Hi everyone !!

I am a 45 year old male from Charlotte NC that was just diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. I have been on Lortab to manage my pain until I was able to see a neurologist. My insurance company did not need a referral but ALL of the neurologists did. Took me 2 1/2 months to get to see one.

Anyway I am not long winded so here goes.

I was recently put on Neurontin and Cymbalta and yikes !!! Made me feel like a zombie and wouldn't trust myself behind the wheel "much less with a power tool in my hand, I am a contractor" so I have missed work and medical bills are mounting. I have been on it for one week and hear the side effects might get better. Its not doing much for the stabbing stinging pain also.

My Doctor told me he didn't want me doped up on lortab so he switched me to these medications but truth be told I am more doped up on these pills than I ever was on 2 lortab.


One more thing, Family history: Father has it, Brother has it, now I have it. Both are on narcotic pain pills to deal with the pain.

Does anyone have any insight on Neurontin and its long term effects?


Thanks for reading,

marcusdolby.

Hi Marcus, Welcome.

In my personal opinion, your doctor's statement may heve been more political than medical, having to do with the current environment and the politics of pain. You're definitely not alone in feeling "doped up" on gabapentin (Neurontin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), and gabapentin is only effective for about 1/3 of PN patients.
As far as long term effects...
Doc

What type of peripheral neuropathy does your family have? How does it affect all of you? Have you seen your neurologist yet? Thanks.

Yes I saw my Neurologist last Friday "a week from yesterday" Both my Brother and my Father have non specific meaning they couldn't find a reason why we have it. Neither is diabetic and they couldn't find any defiances that would cause PN.

I am having a Nerve Conduction study Monday and my blood tests have all come back normal.

Thank you for the response

marcusdolby.

Thank you for the info and response.

I guess I was hoping for some more responses about anyone dealing with PN and is also on Neurontin and/or Cymbalta.

Just experience from long term real life users of these drugs.

anyone?

You may get more responses by posting something in the Peripheral Neuropathy Forum.

It hasn't been all that long either; not everyone checks in here every day. I'd give it a few days to a week.

Doc

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Woke up this morning and read your comment and it mad me cry. Not a bad cry, but a good cry that I needed. Been holding this all inside and truth be told I am scared out of my wits.

From Doctor to Doctor to Doctor went from taking 0 medications to taking 5 and the side effects are scary.

I tell my friends I have peripheral neuropathy and they say, "oh, so you need to go see an optometrist" I have that lame duck feeling and its been very hard.

Anyway, thank you for the cry and the prayers.

marcusdolby.

Let us know how the EMG/NCV test comes out. Thank you.