First off, it's that time of the year. I have increased pain in the fall and the spring. I'm not sure what it is about those two seasons that cause this but there it is and I believe many other people here can tell you the same thing.

When I was on Gabapentin I had to have my dose upped about 3 months after starting it. That took me up to 600mgs once a day. That was enough to make me suicidal. So my experience with that drug is limited.

I take Tramadol, usually only 50mg tab per day when I know my pain is at it's worst. Time of day seems to matter for me. There are times in the spring and fall when I need to take two a day. Usually one just a short time before bed and the other in mid to late afternoon. It was a miracle drug for me.

Had a doctors appt yesterday. She switched me from 37.5 mgs of Effexor XR to 30mg Cymbalta. So I'll see how that does. Also gave me Elavil for sleep. Elavil is known to help with pain as well but I can see what my doc meant when she told that at the dose the Elavil would need to be at for PN relief I'd me a zonked out mess. But for sleep 25mgs does me just fine. Best night of sleep I've had in a very long time last night.

Oh! I also have Mirapex as needed. I take it about 2 or 3 times a month and boy it's a lifesaver. My doc wouldn't give me Lyrica because it's related to Gabapentin.

The poop-out issue is what keeps me using these drugs at the lowest doses I can and only when I need it. Of course your pain may be much worse than mine is and need constant help. Mine is manageable most of the time. When I was first diagnosed it was very bad. But it's gotten better taking the supplements that are recommended here. Not all of them mind you cause some of them are very expensive and I simply can't afford them. The B12 I take and things like that.