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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chippenham, UK

Is anyone on gabapentin? Does it work n how long does it take to work? Anything I should be aware of? Sorry for all the questions just very curious as iv never taken medication like this before

April 19, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed but mostly positive experiences with gabapentin for fibromyalgia and nerve pain, with many emphasizing that it takes... Read more

Members shared mixed but mostly positive experiences with gabapentin for fibromyalgia and nerve pain, with many emphasizing that it takes several weeks to build up in the system and works by calming overactive nerves rather than providing immediate pain relief. Several members described helpful effects like reduced tingling, pins and needles, and shooting pains, though common side effects included drowsiness, weight gain, and occasional balance issues, with dosages ranging widely from 300mg to 1,800mg daily depending on individual needs. A recurring theme was that gabapentin is not a cure but can take the edge off pain enough to improve sleep and daily function, and that patience and gradual dose adjustments are key to finding what works for each person.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Yes I am on gab. It worked well for awhile then I started to get glittery it is making me gain weight swells up my wrist and ankles sharp pains on my right leg on top of the fm pain. I found tramadol the best but the idiot Doctor took me off . Because it's considered a habit control substance. I feel more habit forming with gab. Never felt that way with tramadol . I had no side affects with the tramadols. I also spread pain lotion to try to give my liver and kidneys a break from the pills. I am taken a natural sulfur flakes. It called msm. That has helped as well. Regardless what I am taking or doing or eating. The flares ups come and go through out the day. Sometimes bearable sometimes not moving at all.

April 19, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

The only problem I have is weight gain, hate that part.

April 19, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have been on it for years and swear by it! It helps me with the tingling and pins and needles feelings that I get. When one of the idiot doc's here on base took me off it I couldn't sleep cause the tingling was so bad, and as soon as I demanded to be put back on it the tingling went away. Its not a pain med. so your not gonna feel instant relief from it. It helps with the nerves. Are you having problems with tingling? Or shooting pains ?
Like WayneFrost said everyone is diff but it has done wonders with me. I'd give it a shot but you need to give it time to work, you can't just take it for a week and give up on it.
I hope this helped. And I hope it helps you!
Hugs
Renee

April 19, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi hun I'm on 600 3 times a day and I don't think it helps a great deal but it can take the edge off the stiffness xx

April 19, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I was thinking it was just me who gets drowsy when taking it.
I'm afraid medication is trial & error for each of us. I could tolerate more or less of a certain med than someone else can.
If offered it, trial it for yourself.

April 20, 2016

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