Oh, one other option that I don't know if it will work or not for you, but, I started on a small dose of Baclofen for plantar flexion spasm. I am on a tiny dose and it has to be titrated up, and I don't know enough about your other meds or issues, but, Baclofen is used a lot for hereditary PN and cramps and spasms.....worth asking about maybe?? If I remember correctly you fall in the idiopathic category, and almost half of those are hereditary cases. I am not sure how many others have experience with it and if it helped any one else. It isn't a pain drug, it is an anti-cramp, anti-spasm drug.

It is not a break thru drug.

Baclofen has 'issues' too, but dependence is not one of them, however, you can't just quit it either, it has to be weaned off. Baclofen will kick up the level of any other 'depressant' medication such as benzo's or opiates. Baclofen is also a drug that rapidly loses its efficacy, so the dose does end up being raised eventually.

It does work for cramping type pain, so it may be worth a try. You do have to take it all the time, not just when you have cramps or spasms.

Every med has its downside, for sure. I don't think any one in their right mind, opts to be on any of them if there is a better solution, sometimes there just isn't one.

I never used Tylenol or aspirin for even a fever, as fever serves a purpose. For me, the hardest drug to take was steroids, and I think for me, they did the most damage....at the time, it was thought to be the best option...what can I say? They are lifesavers for many people, side effects or not, there isn't a choice for some folks.

Sue--Neurontin made me horribly crabby, but Lyrica just made me forgetful...hubby preferred forgetful, so did I, but insurance will pay for crabby but not forgetful...so I am on neither. It is amazing how much difference there is between two such similar drugs. I am glad to hear some one else got crabby on neurontin, as I thought it was in my head....oh my, it was, I guess.