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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Gabapentin

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Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017
Question: I had a lumbar laminectomy in July and belatedly scar tissue. My regular doctor has me taking Gabapentin 600mg tablets 3 half tablets during the day and 1 full tablet at night, I have an appointment with a neuroligist In May. However, I find the side effects of Gabapintin are making me almost dysfunctional.



























doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
That dosage is pretty high for your age.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

It is a little unclear what you have been prescribed Gabapentin for. It is normally prescribed for neuropathic pain, is that your case. If not then I do not see a reason for taking Gabapentin, its function is simply to moderate pain, it doesn't benefit the healing process in any way.

If you are still under pain, I still wonder if that dosage is necessary. If my calculations are correct the total daily dosage is 1500 mg a day which is pretty high. While it can at times be reached at that dosage that is only in selected cases, not a common dosage particularly at your age where the side effects may be more pronounced. So I would consider gradually lowering the dosage to see how it goes till the neurologists appointment. If it is seen that a lower dosage is not effective then trying another medication such as Pregabalin or duloxetine may be considered at that appointment.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Gabapentin

Brief Answer: That dosage is pretty high for your age. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. It is a little unclear what you have been prescribed Gabapentin for. It is normally prescribed for neuropathic pain, is that your case. If not then I do not see a reason for taking Gabapentin, its function is simply to moderate pain, it doesn't benefit the healing process in any way. If you are still under pain, I still wonder if that dosage is necessary. If my calculations are correct the total daily dosage is 1500 mg a day which is pretty high. While it can at times be reached at that dosage that is only in selected cases, not a common dosage particularly at your age where the side effects may be more pronounced. So I would consider gradually lowering the dosage to see how it goes till the neurologists appointment. If it is seen that a lower dosage is not effective then trying another medication such as Pregabalin or duloxetine may be considered at that appointment. I remain at your disposal for other questions.