Neurontin (Gabapentin) Side effects? Stomach?

[Lori707]

I was just given a script for Neurontin (Gabapentin) from my neurologist. Need to know side effects. Also, how tolerated is this for a persons stomach or digestive track?

[Icannot]

Hello, I hope you are still on the forums!
Thank you for responding to my concerns about GABA meds..I am currently taking NONE of them or opiates for pain..I was told my problem was neuropathy pain..it was/is..welllllll!
I saw a neurologist in 2012 as my increasing pain..trigeminal,dysthetic vulvadynia,rectal pudendal nerve pain was getting worse though my pain specialist was increasing gabapentin and opiates..then had taken me from off gabapentin to lyrica....the neurologist added yet another GABA ...the pain was still exploding and my skin was on fire....tripling my opiate dose in 4 months was only making things worse...and I was bedridden....so.....reading about hyperalgesia from Taking more meds caught my eye...I revolted but I think I saved my life!..with my pain specialist's help!..
It took me 9 months to get off all GABA meds and down to 1/10th the opiate dose..
Today, 9 months later I only take excedrine or Tylenol ..I still have pains popping up but not striking jabbing pain....I have opiate meds but I would only take if absolutely necessary short term..something you can't do with GABA meds..
I requested but was not tested for MS or MG because I have no muscle weakness..not an excuse..but I have to use c-pap now and take nuvigil as a sleep study showed sleep apnea with narcolepsy(mild)...I was diagnosed with Autoimmune hypothyroidism in the middle of the pain uprising and am being seen every 4 months by an endocrinologist who has my "numbers" in order but ....my energy, thinning hair, gut problems etc could be from that or my having been on so many meds..
As I gradually took myself off the GABA and opiates my pain had lessened..sharp stabbing pain alleviated.....I could have stopped the opiates much faster than the GABA ...I had tried to stop lyrica in a month but could not so took it slowly..in reading about receptor sites these meds affect....I am lucky to be as active as I am now....I am trying to re-boot my nervous system...
I ask my pain doctor if he would have tried to lower my dose of everything ..when I was so very sick and I never get a straight answer....opiate or GABA  induced hyperalgesia? ..autonomic neuropathy?
I just want better quality life for myself and everybody ! blessings..
  

[ladydemocrat]

Hello and good day!  I just read your post, looking for some info on Gabapentin.  Have you solved your problem yet or gotten a dx?  I have MS.  Have you been checked for it?  

[Icannot]

Everybody has to tell their respective. Doctors how they feel....and those doctors need to LISTEN!
The drug reps are not doctors......yet tooooooo many doctors rely on questions that the drug reps feel qualified to
Answer.....
The FDA has a phone number to call, and drug.com has a comment section where u can report severe side effects you feel you are getting from any drug.
Too many of the newer meds  side effects  are not reported by the very people that take the medication..

[Fay53]

On the outside chance someone (like myself!) might be reading this older post looking for info on Gaba: my drug interaction info says to not take any oral magnesium while on Gaba.  I noticed it because I have been using Epsom salts for soaks and wondered if it was also a problem (probably not, but will lay off of them for now).

[HeatherVandegrift]

I work for a chiropractor as a Massage Therapist.  I have a severely herniated cervical disc that is causing excrutiating pain in my left neck, shoulder, and down into the arm.  I have been to pain management and got an epidural that lasted all of 4 days, and a Rx for Gabapentin 300mg 3x a day & Percocet 10/325 2x a day.  I was having to take the Gaba once every 2 HOURS to keep ahead of the pain curve, since I can't take Percs while working.  The doc changed the Rx to 600mg of Gaba 4 x a day.  I took 2 before getting in bed for sleep... and I'm noticing a lot of involuntary muscle twitches.  Not spasms, they don't hurt, just a jerk of the leg here, a hand twitch there.  I haven't read any place where that is a side effect, though, so I'm wondering about it.  Anyone else have that issue?

Also, about the constipation thing: look online for a product called Natural Calm; I believe it is manufactured by Natural Vitality.  It is a powdered Magnesium supplement, and it works GREAT for keeping you regular!  I had issueswith constipation when I first started the Percs, but I take about 1 tbsp per night and everything stays moving well.  It is also great for leg cramping; most of us have a magnesium deficiency, and it is hard to find in stores.

[Lori707]

UPDATE:

I was just tested positive for Lymes disease that I have been walking around with for all this time. I had a PICC line put in and got IV therapy daily for 28 days. Didn't feel any better. Now I have Chronic Lymes which is very hard to treat. ALSO..I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroidosis(autoimmue destroying my thryoid). Also hypothyroid due to the Hashimoto's. Taking Synthroid now along with my Gabapentin. Have inflammatory arthritis. Now I have to get a lumbar puncture to see if the Lymes went to my brain. Yuk!  My parathesia and gait imbalance probably came from the Lymes but I'm not absolutely sure. My RA Factor is high and my ANA just became low positive.

I have NO idea what's going on with my body!! I'm 59yrs old now and I think I posted here at 57 turning 58.

Thanks everyone!