAVING TO BATH IN COLD WATER FOR ANY RELIEF,AND I STILL CAN'T TASTE MY FOOD BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE RASH BURNED MY MOUTH TONGUE AND THROAT..
Very good video. I've been taking gabapentin for a while, it is a godsend for my anxiety and motivation issues.
I have MS and trigeminal neuralgia, Gabaoetin really helps with my pain. But I used to have a photographic memory, I don't anymore.
Do you have a life anymore?
@@ricHCarboCarbea No not really. 😪
So sorry for the side effects but glad it helps with pain. I just wish there was something else. Be sure to communicate with your doctor about the effects constantly. Good luck
I’ve been on gabapentin for around 25 years, I really think I need to get off this medication. I have experienced so many of these side effects.The brain fog and sluggishness is a very big problem for me. A lot of times I can’t even talk right very bothersome.
I fuckin know!!!! I was on for about 15 years and now Lyrica/pregabalin . It's better with less doses yet stronger. I'm afraid to get off a gaba also!
I am on Gabapentin and have experienced uncontrolled movements. I worked at a textile company on ring frame spinning machines. The gaba made me 'jump' causing my arms and hands to go dangerously close to the dangerous spinning machines whilst I was working on them. On the plus side my life long depression has become bearable because the gaba makes me feel slightly doped up which numbs all the crushing symptoms of Generalised Depression. For this reason I want to stay on Gaba despite the negatives.
Have you tried cbd, thc, or even pain meds? Assuming supply isn't an issue, any of these would be better than gaba.
Loved your credits!!
Amazing video. thank you
Thank you so much for this! This video was exactly all the info i wanted and explained in an understandable way! Thanks again! 👍🙂
Glad it was helpful, Chris.
When I first started taking it, it made me feel clumsy and uncoordinated. Not really dizzy, just klutzy. That has pretty much disappeared now, and the only effect it has now is it helps me sleep at night. They prescribed it for low back pain - sciatica- , but it doesn't do much for that. Nothing does.
I was prescribed this for 30 years of constant itching from hives on my arms. It helped a very little and causes 10-15 ponds of weight gain per year. My chiropractor said her mother had similar scars on her arms and stopped eating sugar and her hives went away within 1 1/2 weeks. It worked for me too.
Ask for Lyrica
Was near crippled with back pain, bladder and bowels stopped working. A single dose and results were immediate. A few more pills and I was able to leave the hospital. Four months of this medication and I feel near normal. How long does a person have to continue this medication?
I so impressed on watching the video on Gabapentin, I was so scared on talking this tablet, thinking that it is a narco . First time when I took it I get high felt so relaxed very mellow and happy. Full sleep, no pain in legs and feet. People said it is not a narcotic , but I was always suspicious. Today I have a sigh of relief. All negative thinking turn to positive. Thanks a lot .
It is psychoactive. I don't know about narcotic, but it does change your brain chemistry. It does have a 'high' and it can be addictive.
I abused pregabalin and gabapentin, so yeah, the potential for abuse, dependence and addiction is there. It really hurt me in the end, I would never take even a single pill of that stuff, it really affects your memory and brain function. This doctor is just like most of them, a seller for Big Pharma, don't trust them.
Gabapentin really helps with my newve pain and fibromyalgia. I don't notice any negative effects but I do find that I need to focus more when driving. I just worry about getting addicted to it. Are there any risks of becoming physically addicted to it?
"Drunk, tired & stupid." Yes sir. That's part of my problem with it. Isn't that enough?
I take 600 mg 4x day. Short term memory problems. It works great for naturopathy pain at nite
Depends on why you take it id say.
If your using these to get off of other substances I recommend taking them right before you go to sleep. (‘When your ‘passing out’). It’s the only thing that allowed me some sleep while weaning on klonopin. This advice is worth a small pile of gold to me, I hope it helps you too. It’s the sleep withdrawal that has been so insidious with respect to repairing and recovering.
Also, I never take more than 100mg, ever. I know drs prescribe upwards of 500-2000mg a day. I really don’t recommend that. I’ve taken large doses and became rather psychotic. I don’t like this drug but I can’t Deny it’s ability to allow me restorative sleep. I find that it’s not good in any other way. As for neuropathy, I think we should aim not to get addicted to this drug, it’s not harmless as many people prescribed it have told me. And their doctors told them.
@@dnbjedi what dr would tell you any drug is completely harmless. I know people taking 3900 mg a day and they hate it and doesn't even relieve the pain. Doctors need to pay more attention to the patient rather then the endless contradictory studies. Glad it gives benefit for sleep stay in constant communication with your doctor. Good health going forward.
@@dnbjedi Wow. I take 1600 to 2400mg a day, and have no side effects. It helps me sleep at night, that's all. When I don't take it, I can't sleep due to restless legs.
I’ve had a good experience with Gabapentin in its ability to reduce painful numbness in my toes and feet. No side effects so far that I notice.
Mine for Restless Leg Syndrome
Ask for Lyrica
Another question can you take gabapentin as needed?
Without answering for my specific situation, as I will discuss with my psychiatrist.
Here is some background.
I have been started on Modafinil for my TRD, it is the first medication that has had a positive effect in 14 years.
Yet it has triggered burning, prickly pain in my lower lip that previously only had numbness and tingling, from jaw surgery.
This is severe and yet does go away over night. Only to start up with the next modafinil.
So I was wondering if the gabapentin, can work on an as needed basis? Just to cover the day time? Advil did take the edge off but not something I want to take daily.
I got infected with necrotizing fascitis 2 years ago. It almost killed me and almost took my left leg. 2 months in the hospital and 11 surgeries on my leg left me gratefully alive but def my leg wont ever be the same. After being out of the hospital i still had some pain in my leg. I was taking up toi 2 aleve a day. After about a year of this my doctor suggested we try a different medication Gagapentin was his prescription. The Aleve I had been taking was damaging my liver. I was shocked after my first dose to feel the relief of pain in my leg!!!! Its a medicine that you must respect and monitor for yourself. Strong stuff and some people it is good for and others not. I am careful with this drug...and we all need to monitor the use of this amazing drug.
Does it raise bp? I was proscribed 100mg 3 x a day but sometimes my bp is a lil high so I haven't started the gabapentin yet.
The first side effects you talked about, Uncontrollable movements.. are you referring to TD?
Helped me I have fibromyalgia is a god send helps so much with the pain
Me too really helps
It helps me too (Fibromyalgia) I’m actually a real happy person now 😃😃 thanx gabapentin
1800 mg. per day is an excellent mood stabilizer helping me to focus with concentration abilities achieving 4.0 in school. neurontin alleviates P.T.S.D. symptomology.
Do a new research...it's killing your brain cells and connections...sorry for the bad news
@@HankCherry reading one study doesn't make you a doctor
@@HankCherry You need double his dose for that to happen
I have memory recall while taking this for back pain. Vivid recalls of passed experiences.
Thank you for not harming the llamas.
Save the llamas!!!
My mood is regulated, I’m always in pain and before gabapentin I was sometimes in pain. Mood stable 😳
My mood is better on Gabapentin
@@matthewrocco4138 me too
I got it for shingles but he said it will help me sleep I'm 57 yrs young but I can't sleep before my Hives would u say Its a bad additive drug. God bless nidza
Nidza Infante I took it for months for insomnia. Quit cold turkey (because I think it made me gain weight) and no side effects. I couldn’t tell I was taking it, it just made me sleep at night.
It did make me unable to recall words, which was weird. Maybe I was a little ditzie. But not a big deal.
I had some of these symptoms before starting gabapentin, now im not so fatigue, helps my pain in feet , legs, hands and actually has helped my balance problems,along with my essential tremors. Guess im the unusual.
dang, i already deal with the mood switches, depression and suicidal thoughts smdh
Please know that, as long as you have breath in your body You have Hope.Don't Give Up please. Keep on Pushing.
I want more videos 😭 your the best ☺️
Thank you for helping us Doctor. I wish you were my doctor. Neuropathy I s quite painful 24 / 7.
I have a question if I was put on Gabapentin for restless leg system can the Gabapentin also help with Epilepsy seizures at the same time
It heps me tremendously with pain and i feel like i become my self again. BUT I have noticed that I am beginning to fall a lot and recently I had a bad fall from a horse, (first in 10 years) - as well as other falls. Its not good for me to go and fall so much and I am beginning to suspaect the med. What is your opinion on this ? I am prescribed 3 x 300 a day, but have only been taking 1 x 300 . x
Appreciate the information. I had blurry vision.
Gabapentin has helped my chronic Fibromyalgia pain, Flare-Ups and Planters Fasciitis. But two things that are negative is the Brain Fog and it messes with my menstrual cycle. The Brain Fog seems to get worse as i go along and I find it very frustrating because I'm usually one who remembers everything.
Brain fog and short memory loss and mood swings, and hair loss. They need to come up with a better solution.
Thank you for the explanation Dr. I tried a single (!) dose of gabapentin 42 days ago and it's caused pretty bad fatigue/somnolence till now. Up until some days ago, it was also causing anorgasmia like some part of my brain was inactivated. I don't take any other medications, and the effect followed the dose, so I can't possibly attribute it to anything else. My doctor is on maternal leave, so I asked the PA to order some blood tests (12 days later) and the only thing that was abnormal was my thyroid. Last time I had checked some months ago my TSH was 3.11, which is around where it hovers. Now it was 4.54, the highest it's ever been. I checked 3 weeks later at the same time in the morning and it was 4.24, which I hope means it's going down. I do have some residue of mild epilepsy (some lights/aura for like 30min every few months). Not sure if that was a factor in causing this reaction. I suffered a concussion when I was 10 years old and they had me on Tegretol for 3 years for mild epilepsy (which my mom said made me sleep like 13 hours a day). Anyway, I guess there's nothing else to do but wait ah?
Hmmm... A single dose would be out of your body in about 2 days.
@@AndrewReevesNeurology yes, but unfortunately not the changes it effected in the body, such as the thyroid one I mentioned. Those have lasted much longer.
@@mr1001nights do you have any medical study to support your claim?
Your tsh is not a reliable test for anything. You need a complete thyroid panel. A 1 point swing isn’t that outrageous.
An out of wack thyroid can cause a lot of hypersensitive reactions.
Have them test your thyroid levels and antibodies.
Either way one single dose of gaba would not have that kind of inhibitory effect on your thyroid.
Lyrica
Took this medication,almost went crazy with insomnia gave up after 3 months people were commentating how I'll I looked
I take gabapentin and tramadol together. It's been 4 years now.
Will be any brain damage of any kind if used long term?
It as worked for me with only one small side effect. I do take both together every 6 to 8 hours. That routine only works if I don't walk, set, or stand for longer than 10-15 min. I have to lay back down and wait for about 30min.and than I go to it again. Anyway it's taken a lot shit before I was able to do that routine. I just recently straighten out me insurance issues so now I can start going regularly to a physical therapist and pain management. I hope pray that will work. If can to any advice I would appreciate it .
Thank you for reading,
I was prescribed 300 mg 4 times a day for restless legs syndrome. After 8 or 9 months I decided to stop taking it, holy hell broke loose. Panic attacks, cold sweats, restless body. I decided to taper down then quit but that wasn't easy either.
Bubbles o0Oo how are you doing now? We’re you able to get off them? I also get cold sweats and I get into a really bad mood. I’m dying to taper off and finally get off them for ever!
@@daughterofzion5903 yeah I actually ran out before I tapered off them as much as I wanted to, I don't want to scare you but it wasn't fun and took about a week before I started feeling better. As long as you taper slow you should be able to avoid the nastier side effects. Good luck!
@@withinyouwithutyu1324
Mp
Kratom helps with the nausea when you are withdrawing.
@@joesnelson4041 yeah helps with sleep also
I was on this medication from late 2007 to 2020. From 2013 to 2020 I was only on it because of when trying to get off of it I would have auditory hallucinations (fine, can deal with it, the things aren't real), visual hallucinations (fine, can deal with it, the things aren't real) and tactile hallucinations (yeah, not able to deal with this one as they felt a little too real). The only reason I was able to get off this drug was cause I was placed on methadone which was actually something that helped control the pain better (CRPS from C4 down and also affects my face and mouth, central pain syndrome, hyperalgesia and allodynia).
The weird list of side effects were a bit embarrassing for me. The worst of the two were occasional bladder incontinence and occasional bowel incontinence. I'd also go through random periods of vomiting for no rhyme or reason.
Like sure, at first it helped with the pain, spasms and some of my sleep issues, but then it didn't and my doctor would have to increase the amount. By the time I was able to actually get off of it I was on 800mg 4 times a day.
Now, the majority of my pain is controlled by dilaudid (from pain management) and inhaled nicotine (vaping it, and it's helpful with much more than just pain such as my vertical intolerance and migraines). No, I would NOT recommend vaping nicotine for health conditions unless you are either already vaping for cutting from the smelly cancer sticks or unless you have a medical provider who is at their wits end trying to figure out what can help your issues and figures that a mild stimulant (which is what nicotine is) would be of benefit for your specific issue(s) and they don't want to put you on a prescription stimulant for various reasons.
Was just put on 600mg morning and night. Took many weeks to break my body in to take this stuff. It was very difficult 😕. Now I just have dry mouth, unsteady on my feet sometimes. Afraid I will fall and I have Osteo. I don't think I should be on this long term.
Will this help with muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis
Really helps me....Thank God 4 it...🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Started three days ago for sciatica. No strong side effects yet. Take 200 mg three times a day. Might work up to 300 mg. Has none nothing for low grade nerve pain at. All, nothing. Might help at night since sciatica is worse at night for me. I wonder if it takes time to work?
I saw this video about 2 months ago, I then decided I wanted to wean myself off this Greg. I did wean myself off and I’ll tell you my mind is so much clearer. I’m remembering more things and just a clear mind. Best choice I ever made.
I wanna know what is exactly the effects of it in the brain I wanna know and what does inhibitor of calcium channela
I’m on 1200 of this daily for neuropathy and restless legs/ anxiety. I guess. The psychiatrist loves to happily tout it as very safe, no problem whatsoever, and verbally told me I could take a couple more 400’s if I needed. But didn’t tell the pharmacy and I ran out and raised some eyebrows with my own history of addiction issues.
I don’t think it does much for my fingers and toes but it does seem to calm me. I can get sometimes 7hrs of sleep a night without kicking all the blankets off.
I suspect it renders my aDHD meds useless somewhat, which is not fun. I can read for longer but really have to spur myself to be physical. Tire easily.
I personally think they give it out like candy and (in Canada anyway) it’s a stop-gap for people like me who have been waiting over two years to see a neurologist in hopes of finding out WHY my hands don’t work anymore.
Be careful and you right they do hand it out like candy for anything and everything.
I have numbness in my fingers caused by mercury dental fillings.
I have constant back pain and my doctor put me on gabapentin. I've noticed that I sometimes have blurry vision. However, it's helped me with relaxing my jaw which I tend the clench.
That’s why my dentist put me on it. Grinding my teeth and neck pain
Yeah it gave me blurry vision too!
Thank you for responding to my previous question. Is one more toxic than the other ? Cause more long term consequences ? Pregabalin vs Gabapentin ? Are there any other options for nerve pain in feet natural or chemical ? I know -- too many questions.
Yes, there are other options. Some options include: tricyclic compounds, zonisamide, lamotrigine, some topical mixtures. Some day I should make a video about some of that!
Thank you so much for responding. Yes. That would be a great video.
I've just started taking gabapentin nt 300 mg for my polyarthralgia.Drowsiness, dry mouth, tastelessness ar some common side effects.Bit of headache in the morning.Head feels heavy.
Been on it a few years. Side effects giddiness and can suddenly fall asleep without warning, when say, watching TV. Prescribed for back pain.
Hi . I have tried it but it makes me feel dizzy and sick. Is this normal? The same happens with amitriptyline. Please advise me . Thank you.
This is really helpful I am starting pregabalin for nerve pain.
Could you do a video on now to mange the initial start up side effects that on so many medications create?
I know the neutral language that these effects are common, but that was not enough to prepare me for the migraine, nausea and the “trippy” feeling. “Drunk, tired and stupid …”
Thanks your video I will contact my doctors office on Monday as I have noticed my irritability has been magnified and for me that usually is a sign my depression is going to intensify.
Yes , Lyrica is better and with less side effects.
@@me-thebusta610 It is stronger, full stop, same side effects and even worse as it is easier to get much higher. Yep, this medication makes you high.
Took gabapentin ok but has many side effects and long withdrawal period. Took paracetamol instead for safety and went to a good chiropractor for my low back pain. Had shingles before my lower back. Now I am better with a few trips to the chiropractic clinic.
I finally quit taking it a few weeks ago after 5 years on it for anxious depression after watching a couple of these videos saying how problematic it is. My memory is back, I was beginning to worry I was pre-dementia! I now have a new VA doc, I hope they're a bit more reasonable about priorities.
How did you come off? Taper? CT? From what dose?
@@jessiemaeja5101 You have to taper or you'll hurt yourself. I was only taking 200mg 3x/day, so it was really no big deal, I just cut the dose to 100mg for a week and then quit.
@@petepal55 I have been tapering. Down to 200mg. In 2 weeks, I’ll jump.
Been taking 300mg 3times per day for 3 years. Zero side effects.
I honestly thought that I had a stroke! I was tested and nope. I got off of Gabapentin and my memory has improved so much.
I was given gabapentin for nerve pain with shingles, it did help me. Having disintegrating hip and spine pain now, Dr give tramadol. It doesn’t last the whole eight hrs at night. Would cortisone shot help me more than pain pills? 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
It allows me to sit down as i have pudendal nerve entrapment. Otherwise i would be able to drive anymore even.
Also - at the end of the vid, was that the bloopers or had you taken a high dose yourself and got confused? 😂😂
Dr, is right on track for what im experiencing... tremors, sensation of falling backwards, anxiety attacks almost going to panic attacks all hot and sweaty, no sleeping to escape, cant remember annnnnything! Brain just “ poof “ mid sentence clears its data. But! If you have fibro - try it? It def helps pain but makes me stoooooopid!
@@gialana850 haha . Yes nerve pain is far better than this crap.
Fibro fog is also an issue, so it's not just the meds! Since I got sick my memory had been a mess (I have fibro and M.E). It's a little worse on the Gabapentin, but not a huge amount. The pain relief is worth it for me. I couldn't function before I was on it.
Damn' So it's not just Me then ?
alan judd no, im going to doc to try another choice at end of month.. i feel like it gave Altiemers and took away my spelling b skills...
@@gialana850 I Can Only Wish you 'Well, and say Big ;'Thanks; for you're input.
This drug was great at first. I was suffering anxiety and agoraphobia and it really helped. Helped too with my stomach and bowel condition and pain. But if you try getting off it, that is where I had major problems. I tried to quit quite a few times, once cold turkey, and other times by reducing with the doctor. I was off it for 6 weeks and although my anxiety came back I felt better off it. I went back on it because I was waking every night with my heart racing and sweating immensely. My bed sheets would be soaking, my hair was so drenched is sweat that it was like I'd just washed it, soaking. Wish I'd never taken it.
@Adam Edward 18 months
@@blairsterling6141 what do you mean by that comment?
@@blairsterling6141 oh ok I thought you were taking the piss :/
I am curious if that’s what’s happening in my case. I was on 300mg 3x daily for 1.5 years. I started tapering and I toalla did it too quickly. So I slowed down and it seemed to be working. I made it down to 200mg per day. So 100mg capsules 2x per day. Seemed to be going well. For some reason after two weeks on that dosage I just started not feeling “right”. I can’t exactly put it into words. I had some headaches on vacation and dizziness and felt like some anxiety flair up. I know that these are some of the symptoms related to tapering off of gabapentin. However, I figured after two weeks of feeling OK that these symptoms should have shown up earlier on. It’s been almost another week, and the dizziness and headaches have seemed to lessen but I still have moments throughout the day and evening of anxiousness and I find I’m not sleeping as well. I eat well and exercise. I think some of my anxiety would be lessened if by some miracle I could be told with confirmation, that this was just let if the tapering process. I have heard the gorros stories of getting off of this drug from those with higher doses. I can’t imagine.
@@TheOfficialJohnGonzalez there is a good information group on facebook called "Gabapentin (nurontin) Suffers Desiring Action". It's all sorts of people sharing what works for them, what doesn't work, what they are going through, etc. You have to join but there some good sources of information on there.
Just saw my doctor and she continued my Lyrica. Yeah , I started on gabapentin over 12 years ago now 450 mg of Lyrica.
After several years of Valium, I was prescribed gabapentin for anxiety, and while at a VA appointment with PM&R for pain a Doctor pointed out helps with pain. It works well!
Ask for Lyrica
very dramatic & effective xreaction when taken for head/neck/face pain from shingles.....
Glad it has helped you!
Thank you for this video! I've used gabapentin (lowest dose available 100mg) once a day for past five years. I now use 300mg/day because that is what is available in Africa. I've gone off of it for months at a time too without any noticeable repercussions. After a while, when I start having off-base thoughts, I go back on it. I've felt some small side effects from time to time, like slight finger twitches, VERY SLIGHT vertigo and it does distend my belly some, but the net gain of the mood stabilization outweighs the negatives for me. It calms the chaotic mind. Honestly, I could say that it helped save my life.
Glad to hear it helps somebody. Continued improved health.
Can't you cut the pill in half then?
@@julietpowell5164 yes you can cut the pills in half, but the capsules, not so much...I have since gone off of all medications. I stay fit emotionally, spiritually and physically by running/ working out, reading and listening only to things that are edifying to mind and soul. I completely quit smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol in February and that has made a huge difference.
Absolutely. It has helped my depression and related anxiety like no other medication. I have stopped it at times and I have increased anxiety but that stops and it goes back to the normal high level. I love it.
@@commonman711 7
Thanks for sharing
Tried the Gabapentin a lot of strange things went on , so l weened myself off! and too l think the older you are the worse it can get ,you are so right everyone is wired differently it may not bother some and in my opinion it may even be a dangerous problem for some 🙏🙏🙏
Get Lyrica
Does taking gabapentin affect dopamine activation or reception? I know that with DRD, my tremors and spasticity worsened while I was taking gabapentin.
Stephen Lehman yes it increases dopamine dramatically
Your magnesium is probably low. Gabapentin depletes magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can cause tremors. Magnesium blood tests are unreliable; cellular magnesium test is the most accurate way to check magnesium levels.
Gabapentin helped me sleep. The doctor used very high doses on me to ween me down from highly, highly addictive, Klonopin.
Very addictive !! I was dizzy on Gabapentin, tired. It really helped the insomnia. It did ruin my vision. Everything became blurry. Especially in bright light conditions. To ween off benzodiazepines, is almost impossible. Gabapentin made it much easier, even though I could not get completely off of Klonopin. 😢
Hi I was just prescribed this medication 100mg I’m kinda afraid to take it but the pain I’m in is excruciating is this safe sorry if I sound stupid I don’t take medication an have a 18 month old daughter who I take care of when her dad is ad work can someone tel me whether I should ask for something not so strong or is this medicine fine
This is a drug from Hell Tiffany. Please do not take it. I am at samuel.danner@yahoo.com
I have to take 1200 mg. three times a day to control my pain from fibromyalgia. Smaller doses did not control the pain. No weight gain from Gabapentin but used Lyrica before (pregabalin) and it caused constant hunger causing massive weight gain.
Just got on this is working for my nerve pain and anxiety
I'm so happy have you been on it long I took 300 mg today but I Hear it's not good it's addictive. ???
Nidza Infante you do it don’t let it do u
Nidza Infante I take 300 mg every 4 hours
@@NickGilbertkideazy1704 you say that, but wait till you stop cold turkey and you'll learn quick that it had you
@@NickGilbertkideazy1704 but good luck to you. I take 300mg a day so far for anxiety but am prescribed 4 a day so I'm taking it easy this time. I was on 1800mg a day before and it was kinda hard to taper off of. You'll need magnesium once you come off of it
Hanks doc for advicing. Actually i am suffering from spondelities and neuro problem. Ink doc advice me this medicine.
I'm on this for neuropathy pain it does help
This medication, taken at night, has completely erased my severe RLS (Restless leg Syndrome).
It is one of only a couple of medications that can actually help RLS.
Since I started taking it, I have not had an episode
and I used to suffer w it
several nights a week.
If you have RLS, I suggest asking your Dr. about it.
My dose is very low.
@@vincivedivicilextalionas4036 Actually , FYI,
I run, jumprope, rebound and any other damn thing there is .
Another FYI, I only take 1/300mg. before sleep and often skip it.
So before you tell a USMC VET to
*exercise*, first KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.
Many meds. can be abused/misused and *can become* addictive.
Do some real world research before you start proclaiming a medication is *addictive* , especially when taken as prescribed.
And severe RLS is debilitating. Again, do some research instead of ASSuming anything.
We are all so different and different things work for some but cause problems for others, we are very unique individuals!
I was prescribed gabapentin in low to moderate doses first to make my valium work better and keep my benzo tolerance as low as possible. I was prescribed it this last time by some "addiction specialist" when I gave up zubsolv. I explained this to my current doctor but he keeps me on it. tbh it isn't even prescribed FOR anything anymore. I just tell him it works for me at 400mg 3x/day and he gives me 6 months worth of refills. I'm not complaining, just explaining how easy it is to be prescribed this medication. I stopped using it daily a while ago however and try to keep it to a few days per week at most. I'm also prescribed wellbutrin 150mg s.r. in the morning and valium 5mg 4x/day for anxiety. I've been on and off benzos for a decade now and even after abstaining for months I still function much better on them than without so I don't need any lectures on how they're addictive and only intended for short term use, lol... I'll shut up now and listen to what this doc has to say cause I've heard some horror stories about gabapentin causing brain damage
Yes, gabapentin has found a role as an "adjunctive medication" (like a "supporting medication") as you describe. As far as horror stories about "brain damage" people have told you, I would ask them for the data. Generally, I feel that if a drug taken by millions of people caused "brain damage," it should be pretty easy to find and study. I'm generally a bit more worried about unexpected and severe side effects from a drug which is a) fairly new, or b) taken only by a small number of people.
+Andrew Reeves Neurology I believe the specific term or phrase I read was something like "long term gabapentin use permanently destroys the brains ability to form new synopsis"
@@AndrewReevesNeurology Stanton Uni study. It's online. It stops one's brain cells from growing. It's for all to see. med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2009/10/study-pinpoints-key-mechanism-in-brain-development-raising-questions-about-use-of-antiseizure-drug.html
Was the study true or a theory? And permanently or just while you’re taking it?
Benzos cause brain damage lol
I have had two strokes. Its hard for me to realize the stroke brain issues or is it the gabapentin...its hard for me to deal with this .
@Nitroblast I am very familiar with the ion channels, sodium, potassium, calcium as I have "Action Potential" meaning my sodium channel is always sending a damaged message to my brain. All I am suggesting is when your system is bombarded with meds that alter serotonin/dopamine, high doses of Neurontin/Gaba(same thing), which is ALSO a KNOWN Serotonin elevator, shit can go sideways.
If you think Neurontin/Gaba does not elevate serotonin, you are mistaken. "National Library of Medicine 1998 PMID: 9551785 DOI: 10.1016/s0920-1211(97)00084-3 "Gaba is associated with an auxiliary subunit of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels... gabapentin inhibits voltage-activated Na+ channels... Gabapentin increases serotonin concentrations in human whole blood, which may be relevant to neurobehavioral actions." These are DIRECT, unaltered cut and pastes! I have a degree in physics, not medicine. However, I kill it when it comes to research. I would not, to the best of my ability, try to mislead anybody suffering pain, as I am a brother in pain as well. All I want to do is help, not trying to "One-Up" another person on social media. I am not trying to bash you. However, I stand behind what I say as I actually read as much as I can, being as many papers written on a subject I understand very well.
We all have action potentials...?
@@forgetfulfunctor1 Wikipedia has a terrific explanation of "Ion Chain and Action Potential."
@@stevesolo16 maybe I've previously skimmed it too fast. Previous attempts, I understood basically diddly. But thanks for the advice!
@@forgetfulfunctor1 Have a good night. I am up too late...again.
@@stevesolo16 np, and I fixed my typos above, I was zooted last night lol. My action channels was all fuckdd up
I went through a period with gabapentin that at times I couldn't control my body. I would be eating or something and my arm would involuntarily fling my fork and food across the room. The worse thing was temporary black outs. That happened a couple of times at the top of stairs and I came to at the bottom with carpet burns and such. It happened once when I got to the store and got out and hit the ground and got right back up. Had to lower the dosage. The medication is a godsend to a lot of people even me. It's just one of those medications that too much or too high of a dosage can be a nasty thing as well. Also it is one of those that when mixed with tramadol can be a really bad combination. Not all opiates but specifically with tramadol
I feel the same. Its really helping me, but I have begun to fall a lot and its not good when you are 60. x
@@shannix I agree. I'm 55 now. Perhaps you might talk to your doc about lowering the dosage some
@Claudia: How many milligrams are you taking that would warrant falls ?
@@lilybond6485 I was on 800 milligrams 4 x per day
@Claudia: Gee -- I was up to 4,000 mg a day. I felt rather lethargic and depressed but that’s it. I just kept forgetting to take the dosages on time and the nerve pain would comeback and then it would take much longer after taking the pill for the pain to go away. Lyrica (Pregabalin) works faster and longer but has more serious side effects. That’s my understanding. I don’t want to be on either one.
I was put on neurontin about a month ago. I take 100mg twice daily. It's not really helping. I have difficulty walking, pain in my left lower back, also down my left leg some. I have pain on my right hip and back when sitting. I had an MRI and L3 to L5 are not bad, but there's a lot of big words. I have this feeling of a barrel around my midsection, and it is numb on my back. My legs get all weird, like they aren't my own. I feel off balance and have to concentrate to walk ( forget doing something else at the same time!). I'm seeing ortho, gastro, and neuro soon. I hope they can help!! Neurontin and flexeril are doing nothing!!! I want to just cry the whole time at my job. I'm a server at a restaurant and there is so much I am not able to do. Or I do it anyway and hurt myself.
I apologize for the fussing. It's just been a hard few months.💜🙏
How are you feeling now? Any results from the docs?
@@jessiemaeja5101
Feeling the same. Had fusion surgery on 3 cervical vertebra to open up my spinal cord. It has scarring, so I have permanent numbness on left side and around my abdomen and chest. Applying for disability with an advocate, but still waiting. Miserable to say the least.
@@ineedanewname9595944 I hope you get to feeling better and soon. My body feels the same like it’s not mines but I have to carry the weight of it 😥. I see a chiropractor Monday so hopefully they will be able to tell me something.
I've been on this since 2014 , I feel like gabapentin has slowly destroyed my brain , I used to be way more social on it, now if I want to be that way I have to take more , I need to stop this asap
Oh no💔 please tritate don’t quit cold turkey. I fought this evil drug with all my might but it left it’s mark: Gabapentin toxicity, akathisia and tinnitus. I got tinnitus from quitting cold turkey as 75mg 2 xs a day gave me (an optimist) suicidal thoughts😔 How was I supposed to know that even low doses will severely affect my life? I now have IBS and SIBO too. I turned gluten intolerant too😒
Wow I take it for pain sometimes but only for 2-3 days at a time and then I won’t take it for a week or two thanks for the information
I also experienced anger and horrible brain farts! I’m a survivor!
It is real, I stopped gabapentin and pregabalin years ago and never completely healed, the doctors don't listen, they don't care.
I want to take it for insomnia. I hope it will work.
I dont mean to criticize but ive had those “involuntary movements” and i would describe them better as toe curling and muscle flexing. Not necessarily spasms but more like, i get the uncontrollable urge to start flexing and releasing my muscles
I would say that restless leg syndrome is WAAAAY more common than movement disorders associated with GBP use. And the GBP movements I've found didn't have an "urge" associated with them, rather the movements just happened. Of course, there are a lot of different syndromes in this wide world!
I've had seizures for 15 yrs, i started on gabapentin like 5 yrs ago and it seemed to help my seizures, but i still had them, but this seemed friendlier than the previous meds i was on. Then the doc changed me from capsules to solid pills, since then i've been seizure free, and that is for 2yrs and 9 months. With the pill form i find i have more of the side effects. ugh.
Makes me shake like a leaf. In the hands
Since I started gabapentin I started to have severe dry mouth and dermatitis around my mouth could that be an allergic reactions?
I think it has that effect on most people, the dry mouth especially. I chew gum all day because of it.
Sour things can also help stimulate saliva. I often recommend people try sugar-free lemon drops.
Has anybody had what I got,I took 1 for 4 days,and my fingers,mainly index and middle ones swelled up and went very dark,they felt very very tender and itchy,I stopped taking them but now in the cold I get chilblains,red lumps which are very tender
Sounds Like you May be Allergic to it, many are' Check with you're Doctor.
I'm waiting for the Psychiatrist appointment to give me a prescription. I had good results years ago but not tried it for a long time. Now Anxiety is attacking my nerve damage I'm hoping this will help me again. Is someone able to respond to my comment please.
Do you recommend it for anxiety
Wow thanks, makes sense now
Pretty helpful though rather disorienting(arising from dizziness and/or ataxia).
Which BTW is also true for the Indica brand of marijuana.
@@markmandell8120 Gabapentin is a drug that may help some, marijuana is much more helpful. I am weening off Gabapentin now the thinning hair, night terrors, weight gain, racing thoughts, mood swings, veritgo and dizziness all for no pain relief what so ever.
Is gap the same as pre gap and l
This is an account of my gabapentin experience (bit long sorry)
I had two discs in my neck push out of place and put pressure on my spinal chord,this resulted in awful pain and paralysis to left arm. I was prescribed gabapentin and told to start on a low dose increasing dosage daily until I had noticeably less pain, this I did and by the second week I still had no improvement. So the next day I took one more as advised 20minutes later I had a huge seizure, I couldn't focus my eyes or make them point the same direction my heart was irregular and I struggled to breath. With all of my remaining strength and will power I dragged myself across the floor to the bathroom and slumped in the bath fully expecting to die (I figured it would be less mess to sort when found 🤔) I happily recovered after about 2 hours of hell. It took two weeks reducing dosage to wean off as I was advised by my doctor that stopping immediately would certainly increase the risk of seizure. Be careful with gabapentin it can really mess you up so keep dosage as low as you can and get off it asap. I have had fantastic surgery (metal plate and screws to partly fuse my neck and my left arm when I woke from surgery my left arm worked perfectly). I just wanted to share this for anyone in a similar situation so they get a broad view of experience and can plan meds accordingly 👍
This drug took away my pain-but affected my brain... i chose pain.
Hi Beth. I just got prescribed this stuff. I dont really want to take it. How so did it affect your brain?
Ricky Gil Hi, ok so i feel so much better its amazing... but, im having cognitive glitches and handwriting glitches and i keep loosing thingsz... grr
@@BB-bo8el ayeee I'm 4500 deep let's talk
What it does is halts the production of new synapses in your brain. Notice the brain fog you had when you were on it? If I am going to take something for pain, it is going to be vicodin or percocet. Not this stuff!
Scott Cupp it is such a strange med... its such a relief to be out of pain - but i feel like im falling backwards most of the time- i get rushes of butterflies in my stomach then no joke my brain and skull feel separate...
I’ve developed epilepsy out of the blue over the last few years, I’m 30 now. So I’ve been on Lamotrigine for almost two years now, which has never really done anything side effect wise for me, but has never fully stopped seizures unless Ive taken something else on top as well... Clobazam wasn’t great, Keppra made me very angry... then was Topiramate which is the worst thing I’ve ever put in my body. Had to get off that stuff fast... and now it’s Lamotrigine and Gabapentin... That’s the only combination that has stopped any big tonic clonic ones for me from happening over the last 6 months or so... still have some minor weird partial seizures still... but overall my neurologist thinks I’ve got a weird situation as it stands..... the biggest thing for me that Gabapentin has done is I’ve definitely gained weight/ fat mostly, it definitely makes me more hungry. The biggest problem for me is what it does to my short term memory... it’s very very bad... so we will see, I’m heading to another neurologist this month, I may be an advocate for trying something else, even though gabapentin for me (I’m not even on a very high dose, only 300mg twice a day) seems to be the only thing with Lamotrigine that I’ve tried so far that actually works... so it is a good drug.
I was on lamotrigine for over 20 year's. Every time I told the neologist I still have seizures they kept raising the doses instead of listening to me when I said I wanted off. The truth is it was caused more seizures, depression and worsening my anxiety. During covid I started to ween myself off. It took six months by cutting the pills a little bit every two weeks. I lost a lot of weight immediately. I have had only one seizure since and that was when I had covid.