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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wichita Falls, TX

Hello to everyone. This is a quick question for those taking Gabapentin. How long until the drowsy side effect starts to go away, if ever? I am on 300mg three times a day and it makes it hard to get things done whenI am so drowsy.

April 22, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared varied experiences with gabapentin's drowsiness side effect, with some reporting it faded after a few weeks while others... Read more

Members shared varied experiences with gabapentin's drowsiness side effect, with some reporting it faded after a few weeks while others continued to feel fatigued even after years of use, and a few found the medication too sedating to continue at all. Several members described practical trade-offs they've made, noting that while drowsiness and weight gain can be frustrating, reduced pain often makes it worthwhile, and some shared alternative medications their doctors suggested, including duloxetine and imipramine. A recurring theme was the importance of working closely with a doctor to find the right medication and dosage, as individual responses to gabapentin vary widely and what works for one person may not work for another.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Duloxetine is another name for Cymbalta...it is one of the meds that are supp. to help with fibromyalgia and so is Imipramine which also helps with nerve pain.:)

April 22, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member
I found that Gabapentin did not work for me... but it has worked for others ... and I'm know in the process of looking into the cipralex I take right now after 6 yr I may need a higher dose... because this alone is helping me to deal with pain along with some life changes.
I used to take sleeping pills/ gabapentin/ and cirpralex... and dropped the sleeping pill and gabapentin...

April 25, 2016 (edited)
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi I have been on them now for a couple of years and I don't know if it's just the medication but I still get very drowsy everyday. I take 400 3x day! But if i didn't take them I wouldn't get out of bed at all!
The weight gain isn't great either but the pro's out way the con's I spose!
xx

April 22, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am on 400mgs now no symptoms getting on fine , been on it well over 7 years now xx

April 22, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am taking 300mg 3x a day. I do not get the drowsyness anymore. Do not remember when it stopped maybe a couple of weeks

April 22, 2016

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