Gabapentin, aka Neurontin, was developed to treat epilepsy and currently is being used to treat certain types of neuropathic pain. It is the neuropathic pain that interest me, since I have had ongoing aching pain in my right arm since the most recent attack of NA last summer. My doctor suggested that Ultram or others like that may be beneficial, but I have tried Ultram and Ultracet (Ultram and acetaminophen mix) previously and they have no impact on pain ongoing and usually cause me to have sleep disturbances on top of being ineffective. Gabapentin seems to keep me pain free for the most part through the day.
I say ‘for the most part’ because I am taking the lowest dose for now of 300 mg per day. The recommended dose for me was 900 mg per day, with a ramp up to that dosage over nine days. Note that if you take this drug long term, discontinuing dose should be done equally as slow over time. I find that I get relief with the one a day, but it still allows spikes at this low dosage. For my case, I want to know the thing causing pain is still there. I know some may still feel spikes at the higher dosages. As the car ads say, your mileage may vary.
For me, I am in less pain. I am sleeping better. My physical therapy is easier to take because I do not have to fight against the nerve pain to stretch my arm, thus regaining range of motion.
You really want to be careful with this drug though. Some may not have any relief. Some may find that it alters mood particularly at higher dosages. Keep track of any changes you experience and keep your doctor informed. Here is more info describing gabapentin and potential side effects.
No comments:
Post a Comment