I was diagnosed with RSD and I started taking 300mg of Gabapentin, 3 times a day almost two weeks ago. So far, all it does it make me sleepy and confused. How long before it starts working on the pain? Will the side effects im experiencing go away?
Thanks for yor insight and help!

Hi Kitty and Welcome to NT.

Here's a link to some information about Gabapentin or Neurontin. A lot of people with MS take it for neuropathic pain.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...r/a694007.html

It's number one side effect is drowsiness and I do believe that it takes some time to get used to it. Some people are more med sensitive than others so it may take you a bit longer to get used to the dosage.

I don't happen to take that particular med for my pain as I need to function during the day. I am one of those med sensitive people.

Hopefully someone else will jump in here and help you with some more information.

I am on 600mg of gabapentin three times a day and it really hasn't done a thing for the numbness. Cannot say it doesn't help the pain, because right now I have no pain. However it does help with the severe itching sensation, and when I tried to come off the medication, the itching sensation came back so for now I have to continue to take it.



Everyone seems to be different though, some it helps a lot and some that does not. In the beginning, I felt real groggy but now it doesn't bother me as much. So I guess I get used to it. Hope it works well for you though and good luck.

I take gabapentin for nerve pain. It took me a few weeks to get used to it. I would give it another week or so. If it's still making you feel that way after that, I'd suggest calling your doc to see if you should be feeling that way.

I barely notice I'm taking it anymore. Except when I forget to take a pill and within an hour or two - I am reminded by little shock like pains why I'm taking this.

I take Neurontin for nerve pain and seizures.

Like the others have said, give it a little more time. I am extremely med sensitive so I can really empathize what your going through. I am not sure how fast you titrated onto it or what your current dosage is; but I ended up titrating onto it really slow. My neuro and I pretty much handle titrations based on how I am doing-- my "orginal" titration plan to get up to 900 mg was supposed to take about a week total; ended up taking over 3 weeks. There were times when I didn't think I could handle all the side effects, zombiness and thought about- (and my neuro even ecouraged I do so at one point)-- quitting it, both during the titration period and shortly after the titration; but I really wanted to give it a good shot at working, seeing if it would help and I just decided try to push through it a little longer. I am pleasently suprised and happy I did. I still have some side effects that are really frustrating, but I feel at this point it is worth it.

I was put on it orginally for my nerve pain with no real expectations or hopes seizure wise; but ironically, it has helped the seizures more than the pain-- and thats perfectly fine for me ! A little extra help in the epilepsy aspect never hurts .

L2L

I find that I am a complete "air-head" at work. It takes me longer to do things because of the arm pain, but that coupled with the meds and I feel like I am a walking zombie. It's true, I did want to stop the first week. Heck, I didnt even want to take it in the first place.
I guess I will stick with it and hope for the best. My neuro upped the amount to 600mg/3x a day....

I have a yet to be diagnosed neuro condition that is trending toward MS. i have had worsening burning and stabbing pain in both my feet/lower legs for about a year. I've just started taking Gab a couple days ago. I am also in a job where being out of it is not an option. I probably shouldn't self adjust the dosage (3x daily, 100 mg), but I am going to try taking it when I get home from work, then before I go to bed. It is the only med that has stopped the non-stop pain in both my feet, and for the first time in about a year my feet and legs feel almost normal. So it does seem to be effective. It is encouraging to hear others on higher dosages tolerating it well after a few weeks. I sympathize with the "zombiness" though-frustrating.

I was on it too, and it NEVER worked for me. My doc put me on TOPAMAX, AND it works GREAT. I don't have the water weight gain, OR the loopiness or sleepiness. I don't have ANY side effects, although some of you might. But it takes away ALL the nerve pain, i.e. burning/tingling/zapping, etc. it's just great, and I'm only on 400mg per day!

Just thought I'd pass that on. Best of luck & take care. Hugs, lee

Neurologist only prescribes 400mg when pain is insane excruciating to me, the most he prescribed was morning / night for 3 days. It did help, a lot. However, those side efects have never gone away in every time It's been prescribed to me.

Currently 3 months with Topamax, and I must say the first month was hell to me, and according to my neurologist that's somewhat normal? that those funky effects the meds give last about a month or so, so if they do last longer make sure to let your doctor know about this.

I've been on gabapentin for 5 months now. Im up to 800 mg three times a day. The doc told me the side effects would go away after sometime. I can say that they haven't. Im tired most of the day, I can fall asleep at the drop of a dime. The lose of balance is crazy, i stumble through the house often having to grab something to avoid falling, feel like a zombie most of the day. Told the doctor this and he said that he cant switch me to another med because of insurance. I have to run through the gaba before he can switch me. I haven't worked in 9 months because of the pain in my legs. I want to switch to lyrica but ive read so many horror stories that I scared to do so.