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kem

Updated 1y ago

Struggling with Gabapentin for Fibromyalgia

So, I am taking Gabapentin for my Fibromyalgia. It is a great medicine but I definitely feel the fatigue side affect. I need to increase my dosage but am afraid of even more fatigue. I'm stuck! The side affect on top of the normal fatigue from fibro is too much. I need more pain relief but don't want to sleep all day.

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SassyMouth

2y

I just started using it and so far it's working wonders. But I'm definitely tired.
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katc

2y

I have been on gabapentin in various doses since 2014 and the fatigue is very overwhelming at first. You do get used to it. I take 800 mg twice a day for a total of 1600 mg per day currently. My doctor has never let it get past 2400mg because beyond that it starts doing more harm than good long term. I still have some pain despite this medicine. I take 600mg ibprophen as needed and I have a muscle relaxant called cyclobinzaprine that I take as needed. 5 simple mg, but powerful when things get tough. Instead of raising the gabapentin maybe as your doctor about adding something to help the gabapentin. I also take Cymbalta. It helps both the pain symptoms of fibro and the fibromyalgia.
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kem

2y

thank you. I can't take nsaids because they raise my blood pressure. Gonna have to raise the Gabapentin just didn't want to. Lol
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Radalice518

2y

my dr told me that i was at the max at 900mg 3x a day
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Hockey_Mom

2y

I have been on gabapentin for several years. They are gradually increasing my dose with a goal of 2,100 mg a day total. The daytime drowsiness is too much for me. My dr is switching me to lyrica 3 x a day. Have not started it yet.
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kem

2y

Thank you. I may look into that as a option.
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Radalice518

2y

i really want to switch to lyrica but i have to wait until i see another pain specialist in freaking september!!!
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Andreafaye

2y

I can take my gabapentin it acts like speed mostly for me
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SaraKay

2y

I can relate I take gabapentin 2x a day but I am supposed to take it 3x. Ugh. I fear it’s causing my weight gain or adding to it
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AuntBeeDoesGames

2y

I been on gabapentin on and off (mainly on) since Dec 2000 to current I'm on 300 in morning and afternoon and 600 at night. I drink a pot of coffee and drink 2-3 energy drinks just to function and stay awake. Bad for the heart...but without it...I sleep all day...but to be fair I do have narcolepsy but shh 🤫 that's one diagnosis I rarely admit to having because I don't want to lose my y drivers license. I don't fall asleep driving ever I stay alert and listen to upbeat music.) Anyways, if I sit too long doing nothing I fall asleep so I try to keep busy and when I feel a tired spell coming over me I get moving and drink more caffeine. Lol not really healthy but I gotta do what I gotta do so I don't sleep through life. Not a life. Sometimes I'd rather be in pain than be sleepy all the time. Pain I'm trying to look at it differently like it's my body's way of letting me know I'm still alive. Of course without gabapentin I would be in bed writhing in pain and agony to tears. If I remember the days I ran out over the weekend.
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NaeBae100

2y

I just stopped my gabapentin bc the pain is worsening but I’m tired of upping dosage. They are trying anti-inflammatory with my Cyclobenzaprine instead. I’m going to be starting it today. Meloxicam, fingers crossed this helps more than the Gabapentin
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Chezca

2y

I react the opposite way. I can't take gabapenton after 3 in the afternoon or I can't sleep at night. Good luck!
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Radalice518

2y

when i started gabapentin at 300mg 3x a day it definitely made me tired for about 2 weeks and then with each increase i got tired. i was up to 2700mg a day and went back down because i didnt think it was helping, now im on 300mg once a day but im moving up to twice and 3 times a day

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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