Long term side effects

[scouper]

What are the long term side effects of taking Gabapentin for long term pain control?

[MamaAng]

I  have been on it for 2 years.  It helps.  Nothing takes away all of the pain, but it definitely helps.  The only thing I dislike is that if I miss it my nerves ZAP me.  My fingers feel like they are touching electricity, as do my feet and toes.  It is very uncomfortable, but it makes me darn sure I take it every 6 hours!  

[Tuckamore]

Hi Scouper,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum.

I assume you have nerve pain for which Gabapentin is being prescribed. Gabapentin is in a class of drugs known as anticonvulsant.  It was initial approved for that use in 1993. In 2002 is gained FDA approval for in the use of neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is also being used to treat Depression, Mania and Anxiety.

Sedation, confusion, dizziness, and ataxia are the most common side effects, especially with initial larger doses are prescribed. Our systems build a tolerance to these effects within a few days to a week, at least for the most part. The are no studies that that conclude there are significant side effects with long term use of this drug.

You may want to ask this question of a pharmacist. They are a great resource that if often over-looked and under utilized.

I'll look forward to hearing from you again.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[melissaky]

Hello and welcome ! I am not sure about long term side effects from Gabapentin .I have been taking them for awhile and they really help my nerve pain .I do know I have read on the addiction forum that stopping them suddenly can cause withdrawal like symptoms .I don't understand that though because they are not narcotic or a controlled substance .I just know that for me personally they have been a godsend .My nerve pain has been controlled very well on them .I hope that you will continue to post and let us know how you are doing .
Take care
Melissa

[dontundertand]

I've been taking Lyrica for almost 3 years now. I can only speak for my experience so far, but from what I've read and heard from other members, if you can stand the side effects for a little while they get better. At first I was dizzy and extremly sleepy after taking it but that went away. I have put on about 10-15 lbs in the last year and a half and I'm betting the Lyrica is a small part of that. I've read people gain a lot sometimes with this med. It def makes you wanna eat everything in sight sometimes. But I don't feel any adverse side effects mentally. I hope that helps! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!