Gabapentin, anyone?

[Indianamom2]

I went to the neurologist yesterday as part of my ongoing saga to fix whatever the heck is wrong with my back/leg/sciatic nerve. Long story short, he doesn't feel like he is the best person to see for this and wondered why my family Dr. referred me, but he seemed to understand my frustration/desperation at getting someone to help me, so I guess that's good.

To sum up the appt., he is going to try to work his magic to get insurance to approve an MRI since he thinks that is necessary. He also did lots of neurological/reflex testing and came up with an s1 radiculopathy diagnosis. He had me stand on my right tip toes and then heel, which I did with no problem. Then he tried my left side (the side with the pain) and I couldn't do it. My reflexes down around my ankle were also noticeably different, which is new and quite unsettling. Obviously, some nerve damage is beginning.

Since I had mentioned in my paperwork that I also had trouble with migraines, he took that into account when prescribing meds and wants me on a very low dose of Gabapentin for the nerve pain and as a preventative for migraines.

I've only been able to take one Gabapentin so far, and he wants me to take it before bed, so the jury is still out on how much that will help with the nerve pain, but I was wondering if anyone else has ever tried Gabapentin for migraines? (I think it also goes by the name Neurotonin?) I feel kind of weird on it, like I would imagine it feels to be slightly tipsy, which I think is normal.

[zukeypur]

DH took it after his spinal cord tumor removal. It helped with the pain and had little side effects. I think it causes insomnia for some who take it. I can't believe your insurance company won't approve an MRI. I would even request one with contrast, just in case. DH had back pain for a long time and no one would take him seriously. They would just throw hydrocodone at him and then treat him like a drug seeker. :/ So frustrating.

[Indianamom2]

DH took it after his spinal cord tumor removal. It helped with the pain and had little side effects. I think it causes insomnia for some who take it. I can't believe your insurance company won't approve an MRI. I would even request one with contrast, just in case. DH had back pain for a long time and no one would take him seriously. They would just throw hydrocodone at him and then treat him like a drug seeker. :/ So frustrating.

I am so glad you said the bolded part, because I'm afraid that's how the doctors are going to start seeing me. I absolutely don't want to take any drugs, but I have got to get some pain relief. I'm hoping this will help, but I can definitely tell that it's worn off already as I hurt just sitting here. I'm sorry for your DH's pain too. I can definitely sympathize.

[missym]

I took it for a year for migraine prevention. It seemed like it reduced the severity of the migraines, but not the frequency. However, the side effects outweighed the benefits for me. I had a lot of trouble with dizziness and lost my balance enough to fall down on a few occasions.

[zukeypur]

I am so glad you said the bolded part, because I'm afraid that's how the doctors are going to start seeing me. I absolutely don't want to take any drugs, but I have got to get some pain relief. I'm hoping this will help, but I can definitely tell that it's worn off already as I hurt just sitting here. I'm sorry for your DH's pain too. I can definitely sympathize.

It was horribly frustrating. He's a pharmacist, so he sees drug seekers all the time. He went a loooong time in pain before he finally agreed to take anything. Luckily removing the tumor solved most of the problem, but there is still some residual stiffness, pain, and nerve damage.

[ang79]

DH takes a 300 mg dose of it but his is prescribed for restless leg syndrome. He takes it after dinner to get it into his system so that he doesn't kick/grab me in bed while he is sleeping (which wakes me up of course, but he has no idea he is doing it!). He said he thinks it makes him tired, but hasn't noticed any other side effect.

[Nooknookmom]

I went to the neurologist yesterday as part of my ongoing saga to fix whatever the heck is wrong with my back/leg/sciatic nerve. Long story short, he doesn't feel like he is the best person to see for this and wondered why my family Dr. referred me, but he seemed to understand my frustration/desperation at getting someone to help me, so I guess that's good.

To sum up the appt., he is going to try to work his magic to get insurance to approve an MRI since he thinks that is necessary. He also did lots of neurological/reflex testing and came up with an s1 radiculopathy diagnosis. He had me stand on my right tip toes and then heel, which I did with no problem. Then he tried my left side (the side with the pain) and I couldn't do it. My reflexes down around my ankle were also noticeably different, which is new and quite unsettling. Obviously, some nerve damage is beginning.

Since I had mentioned in my paperwork that I also had trouble with migraines, he took that into account when prescribing meds and wants me on a very low dose of Gabapentin for the nerve pain and as a preventative for migraines.

I've only been able to take one Gabapentin so far, and he wants me to take it before bed, so the jury is still out on how much that will help with the nerve pain, but I was wondering if anyone else has ever tried Gabapentin for migraines? (I think it also goes by the name Neurotonin?) I feel kind of weird on it, like I would imagine it feels to be slightly tipsy, which I think is normal.

Hi and sorry your dealing with this.

I have severe spinal issues-my legs are literally BUZZING as I type. I have been on and off neurontin (the gab-generic) for 9-10 years. It does nothing for "me". In fact it makes me so loopy I once ran a stop sign! I can't take it during the day. We tried moving it to night only (also bc I never sleep bc if my pain). But it actually triggers my migraines!

Otoh my dad takes one of the highest doses daily. He had a botched knee replacement and hey destroyed his sciatic nerve. It caused major nerve damage. Anyway it helps him tremendously.

I hope it helps you just know it can take a long time to "adjust" to it and you may have ditsy side effects. My friend takes it also for nerve issues related to Epstein Barr.

The best med for me and my buzzing is actually one tiny Xanax before bed. BUT my PM doc wanted totey ambien before bed (zero luck) so he switched me...I haven't slept in one month and instantly the buzzing returned!!!

Again sorry you have issues & I completely understand!

[mackmama]

I don't understand why the neuro was surprised that you went to him for help. That seems odd to me since neuros often see people with back pain. Did he have any idea about what could be causing the change in reflexes -- what type of injury you may have suffered, etc? My neuro suggested neurontin for my back nerve issues. Being so averse to meds, I didn't take it since my pain wasn't super bad all of the time (just on occasion). I do think most meds take a bit of adjustment, so I would think you'll probably need a couple of weeks on it before you know if it's working for you. I really hope that MRI gets approved. Thinking about you.

[Indianamom2]

Thanks to all who replied. I took the new med a few minutes ago (instead of just before bed) to see what it does to me while I'm conscious...or if I can even stay awake. I figure it will also give me some idea of whether or not it helps with the pain, since I slept through the med last night. I'm definitely going to give it some time, partly because it's the only option I have at the moment. I stopped taking the muscle relaxer yesterday morning, so I'm wondering if there is any residual effect from that contributing to my "spaceyness".

Nooknookmom, I know you get it because my leg is buzzing too! Sitting is much better than standing or walking, but even then, there's a constant buzzing sensation and still some pain as well. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too!

Mackmama, the neuro was a little...odd...so I'm chalking up his reaction to that. He didn't give me any ideas for how I ended up in this situation either. I think he must mostly deal with neurologic head issues (alzheimers, parkinsons, migraines, etc..) Anyhow at least he is trying something different and I have still more of a paper trail as evidence when insurance needs it. Sigh...

[Nooknookmom]

Thanks to all who replied. I took the new med a few minutes ago (instead of just before bed) to see what it does to me while I'm conscious...or if I can even stay awake. I figure it will also give me some idea of whether or not it helps with the pain, since I slept through the med last night. I'm definitely going to give it some time, partly because it's the only option I have at the moment. I stopped taking the muscle relaxer yesterday morning, so I'm wondering if there is any residual effect from that contributing to my "spaceyness".

Nooknookmom, I know you get it because my leg is buzzing too! Sitting is much better than standing or walking, but even then, there's a constant buzzing sensation and still some pain as well. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this too!

Mackmama, the neuro was a little...odd...so I'm chalking up his reaction to that. He didn't give me any ideas for how I ended up in this situation either. I think he must mostly deal with neurologic head issues (alzheimers, parkinsons, migraines, etc..) Anyhow at least he is trying something different and I have still more of a paper trail as evidence when insurance needs it. Sigh...

Every neuro I have had has been "odd" ;) my current one is very matter of fact but I like him! Ps- hope u work it out soon and figure out what's going on and if certain meds/procedures will help.

[BunnyBee]

Maybe he could refer you to a neurosurgeon who does lower spine issues? An orthopedic spine specialist would be the usual first stop, and s/he would know how to get your MRI done ASAP. That would show whether there's a neural encroachment. One with contrast would be best. I would really try to get to a spine specialist rather than the guy who seems to specialize at the other end. :)

[jren]

Ditto BunnyBee! My mom had surgery to remove a cyst in her spine that was causing similar issues to what you've described. She saw many doctors, and no one guessed cyst until it showed up on the MRI.


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