Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia Pain
Using Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia pain is perhaps the first drug NHS GPs prescribe for the condition. Gabapentin has the brand name of Neurontin.
Gabapentin is a prescription only anti-epileptic drug which is also used for nerve pain. Gabapentin aims to change the way that the nerves send messages to the brain.
Gabapentin for FibromyalgiaDoes Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia Pain Work?
Published by Cochrane who looked at the evidence of Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia pain in adults. They found that:
"There is no good evidence to support or contradict the suggestion that gabapentin at daily doses of 1200 to 2400 mg reduces pain in fibromyalgia."
After taking Gabapentin for some time I found it had no effect on my pain levels.
I asked others on the Fibromyalgia Facebook group I belong to, of their experiences of taking Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia symptoms. A resounding 95% of the respondents reported that Gabapentin had zero effect on their levels of pain. They added that the massive weight increases they had while taking Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia had forced them to stop taking it. Other nasty side effects they reported were extreme forgetfulness, dizziness and unsteadiness.
Gabapentin Side Effects
There are many Gabapentin side effects effecting both physical and mental health.
Anxiety
Blurred vision
Bruising
Constipation
Depression
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Flatulence
Hallucinations
Headaches
Hostility
Increased blood pressure
Jaundice
Memory problems
Mood changes
Muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Nausea
Sleeping problems
Stomach pain
Suicidal thoughts
Susceptible to infections
Swollen arms and legs
Tiredness
Tremors
Vomiting
Weight gain
Is Gabapentin Addictive?
Yes, Gabapentin can become addictive in some people. Because of the risk for Gabapentin addiction and misuse it had been reclassified as a class C controlled substance in the UK.
Is Gabapentin a Contolled Drug?
In the UK Gabapentin has been classed as a controlled drug since 1 April 2019. There are strict regulations on who Gabapentin is prescribed for and how it is prescribed.
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking Gabapentin abruptly you may experience serious withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain and sweating.
It is recommended, therefore, to reduce slowly under a doctor’s guidance.
My Experience of Taking Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia Pain
I was prescribed Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia pain by my GP as I felt I could not cope with the excruciating pain anymore. I’ve never liked to take drugs and have always tried to take natural remedies in the past, but I felt I had to at least give Gabapentin a try.
I took one 300mg just before bed on the first day. The following morning I woke at 3.00am sweating profusely and could not go back to sleep. I noticed some blurriness when trying to read from my lap top.
Just after lunch the following day I took my second dose of Gabapentin and went straight to bed. I slept very soundly for almost 2 hours. I did not notice any bad side effects and felt in a good mood with little pain troubling me. In the evening at bed time I took the second dose of the day and went straight to bed.
I woke up at 2.45am in a pool of sweat. I had to get up but went to bed later that morning for 3 hours sleep.
Had lunch at 12.00pm, took Gabapentin and went to bed for 2 hours. I woke up a little bit groggy.
I continued taking the Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia pains for another 2 months but it had little effect. I also noticed I was putting on a lot of weight.
As taking Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia pain and having it not worked for me, I decided to stop taking it. I did this gradually as going cold turkey with this drug can cause awful withdrawal symptoms.