Treatment goal (with meds)
 

Hi, I'm slowly titrating up on Gabapentin. I am very sensitive to meds, and usually respond on very low doses. Over the last month, I have gone up very slowly reaching 500mg/day. I see my neuro next week, and I'm supposed to be up to 600 by then. The reason I have gone MUCH slower than prescribed is due to the fatigue it causes. I have three kids--need I say more?

Here's my question: While I do notice an improvement in frequency, and a little improvement in intensity, is the goal to completely eradicate symptoms? I wouldn't mind a little pain in exchange for less side effects, if that is okay. But, by allowing some pain to continue, do I increase the odds for problems in the future?

Thank you for your response.

Bluemom

You have a very interesting question and I am very curoius what the metro tells you. I can't answer it. I do understand the problems with the side effects of the drugs. I was always very sensitive and the side effects never eased for me. most people do know that some of the side effects get less noticeable within a few months as their body adjusts, but everyone is different, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones.
maybe you could increase up your dose with the hopes of alleviating all the pain and stay there for a short time and then slowly reduce down a little bit and see if you stay symptom free and your side effects be minimal. I do know that some people are not plagued by constant everyday pain and ramp their dose up when pain gets worse and then ease back off. talk to your near and then let us know.
I do understand 3 kids are enough to make you tired and I am sure you can forget a nap, but do listen or try to listen to your body.
not a good thing, but the meds I am on make me very tired and I have a cup of coffee in corning and then a left over cup of coffee with ice and milk in afternoon. It allows me to be able to keep my eyes open until 9 or 10. otherwise I would be a walking zombie. caffeine isn't the best, but 2 cups of coffee a day isn't the worst.
good luck
lisa

When to increase meds
 

I was diagnosed with TN in early September. I was very fortunate to be directed to a wonderful neurology practice. I have been on Trileptal and Percocet for pain as needed. I am on 600mg Trileptal twice daily. That has worked for about a week with minimal pain. I am now experiencing fleeting moments of intense pain and a dull ache. I hesitate to go up in my meds aas the dose already has an effect on my level of confusion. Example: in my own neighborhood I felt confused, I missed making a turn that I know I was supposed to make. This is very upsetting to me. Also about 15 inutes after taking the Trileptal, I feel dizzy & kind of in a fog. I have always functioned at a very high level and work full time. I am not used to feeling foggy. Do others share this feeling or is this something I should share with my doctor.:confused:

:welcome_sign: Hi cookez! I understand the drug-induced fog you are in. It is very frustrating! I can tell you that it takes me about a week to ten days after each titration up before I feel clear-headed once more. Maybe your body will adjust too. Just make certain that you are safe in your particular fog--driving, cooking... If safety is an issue, call your doctor right away.

Lisa, my neuro seems to think that it is okay medicate just to my comfort level. He says some pain is fine if i don't mind it. But I don't know if I trust that answer. Seems to me that killing the pain by settling the nerve is the best bet for remission. If the nerve is aggravated, even slightly, everyday, how will the situation resolve itself?

I've decided that I'm going to try to get at the root of the problem. I'm going to see my chiropractor, whom I trust whole-heartedly. I'm way past time for an adjustment. Maybe a lack of maintenance got me into this. I'll let you all know if it works in a few weeks...

Bluemom