Drug for nerve pain?

[Mummy76]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a drug for nerve pain that is unlikely to make you tired?

I used to be on Elavil and it worked great.  I've been off it for over a year and tried to take it again recently but am unable to function due to exhaustion and dizziness.

Thanks!

[kwarendorf]

Lyrica and Neurontin (Gabapentin) are in the same class of drug and have similar side effects profiles.

[Mummy76]

Thanks for the advice.

I used to love Elavil as, like Kyle, it stopped the pain completely.  I wonder if I continue with it if the side effects would eventually fade....  I was also wondering about Lyrica as I've heard it's a newer version of Gabapentin?

[kwarendorf]

I take both gabapentin and amitriptilyne (Elavil) for my neuropathic foot pain. I started with 300mg gabapentin and worked my way up to 3600mg. I take 1200mg 3X/day. By itself it didn't do that much for my pain.

We added 25mg amitriptilyne to the gabapentin and I saw some relief. We upped it to 50mg 1X/day and my pain was gone completely!

I guess I'm luck not to have any side effects from either drug.

Kyle

[SarahL2491]

I also applaud Gabapentin (neurontin) it works well for me also but does take some tapering or getting used to, I should say

[PastorDan]

Gabapentin is a challenge to adapt to, requiring very small and widely spaced dosage increases, but it's worked pretty well for me for a.long time.