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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Stockport, UK

I've been taking Gabapentin for about 9 weeks now. I started at 100mg 3 times a day and was on that dose for a while in the hope I didn't react. I am now taking 600mg 3 times a day. I upped it last night and was fine but since taking tonight dose I've had really bad diarrhea. Anyone else had side effects after taking it for this long? Thanks

July 10, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with gabapentin side effects after extended use, with several noting that diarrhea and stomach issues... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with gabapentin side effects after extended use, with several noting that diarrhea and stomach issues typically appeared in the first few weeks but often resolved on their own over time, while others reported persistent problems like headaches, cognitive impairment, and digestive discomfort even after months of use. Several members offered practical strategies including staying at a lower dose if side effects are manageable, trying magnesium with malic acid for migraines, consulting pharmacists about potential allergic reactions, and exploring alternative medications like Topamax or Neffopam when gabapentin proves ineffective or intolerable. A recurring theme was the importance of working closely with doctors to find the right balance between pain relief and quality of life, with many emphasizing that what works for one person may not work for another and that patience and self-advocacy are essential when navigating medication adjustments.

A MyFibroTeam Member

Hey @A MyFibroTeam Member,
I have a question for you about your migraines, do you take magnesium, in particular, magnesium with malic acid? If I don't take it I have migraines from hell. They will last for months without end literally. As soon as I take the magnesium with malic acid they start clearing up. Not every time. But, if I run out and go back on it , they clear up. My doctor is the one who recommends that I stay on it for migraines. I hope this helps.

July 11, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I am now on 900mg of gabapentin 3 times a day and since it has been upped my nerve pain is not so bad. I have had no problems with it, my diarrhea has been caused by having C-Diff.

July 12, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hello again- I see you say you started to try sumatriptine? what strength? mine are 50mg and I take half of one and YES they do invoke diarrhoea.. maybe that's the problem not the anti eplileptic drugs but these? I was given them from a neurologist who agreed its the muscles at the back of my neck that go up into skull that are stiffening thus causing migraine type pain, discuss reducing the strength before you abandon, I know you say you react to drugs, so do I but don't, abandon as you may get withdrawal and that's awful

July 11, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hi scfc0161 I tried these awful drugs for a while and after 2 months I weaned off..the side effects were like you diarrhoea, massive cognitive impairment, mobility failings,-they really messed with my head- they are anti-epileptic drugs said to ease pain!! they do not suit everyone, sometimes you need to get into therapies too to help this condition, our local hospital has a hydro pool-ask your physio for a referral to try it..

July 11, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thanks all. I've decided to stopped upping the gabapentin and stop at 600mg 3 times a day. The diarrhea came back for a few days but I'd just taken other medication so not sure if that caused it. My pain level is bearable most days now, flaring at the moment but that down to the endoscopy I had yesterday. Hugs to all x

August 7, 2016

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