Is it possible my Neurontin is causing my arm/leg ache?

[sanshelp512]

In 2004, I added Neurontin to my pain management for prostatodynia (my uretha was burning like crazy), in addition to Norco 5/325.

I had gone through biofeedback and it helped some but I still needed the pills.

The pain management doctor's PA told me Neurontin would help and had few side effects.

She was right about the first, but wrong about the second.

I started out on a lower dose of 600-900 mg, and after some months, my arms and legs started to ache mid-day, but the pain went away after the bedtime Norco/Neurontin.

Now, I am on 7 Norco/day and 1800 mg/day Neurontin to control my arm/leg ache.

Last year I suddenly had to have 9 crowns and a root canal, and now I have to have 4 more crowns, 2 being redone.

Dentist says people taking lots of meds can have dry mouth and get lots of cavities.

Now I am feeling dry mouth and I'm thinking it's the Neurontin.

Moreover, the Kaiser Permanente FAQ on drugs for fibromyalgia says "Neurontin may cause muscle aches"

Anyone have any experience with this?

PS The urethra burning has subsided since I retired a few years ago but it's still there.

[OlmosSutton]

I started taking gabbapentin 2 months ago 2 600 mg in the morning and 2 600 mg at night. I am having pain and weakness down both my arms. I am taking the medication for my neck, I have protruding disk in my neck causing nerve pain. The medicine did help my nerve pain, but now I am having this new pain in my arms. And also I can be talking and mid sentence forget what I was about to say and forgetting the word I was about to use. This arm pain did start with the medication. So I do believe the medication causes arm pain.

[Tuckamore]

Just to clarify, when I said I had not heard of this side effect I meant the painful extremities. I'm having a heck of a flare and I apologize if I am not clear.

Sorry,
Tuck

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sanshelp,

I am sorry that you now are experiencing muscle aches and dry mouth. Neurontin can cause dry mouth. My mom takes the drug and continually fights dry mouth. Sugar-less gum and sugar free hard candies can help with dry mouth along with frequent sips of water.

The most common side effects of Neurontin are dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. I have not heard of this side effect nor can I find anything in other sites or literatures that discuss it. I searched the Kaiser Permanente site and was unable to locate the information to which your refer though I do not doubt you. It seems unlikely to me that this side effect would appear after five years of treatment but again anything is possible. I just don't want you to dismiss a possible new symptom. I have do that.

I would consider other causes of your extremity pain. Have you discussed this with your PCP? I would suggest that you do so just to rule out other possible sources of your symptoms. I'm assuming you have Fibro?

I hope you will consult with your PCP. Please keep posting and let us know how you are doing. It's always good to hear from you.
Take Care,
Tuck

[worried878]

I would doubt nuerontin is causing u mor pain..but everyone is different and it is best to ask ur dr bout it..it helps me tremendously as it blox the nerve conduction of the pain signal and for me is better for pain than narcotics were as all they did was get me in trouble..and tio be honest the nuerontin works better if taken daily for my pain..but again we r all different and us hould talk to ur dr bout it..good luck

[willow542000]

Hi,I can't take Neurontin, but I do know that drugs can begin to help and change courses in mid stream. My Neuro put me on Prazosin(I know, crazy drug for a woman), it's a med that's given to Vets returning who have PTSD which I have. It's for some male stuff, but also can cause sleep. Anyway, worked great for awhile, now after a month, it not only doesn't make me sleep, but is causing RLS as well....go figure. So it's back to the drawing board as to what I can take to sleep.

I do hope they find the cause, be persistant and tell your Dr. everything,  People react differently to the same med.  BTW, I have dry mouth and it is most uncomfortable.