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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Gabapentin
Posted on
Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Answered on
Mon, 15 May 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I had a lumbar laminectomy in July and belatedly scar tissue. My regular doctor has me taking Gabapentin 600mg tablets 3 half tablets during the day and 1 full tablet at night, I have an appointment with a neuroligist In May. However, I find the side effects of Gabapintin are making me almost dysfunctional.
Brief Answer:
That dosage is pretty high for your age.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a little unclear what you have been prescribed Gabapentin for. It is normally prescribed for neuropathic pain, is that your case. If not then I do not see a reason for taking Gabapentin, its function is simply to moderate pain, it doesn't benefit the healing process in any way.
If you are still under pain, I still wonder if that dosage is necessary. If my calculations are correct the total daily dosage is 1500 mg a day which is pretty high. While it can at times be reached at that dosage that is only in selected cases, not a common dosage particularly at your age where the side effects may be more pronounced. So I would consider gradually lowering the dosage to see how it goes till the neurologists appointment. If it is seen that a lower dosage is not effective then trying another medication such as Pregabalin or duloxetine may be considered at that appointment.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
That dosage is pretty high for your age.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
It is a little unclear what you have been prescribed Gabapentin for. It is normally prescribed for neuropathic pain, is that your case. If not then I do not see a reason for taking Gabapentin, its function is simply to moderate pain, it doesn't benefit the healing process in any way.
If you are still under pain, I still wonder if that dosage is necessary. If my calculations are correct the total daily dosage is 1500 mg a day which is pretty high. While it can at times be reached at that dosage that is only in selected cases, not a common dosage particularly at your age where the side effects may be more pronounced. So I would consider gradually lowering the dosage to see how it goes till the neurologists appointment. If it is seen that a lower dosage is not effective then trying another medication such as Pregabalin or duloxetine may be considered at that appointment.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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