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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Gabapentin

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Posted on Mon, 8 Aug 2016
Question: I am experiencing bad side effects taking Gabapentin. Rapid weight gain, swelling of feet and angles, shortness of breath is worse, jerky movements, feeling fatigue most of the time. I don't know what to do. My doctor is on vacation. Please help me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please stop the Drug. Tell The Reason for which it was given

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand that you are experiencing bad side effects taking Gabapentin like Rapid weight gain, swelling of feet and angles, shortness of breath is worse, jerky movements, feeling fatigue most of the time

You have to stop the Drug.
Please Tell the reason for which this drug was started so that we can suggest you safer alternatives till your doctor returns

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Take care.

-oOo-

PS : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (42 minutes later)
Thank you for responding. I suffer with cronic lower back pain on my right side. Gabapentin was prescribed to me by my doctor to help with the problem. It's not working. I have no pain when I sit down. When I get up and walk less than 1/2 block my back is killing me! And, when I sit down the pain is gone.
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please Stop Gabapentin. take Tab.Paracetamol 500 mg three times a day

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam

Please Stop Gabapentin.
For Lower Back Pain, you can take Tab.Paracetamol 500 mg three times a day. This drug is available over the counter and you can continue taking this till you consult your regular doctor.

(Paracetamol is also sold as Calpol , Pacimol, Tylenol etc)

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (2 hours later)
Dr. Mascarenhas,

What about the drug called Lasix/furosemide. It supposed to help with swollen feet/angles. Also, help with shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. Mine is a little high, but not much. The last time I saw the doctor, 3 days ago said, yes I do have swollen feet and angles and suggested I contact my doctor. My doctor is out until August 17, 2016. I simply can't wait that long. What would you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please Stop Gabapentin, Take paracetamol and if needed Lasix

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam
Welcome Back

Q1
What about the drug called Lasix/furosemide. It supposed to help with swollen feet/angles. Also, help with shortness of breath, and high blood pressure. Mine is a little high, but not much.
A1
Lasix of Furosemide can be taken for (a) Swollen Feet (b) High Blood Pressure. I am not sure whether that is available Over the Counter. If it is available, you can take it 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the afternoon (If 40 mg tablets are available, please take half tablets)

Q2
The last time I saw the doctor, 3 days ago said, yes I do have swollen feet and angles and suggested I contact my doctor. My doctor is out until August 17, 2016. I simply can't wait that long. What would you suggest?
A2
I would suggest you to
(a) Stop Gabapentin
(b) Take Paracetamol 500 mg
Wait for three days. If the Swelling in Feet /Ankles goes of there is no need of lasix. If the swelling persists
(c) Take Lasix as mentioned in A1

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 813 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Gabapentin

Brief Answer: Please stop the Drug. Tell The Reason for which it was given Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand that you are experiencing bad side effects taking Gabapentin like Rapid weight gain, swelling of feet and angles, shortness of breath is worse, jerky movements, feeling fatigue most of the time You have to stop the Drug. Please Tell the reason for which this drug was started so that we can suggest you safer alternatives till your doctor returns If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions. Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery Take care. -oOo- PS : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno