Hi,
My Dr has reduced me from 30 mg 2 times a day to 15 mg. I am trying to reduce the narcotic meds I'm on & she's helping me do that. It's my decision to do this because of side effects. Shortness of breath has recently been a problem and I'm tired of being so fatigued and having no energy to do anything!
If I can tolerate the pain then I am going to reduce the oxycodone I take. I recently reduced the gabapentin from 600 mg 3 x day to 300 mg 3 x day and it still helps with nerve damage pain though not for as long of a time but, I can tolerate it right now

I so much want off the opids. My memory and other side effects are driving me nuts is a bad way.

Has anyone tried this? Worse case is if I can't take the pain, I go back on what I was taking. My Dr agreed but she also is suggesting a pain pump & has given me info from a couple of manufactures . I do not want to go on a pain pump because I simply don't want more surgeries than I've already been through!

Any comments or suggestions are very welcome.

Hi moonstar,

If you are having bothersome side-effects, it makes sense to cut back on meds and see how it goes. You are correct, you can always add meds back in if needed.

I wonder why you are reducing both gabapentin and the narcotic meds at the same time? Unless gabapentin is also causing shortness of breath or other bothersome symptoms, you may need the gabapentin at the higher dose while tapering down on the narcotics?

I have rather severe reactions to most medications. I am currently needing to use the few I can tolerate and am trying a few new ones.

I would not choose a pain pump, either, as I don't want to risk complications with any surgery.

I am not sure of what I will do if I cannot reach a comfortable level of relief. My doctors have explored so many medication options with me, repeatedly, they are now referring me, wanting me to try medical marijuana options -- the cannabinoids. It's a process which takes some time, getting approval, etc. I haven't a clue if it will work well for me or not. It will be awhile yet before I get through the approval process.

I hope you find relief and the medication regimen which optimizes your daily functioning.

Warmly,
DejaVu

Thank for your response Deja Vu

I already am reduced on the gabapentin. It was causing Mr way too many problems with memory. Severe tiredness & added to my gait problems, etc. Sorry I wasn't clear.

I wish there were meds for chronic pain that weren't narcotics! Or that have so many side effects. I hate that Frs want to treat you with more meds to reduce side effects. I'm not doing that any more!

Well I picked up the lower dose morphine today so we'll see how that goes. I hope to be able to go off this one completely eventually.

I do understand where your coming from and also hope you find some kind of a level you can live with.
Sending prayers for you.

Hi moonstar,

Lidocaine Infusions and Oral Ketamine are both non-narcotic options for the treatment of chronic pain. I use both, along with Morphine Sulphate and Tramadol in my pain management regimen and have the greatest relief by far from these two anaesthetics.

Just an idea for options to discuss with your Dr.

Dave.

I also can not tolerate the side effects of the traditional opiates,
but nucynta ER works for me. it has only 1/18 affinity for the
opioid receptors as morphine, but 1/3 the equivalent pain response
due to the NRI effect. I use it for atypical trigeminal neuralgia and
pain from Parkinson's. Neurontin, lyrica, tramadol worked for me for a while,
but this has really helped. and I have been at a stable dose for 2+ years.
many people find it ineffective, but those that it does help really swear
by it. worth a mention to your doc.

E Dave & Billy. I wrote your suggestions down and will definitely ask my doctor about then
Have a good night & God Bless both of you.

I too want of these meds, 160 mg of morphine and 2700 of gabapentin, I'm constantly fatigued, I crash for a whole day or 2 every couple of days, I don't have the energy to wash properly, eat regularly, no one warned me of this when I was put on these meds, I'm afraid to sleep at night because I can't get up in morning, I'm in uk and the nhs is dreadful now.