I have had chronic sciatic pain since 2004 in spite of 3 surgeries, 4 rounds of PT, and who knows how many drugs. For the past year or so I have been on generic Zanaflex and Lyrica for the pain. I have gained 40 pounds in the past 4 years, partly from Neurontin and Lyrica, and partly from my greatly reduced amount of exercise.

Recently the university I worked for decided I was okay and wasn't disabled anymore. They cut their part of my disability ( I still have SS disability). Although I now have Medicare, the University's disability covered Rx drugs. I was forced to stop taking the expensive ones, so Lyrica went. I stopped it cold. Bad idea--horrible withdrawal symptoms for several days. My leg began to hurt badly again even with Vicodin, so my PM dr. put me back on generic Neurontin--suddenly 800mg. 3 times a day. This is until my second fusion surgery on January 7th.

That was 2 weeks ago. The side effects have been buidling up. For 3 days I've been home with what I thought was flu, but as I thought about it today I realized I've had swollen ankles and feet, difficulty thinking, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and severe general achyness coming on since I started the Gabapentin. I also realized my PM put me on twice the dosage I had ever been on before (maybe thinking to replace the Lyrica better?)

At any rate, I'm cutting back on the stuff. But I also have some Lyrica samples from my neurosurgeon. Should I get off the Gabapentin and back on to the Lyrica or just cut back? I know I should call my PM, but the office is too busy and takes days to return calls.

Any thoughts?