I have had RSD since December, but it was only diagnosed since June. As soon as the doc put me on Gabapentin, I noticed huge differences in my foot's sensitivity. Before I could barely stand a sock, let alone rub lotion on it. Within 2 weeks of taking it, I could wear socks again AND rub lotion. Yay! But then last week, my hubby went on a week-long business trip and accidentally took the prescription insurance card with him, and I couldn't refill my prescription. I had an utterly miserable week. I hurt badly, and by the end of each day, I was in tears.

I didn't think Gabapentin helped with pain. Maybe it does?? Regardless, the thought of going off of it permanently scared me, if my week turned out to be so bad without it. It made me wonder if Gabapentin was something I should always need to be on.

So that's my question. Do you who have RSD use Gabapentin forever? Or is it more designed to be a short term drug docs use to try to battle RSD into remission? (Which is what my doc is trying to do now.) I asked him that on my last visit, but he didn't really answer the question.

What are your experiences? Do you take Gabapentin forever? Or is that bad to do? I just never want to have such a miserable week again. :P

I don't know about forever for rsd but many diabetics are on it permanently for neuropathy. I have been on it going on 3 years now.
It did not make that huge of a difference for me as it has for you. So I would say you are one that needs to stay on it.

I have been on it for 4 years and as long as it keeps working, will continue to stay on it indefinitely. It absolutely, positively works for me. I tried a wean off of it and the pain came back pronto.

As for long term use, I have searched but can't find much information that states any particular issues and none of my doctors are concerned about me using it long term.

It doesn't work for everybody and of course there are some side effects, but I will say this.

Thank god for gabapentin.

I have been on it almost two years. My doctor indicated that it is long term. I have put a lot 30 pounds- of weight with it which is very concerning to me (diabetes in family). For now - even though i always feel pain -I am just too damn afraid of ever going back to that insane initial CRPS pain. Best wishes to you.

I've been on gabapentin for 17 years, started low and now take 800 mg 3 times a day, 8 hour increments. helps my one of three types of pain and also helps my mental state.

Recently having migraines really bad though and wondering if gabapentin has anything to do with it.