I'm wondering about this because I usually have no problems with meds that cause others many side effects. In particular, nothing seems to make me very drowsy. Elavil, for the first little while, but nothing major. Neurontin - well I was up to 3600mg/day, the maximum dose, and it never ever made me sleepy. Others here have reported problems at only 100 - 300mg/day.
I'm now experimenting with Lyrica; coming off the Neurontin slowly and going up on the Lyrica. GP prescripted up to a max. of 150mg per day of Lyrica. Right now I'm at 100mg Lyrica, 1800mg Neurontin, and 50mg Elavil. All list drowsiness as a side effect, and this combo is not affecting me negatively (except a tad of urinary hesitancy which is improving, and occasional ravenous appetite).
I take all these meds for neuropathic pain, and none of it seems to be doing much for me. When I try to decrease, I do notice more intensity and frequency of pain, but honestly, not a huge difference. It seems I can be on the max doses of these meds with little more relief than at the half dose.
All of this got me to wondering, maybe the lack of side effects is an indicator of an overall lack of effect (good and bad) on my system. Has anyone seen any research on this or experienced something similar?
Clearly I need to be at doses no higher than those which are effective; no point staying at the high end of doses when being at the medium range has the same or close to the same positive effect.
It's frustrating...the neuropathic pain, sensory disturbances and numbness from CNS dysfunction are very difficult symptoms to treat and I've really learned this firsthand.
I'd love to hear from any of you with an opinion, insight or personal experience with all of this.
Thanks!