[APJH]

Originally Posted by chaos

Saw the doc today, I am up to 300mg of Gabapentin twice a day. I couldn't handle more, and my brain just isn't working like it should. I have a hard time remember the right words and carrying on conversation. Typing is easier. Doc said he wants me at least on a lesser dose and I should start something else. He recommended Norpramin, Trileptal or Cymbalta, I have to let him know what I want after researching. Do any of these work without causing a bunch more side effects? I get migraines and have a sensitive stomach. I take Wellbutrin 300mg a day. I used to take Effexor years ago and I HATE that, I don't want anything even close to it again. I'm also on a generic only insurance plan (but will be changing it in Nov). I'm also starting thyroid meds (not related to this, just a surprise when the blood tests came back) and have been taking a big B vitamin daily.

In little words that a kid can understand, because I feel totally stupid lately, please let me know what some of you have done next and what some of these have done to you.

I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. Gabapentin did not work for me either--it did little to ease the pain and it made me feel foggy all day. My work suffered because of it.

I switched to Cymbalta and I find it much more effective. I take 60mg every morning and it definitely takes the edge off the pain, making it easier for me to walk and function normally at work (I have small fiber neuropathy in both feet). I also go to physical therapy twice a week and Cymbalta makes that easier as well. In addition, it helps ease my depression, although I can't say I was ever severely depressed--just kind of "down" because of my condition.

It took me about 2 weeks to get used to the Cymbalta--there were some side effects in the beginning (nausea, changes in appetite, headache). And I am well aware that I will need to wean myself off very gradually when I am ready. I am not looking forward to that part!

Lastly, because Cymbalta is a brand-name drug, it is more expensive. My co-payment for prescriptions is usually $10; for Cymbalta, I have to pay $25.

Best of luck to you!

[robpp]

^^^^^^^

I have been taking 3600mg Gabapentin for a few years now......it started to lose its effectiveness and about 2 months ago my MD ADDED 30mg then 60mg Cymbalta.

I can say that the addition of the Cymbalta has definietly improved my symptoms.

I also agree with Doc above to try a low carb diet. And I follow his BASE set of supplements for many moons.


try

R Lipoic
LCanitine
Pantothenic

I also added B Right; a nice B complex.
D3 - 2000 x 2 a day

get some fish oil omega 3; I take 4 grams of Lovaza per day.






the results: some days I can actually wear socks and NOT RIP THEM OFF the minute I get home.


GL

as you can see by a quick look around everyone struggles to find what works for them. all the rest of us can do is share what works for us/ you will ultimately have to find your own mix.

[Brue]

Originally Posted by robpp

^^^^^^^

I have been taking 3600mg Gabapentin for a few years now......it started to lose its effectiveness and about 2 months ago my MD ADDED 30mg then 60mg Cymbalta.

I can say that the addition of the Cymbalta has definietly improved my symptoms.

I take maybe half that much Gabapentin, usually every 4 hours my feet start stinging again, and it provides relief from that. The pain in my feet extends beyond that, though, and I have to decide how much tramadol or hydrocodone I need in order to get through the day. Usually one or two tramadol. I almost never do the hydrocodone except at night. When I initially started taking Gabapentin, I thought it didn't work either because it's not a traditional pain killer, it blocks the messages when the nerves fire and that seems to be where it ends in its effectiveness.

I started 'juicing' - you know, putting a bunch of fruit and vegetables in a machine and grinding it into a drink. I do the Jack Lalane recipe - celery, kale, spinach, green apples, ginger root. Tastes fine, and I am losing some weight, so its less strain on my feet. As far as making them feel better, I haven't noticed any difference, but like I said, you definitely can lose weight. Brue

[chaos]

1. The injury was caused by a chemical burn (see an old post for more info, I can't re-explain it right now). My "pain" is more like a tens unit is taped to my feet, achy pain going up legs. Not burning pain. Sometimes even wet feeling.
2. I already eat a pretty balanced diet, and stay aware of carbs (not away completely, but I know what's good and bad carbs). Better than the regular (fat) American. I am very aware of Diabetes types I and II and I DO NOT HAVE EITHER. I seriously have no doubts about this. If that means getting a thing to test my blood and record it so I can show the doc, then maybe I need to do that.
3. My insurance only covers generic meds right now, until I can switch it on Nov 1. And I can't afford to pay out of pocket.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by chaos

I am very aware of Diabetes types I and II and I DO NOT HAVE EITHER. I seriously have no doubts about this.

I believe you, and I wasn't suggesting that you were diabetic. I'm just saying that, even though I and several other people on this group are also not diabetic, for some reason eating as if we were helps the symptoms. It's something relatively easy, inexpensive and harmless to try. If after a couple of months it doesn't help, then there's no harm done.

Now that you mention it, I do recall the other post about your burned foot. Thanks.

Cymbalta and Lovaza are brand name prescription meds, however there are other SNRIs (than Cymbalta) that are available generically. Omega 3 fatty acids (Lovasa) can also be gotten in OTC supplements. None of the supplements mentioned are prescription meds. If you have burning pain from PN, I think the stabilized R-Lipoic acid is worth a try. If it doesn't work within 4-8 weeks, it likely won't, and again, no harm done.

Just trying to help.

Doc

[Stacy2012]

Buying my own diabetes monitor is the only thing that proved to me that I am pre-diabetic. If I listened to the dr I still wouldnt even know it. My PN is still bad but the pain is less just in the couple weeks I have changed my diet. Im sure the dr would look at my numbers and still say I am not diabetic but my research shows any consistant spikes that continues can cause PN.

Just thought I would share my experience, as it helps to hear everyones testimony.

[LindaD88]

well week 2 of gaba, and it aint cutting it, and everyone thinks i can do it all, sure i am superwoman... i cant take the lyrica as was totally mental on that... panadiene forte, and valium and cymbalta, working up to 60mg and then some more... zombie here i come, oh that is right, zombies are dead, and i am a walking breathing undead zombie, i hate my life so much since i got this... i hate it, i really do, this is killing me... between this and the crohns who gives a ****, that is a pun... **** and crohns go together... laugh...