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What Causes Chest Pain After Taking Gabapentin?

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Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017
Question: hi. I have neurapthy. I take gabapentin. Would I be able to feel it in my right chest? it feels like my nerves are acting up in there especially when I move. thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Very unlikely

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

There are many types of neuropathy with many different causes and different presentations. So it might have been useful if you had added some info about the cause of your neuropathy and the manner of onset.

However generally speaking neuropathy symptoms do not affect nerves supplying the chest area, other areas are commonly affected. The fact that it appears upon moving doesn't support that either.
So I would say it is very unlikely for it to be due to neuropathy. A local muscle strain, or arthritis is a more likely cause. Anxiety is also a very commonly encountered possibility.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (20 hours later)
thanks. it isn't a pain, but a funny sensation. that is what I thought it was neuropathy
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information. I still do not think neuropathy to be likely. As I said common peripheral neuropathy like in diabetes, malnutrition etc doesn't affect nerves in that area. The types of neuropathy which one might hypothesize to involve that area would be from viral infections like herpes zoster, or copression in the spine, conditions which actually manifest with intense pain. So really unlikely for that area.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (42 minutes later)
thanks. I do have two pinched nerves by my siatic. I take gabapentin for that too
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Yes gabapentin may be used for pain due to nerve root compression. As you may have experienced those pinched nerves are usually painful, not simply a funny feeling.
Also when it comes to the chest the pinched nerve is really unlikely, usually pinched nerve develops in the back or neck area, not in the thoracic spine. That is because the back and neck are much more XXXXXXX and prone to arthritic changes.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (11 hours later)
hi and thanks One more statement and I will get out of your hair. lol. since my right chest feels like nerve pain but it isn't, it's more likely to be arthritis or from anxiety. I really thought it was from nerves. thanks for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As follows

Detailed Answer:
Hello again. Yes I do not think it is nerve pain and the two most likely options would be arthritis or anxiety. Since you do not describe it as pain, do not mention any pain upon pressing in the area, I would go more with anxiety.

Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Chest Pain After Taking Gabapentin?

Brief Answer: Very unlikely Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. There are many types of neuropathy with many different causes and different presentations. So it might have been useful if you had added some info about the cause of your neuropathy and the manner of onset. However generally speaking neuropathy symptoms do not affect nerves supplying the chest area, other areas are commonly affected. The fact that it appears upon moving doesn't support that either. So I would say it is very unlikely for it to be due to neuropathy. A local muscle strain, or arthritis is a more likely cause. Anxiety is also a very commonly encountered possibility. I remain at your disposal for other questions.