[duffer]

I have been on Gabapentin since 1998 following c/3-c/4 lamanectomy that caused nerve pain mostlly in the right side of my back and chest. Some additionally in my right hand and right foot. I have, over the course of the past many years, tried all of the anti seizure drugs in combination with Gabapentin. But, it has been my drug of choice. Last year I added Cymbalta, and while it may have helped some I did not like the side effects. Since about April or May my pain level has increased. At first I attributed it to a change in manufacturer of Gabapentin. (I have experienced problems with that before.) Then when I returned to the damp Northwest from the dry desert where I spend my winters I blamed the weather. But, even on dry good days Gabapentin does not seem to cut the pain like it used to do. I have added some Topamax and it "may" help a little for a short time, but not much. Until April of last year I had reduced my intake of Gabapentin from 4200 mg per day to 3200 now I am up to 4800 or higher.
For some time my doctor had wanted me to try Lyrica. However, as I was doing OK on Gabapentin I never saw any real reason to switch and the price was so much higher. Any comments?
Thanks

[zorro1]

Originally Posted by duffer

I have been on Gabapentin since 1998 following c/3-c/4 lamanectomy that caused nerve pain mostlly in the right side of my back and chest. Some additionally in my right hand and right foot. I have, over the course of the past many years, tried all of the anti seizure drugs in combination with Gabapentin. But, it has been my drug of choice. Last year I added Cymbalta, and while it may have helped some I did not like the side effects. Since about April or May my pain level has increased. At first I attributed it to a change in manufacturer of Gabapentin. (I have experienced problems with that before.) Then when I returned to the damp Northwest from the dry desert where I spend my winters I blamed the weather. But, even on dry good days Gabapentin does not seem to cut the pain like it used to do. I have added some Topamax and it "may" help a little for a short time, but not much. Until April of last year I had reduced my intake of Gabapentin from 4200 mg per day to 3200 now I am up to 4800 or higher.
For some time my doctor had wanted me to try Lyrica. However, as I was doing OK on Gabapentin I never saw any real reason to switch and the price was so much higher. Any comments?
Thanks

what dosage of topomax are you on? lyrica is a more potent version of neurontin and I believe 600mg is the max but should stop P/n pain in an elephant at the does

[duffer]

Originally Posted by zorrro13

what dosage of topomax are you on? lyrica is a more potent version of neurontin and I believe 600mg is the max but should stop P/n pain in an elephant at the does

I was only taking .25 mg per day. I am now taking .25 mg 2 to 3 times per day.

[nide44]

I switched after 5+ years, from neurontin to Lyrica
when the neurontin wasn't working as well as it used to.
It was a good move. I suggest you give the Lyrica a try.
I was on 4200mg neurontin and am now on 600mg of Lyrica.
I titrated up to 450 mgs first, but 600 is more effective.

[Leesa]

Hi ~ You need a MUCH higher dose of Topamax. I'm on 400mg per day and it works GREAT. it takes away ALL the burning/stinging ~ and I've had sciatica for 25 years. I like it much more than Neurontin! That makes you retain water - Topamax does not. Just thought I'd mention that if you were on a much higher dose, you'd have much better luck. God bless. Hugs, Lee

[nide44]

I did not retain water (edema) on either neurontin or Lyrica.
Not everyone's the same. Topamax made me lose my memory for 3 months
It was like waking from a nightmare when I finally stopped at 450mgs. Topamax was terrible at higher doses, but had no effect on my PN pain, even at 400mgs.
I think Lyrica is a godsend.

[zorro1]

nide you are blessed. lyrica swells me up at 200mgs, joint pain is way worse than the burning. damn shame really, topomax is my only other option, nothing ventured....

[nide44]

'Blessed'....hardly. Not a word for any of us who suffer from PN pains.
But I am fortunate to be able to manage my PN thru meds, altho it took
quite a while of experimentation and pain, to finally find the right meds combo.
My Neurontin stopped working for me after 6 years of taking it - about 2 years before Lyrica became available on the market. Those 2 years were not a good period to have gone thru.

[duffer]

Originally Posted by nide44

'Blessed'....hardly. Not a word for any of us who suffer from PN pains.
But I am fortunate to be able to manage my PN thru meds, altho it took
quite a while of experimentation and pain, to finally find the right meds combo.
My Neurontin stopped working for me after 6 years of taking it - about 2 years before Lyrica became available on the market. Those 2 years were not a good period to have gone thru.

Thanks for your info. I have an appointment with my Dr. Monday. Will try to have him get me approved for Lyrica for my insurance coverage. That will be the first step. Then will try to tirate on to it. I hope it works. I will be interested to see how much I must use daily to ease the pain.
Regarding Topomax. Yes, I am only taking a very small dosage. Years ago I had tried a much higher amount, but it did not work. This small amount with the Gabapentin has worked for many years until about 3 months ago. I think I mentioned I had experimented with ALL of the anti seisure drugs at one time or another and Gabapentin (neurontin) was the one that worked best for me for nearly 10 years. It is just these last 3 months it has failed.