Hi I stay in the uk. I was a nurse before all this started.
Although I stay in the uk I think the us policy about drugs is bad. It like the uk here it’s a postcode lottery for which drug you get. Basically some people in some areas can get any drug while others struggle to get the basics. It can basically depends on where you live.
If people need a medication then they should be able to have it. Nothing more nothing less.

@A MyFibroTeam Member, Gabapentin helps a great many people. I’m one of them. It helps me to feel drowsy enough to fall asleep.

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A MyFibro...

I cam only take the amitripyline occasionaly because it makes me sleepy next day. I also find tramadol makes me very woozy to the point of nausea.
I do agree people shouldn’t pick their own medications but if a certain medication works use it. Medication is not a one size fits all scenario but Doctors need to review everyone’s medication regularly. Medication can potentially stop working or have negative affects from what they should or did originally.
People should have quality of life and when your in pain there often is little or no quality. (Sorry I did a study at uni on pain and quality of life).
I try not to take to many meds’ for the same reason as you @A MyFibroTeam Member. Like you I don’t want to be one of these statistics. I want to be out there living my life but sometimes I need the help of medication (just a little to get by)

The FDA is not taking away Gabapentin. One state in the U.S. is considering it’s scheduling.

I take 1200 mg of gabapentin ar bedtime to help my restless leg syndrome. It helps to relax me and makes my legs stop wiggling, but it also numbs the fibro pain some. I’ll fight to keep taking it. Don’t get me started with the government and insurance companies. When did they go to Med school or pharmacy school.