When my son was home last year he had an attack of post-herpetic neuralgia, he had shingles on his face as a child. I know that this is an on-label use for gabapentin, so I gave him one. It worked like a charm, but knocked him out. Evidently much lower dosages than the 600 mg. I gave him would have been better. He is a very tall man, and a heavy drinker, so I was surprised. He also has CMT, but no pain yet.

Gabapentin is made in 100, 300, 400, 600 and 800's. I hope he headed for the couch quick when he felt it coming on. LOL. Seriously, I don't think most Dr's know that many can't just jump into any dosage they think is necessary. My Neuro started me with 4-100mg caps a day, but previously, when I told my GP my symptoms, he wrote me a script for 2-100mg caps a day. He said it would take a couple of months to start working. Knowing what I know now, I probably would have laughed at him. I'm aware the some may get away with a small dose, but I weigh 230#, and either of those dosages wouldn't put a dent in my discomfort.

I am on Gabapentin since October 2011. I started at 300mg 3x/day. I had difficulty adjusting to this dosage. I experienced all sorts of side effects -- light headedness, sleepiness, brain fogginess/memory lapses -- and the worst was the negative thoughts. The negative thoughts have long been gone but I still have all the rest. At one time, I was washing dishes, unknowingly, I dropped it because I fell asleep. I wanted to stop the medication but the pain was the big motivator for me to continue using it. My neuro offered no alternative medicines except an additional Nortriptyline (not as a substitute) but I refused for personal reason.

The 300mg did not work for me. I played around with my dosage trying to find the most minimum dosage that will work. I was concerned of increasing it too early as I realized this is for the long haul. Little by little I increased it to where I am now -- 600mg 3x/day. My neuro said that when you find hte right dosage, you will stay there for a long time (that was a consolation!). Everytime I increase my dosage, the light headedness is more pronounced, but after awhile, my body gets adjusted, but the somnolence and memory lapses still remain.

The Gabapentin, for me, only weans off some of the symptoms like - zapping, electric jolts but not the pain in hte feet and legs. I can tolerate walking but not standing (strange).