Quote:
Originally Posted by BeaderBubbe
I have been on Neurontin for over a year now. I started off with 100 mg 3x a day....and am now on 200 mg 3x a day....initially the only side effects I had were dizziness and drowziness....they went away, but now I find to get any relief I must keep upping the dose (I dont, doc does)...so I asked to take 300 mg 3x a day and she told me the side effect will probably be swelling of the ankles but I could try it and see....sure enough, when I take 300 mg, my feet swell up.....at this point I am not sure what to do....Have heard of other meds like Cymbalta and Topamax but will have to wait for next visit in June to ask doc.....today pain was off the wall....I am also on a Lidocaine patch which helps greatly during the day....supposed to last 12 hours, but doesnt.
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Beaderbubbe and edugirl,
I have been on gabapentin, generic for Neurontin for almost 4 years now. I too started out on a low dose, 100 x 3 daily = every 6 -8 hours.
It did take my dr and I some time to titer the dosage up slowly. Are you taking your dosage at regular intervals and allowing some time for your body to get acclaimated to it?
I was titered down off of gabapentin after two years on it to see if there was any change in my pain levels. For a couple of days there were and then right back in extreme nerve pain and spinal pain.
Neuro titered me back up slowly and now I am on gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily at the same time everyday. I have been given Ultram 10mg x every six hours as needed as a chaser in between my gabapentin dosages. It does help me.
I have also incorporated exercises into my regimen. Slow and deliberate stretching of all joints and some yoga 3 times a week.
They both help me as I can get pretty stiff from the pain.
You might try deep breathing exercises too. I found some online that can help. Just google deep breathing exercises and it might help you.
I go to a massage therapist also once a month along with chiropractic care. It sure does help my bad days and makes the good ones last a bit longer.
But that is me .... you have to find what works for you as we are all different.
Make sure your neuro, pcp or rheumy drs know what you are taking or doing ourside of what they offer you. It might help or hurt your progress.
Good luck and praying you find relief soon. God is the great healer and all you have to do is ask for his help and he will be there for you or at least guide you to someone who can help you.
Oh and let family and friends in on what you are feeling. It took me a long time to do this and when I sat down and explained what is wrong with me and what I have to deal with on a daily basis, they have come to realize that I am not the (B_) they thought I was, lol.
Love you all
and hugs too you
