Im currently taking 2,700mg Gabapentin daily, my GP informs me that the maximum dose is 3,600mg. My question is what will I take then, the only side effect Ive had is weight gain.
Hi
When Gabapentin stopped helping me my Consultant/GP changed me over to Pregabalin. Both give weight gain as a side effect but don’t worry and you always have us to chat with .
Take care, we are the gangM
Hi Jennie, yes I agree with M that there is always Pregabalin.
But also sometimes with a drug you can reach a dose that continues to help your pain… so it means you don’t have to keep putting the dose up. Some people can stay on the same dose for many years… so hopefully you will reach a dose that helps and can stay at that dose.
Weight gain… it the problem with most of them all unfortunately. There is one drug called Topamax which can cause weight loss. I tried it but made me feel even worse than usual! And also I have MS related tinnitus and it made it much worse.
Don’t know why this has gone into italics…
Pat x
Thanks for your input, Ive tried Pregabalin but I found Gabapentin was better, this dose Im on now has increased gradually over the last few months as Ive significantly reduced Baclofen from 80mgs to 15mg per day because I was a zombie, I can now to do some chores around the house and I feel Ive got my life back.
Hello, I am new to this forum.I am glad to hear that there is alternative drug to Gabapentin, although my husband is paranoid about gaining weight. My hubby has had MS for approx 13 yrs and has been on Gabapentin for the last year. Recently he has mentioned that the drug is not keeping the pain at bay, i asked him to see his GP again, but hes not interested. However, we are waiting for an appointment to see his neurologist? He has found the acceptance and side effects of the drug difficult to cope with. He is adamant he is not putting up the does.
Hello, I am new to this forum.I am glad to hear that there is alternative drug to Gabapentin, although my husband is paranoid about gaining weight. My hubby has had MS for approx 13 yrs and has been on Gabapentin for the last year. Recently he has mentioned that the drug is not keeping the pain at bay, i asked him to see his GP again, but hes not interested. However, we are waiting for an appointment to see his neurologist? He has found the acceptance and side effects of the drug difficult to cope with. He is adamant he is not putting up the does.
Hi Rosie, welcome to the forum!
Luckily there are other drugs your hubby can try.
Gabapentin, Pregabalin and Topamax are all a group of epilepsy drugs that are used for nerve pain. Some people tolerate them well and find them good for pain. I have had various side effects from all three (mostly they put my tinnitus up in volume which to be honest is hell).
Amitriptyline is an antidepressant that sort of calms down the nervous system and therefore helps with nerve pain… has the added bonus of improving mood as well. I find it very effective and many MSers are on it.
When you see neurologist might be worth asking about it. Although, as the others, weight gain is a problem. I try to cut out all snacks and sweets to help keep it down… but it’s not easy and on some days impossible!
Anyway it’s worth trying different ones to see which one works best.
Pat x
Thanks for the advice Pat, it’s worth knowing about these drugs that are available. It can be isolating when going through various emotions with this disease, which is why I have joined this site. My husband is not interested, he is scared, angry etc… As I am sure you and many others completely understand what he is going through. He has a few side effects, I know the drug metabolises at a faster rate eg when hubby has had a stressful day at work (he works from home) then does some exercise the pain is felt by the time of the next dose. Where you taking Gabapentin and Amitriptyline at the same time?
Hi Rosie, no I weaned off Gabapentin before starting Ami… but I think some people take both.
I’m sorry to hear your hubby is scared and angry. It does take a huge leap to accept having MS. Some people find counselling very helpful… but of course it’s not something that you can make him do… he really has to want it himself.
He might be getting some ‘secondary pain’. This is not nerve pain caused directly by MS, but muscle pain caused by putting stress on muscles when walking etc. Neuro or GP could refer to physio to help solve that problem.
Come and visit us on here whenever you need advice or just a chat Rosie, and don’t forget the carers’ board which you might find helpful as well (even though you might not be official ‘carer’ you still have the stresses of living with someone with MS).
Take care hon,
Pat x
Hi
I am currently taking 3,600mg gabapentin,100mg baclofen and 50mg amitriptyline. I’m also worried as to where do I go to after this as the meds haven’t been helping lately. Seeing consultant next month to see if he has any suggestions.
Mary
Hi I’m also new to the group, I only got dx in June so it’s very interesting to see what people have written. I switched from Gabapentin to Pregablin around 3 weeks ago, I’m now on 300mg of Pregablin, 30mg of Amitriptolyne. Today I’ve also started Baclofen (10mg), and in a weeks time I’ve got to start Solifinacin 5mg. They’re starting me on low dosage and then going to build it up. I’m really hoping the Baclofen is going to help with the juddering/twitching. The Pregablin has certainly helped. It’s all very scary and confusing at the moment and a lot of playing with tablets to get the dosage right. Sarah
I currently taken gabapentin, im on 3 300mg tablets a day so 900mg in total, i have only ever once had side effects and that was recently which was strange i just went light headed and felt sick
I’m on 300 mg pregabalin, Ive been on these a few years and luckily,no side effects, was on Gabapentin first but suffered very swollen ankles so was put on pregabalin.
hi jennie
my first time here
im ppms and on baclofen,amitriptyline (and others),i find them ok although have to up dose at times
Hi Nathan, Just wanted to welcome you aboard and say a big
We are a very friendly and supportive gang and love to see new members.
See you again soon,
Pat x
I’ve been dx for 6 years now with PPMS and I’m on Tegretol Retard 400mg daily, which todate has been the best pain relief I’ve encountered compared to Gabapentin and Pregabalin. It’s a slow progress of elimination I’m afraid.