Gabapentin 900 Mg/day Side Effects (Top voted first)

I've been taking one gabapentin 300 mg three times per day starting six days ago for severe spinal stenosis. It's been a miracle drug for me in terms of pain relief and makes oxycodone seem like a placebo. Unfortunately, starting two days ago I started to experience pronounced swelling in my legs and feet. I'm already taking 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure and I thought that would prevent any swelling but it hasn't. If I can deal with the swelling and being uncomfortable from it do I still have to go off the gabapentin? Are there any medical reasons I can't accept the swelling in order to have the benefits of the gabapentin? After the first two days on gabapentin I went from 10 mg of oxycodone every 4 hours to 5 mg twice a day, sometimes just once. This is the first time in two months of unrelenting pain that I've had almost total relief and am very reluctant to give it up and go back to the oxycodone. Thank you.

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Hello, Fleuramore! How are you?

The swelling can be dangerous, because such fluid retention can cause elevated blood pressure and elevated heart rate, this puts strain on your heart, which could lead to cardiac damage. It could also lead to stroke, heart attack or congestive heart failure.

However, your doctor might be able to raise your dosage of the Hydrochlorothiazide, plus there are other diuretics you can try that might work better for you. Their typical side effects include nausea, headache, hypotension and dehydration.

As an alternative to the Gabapentin, you might also be able to try Pregabalin, it is also an anticonvulsant that works in the same way to treat nerve pain, but it might not cause the edema. Its typical side effects include nausea, headache, weight changes and mood swings.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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Thank you, Verwon, for your response and suggestions. I had no idea that swelling poses those risks. Unfortunately, my legs and feet are even more swollen today than last night so I will definitely contact my doctor. I'll see what alternatives he may have and ask him about the Pregabalin in the hopes that it would be a better choice for me. Take care.

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You are very welcome, I'm happy to help!

Please post back and keep me updated!

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Warren, I agree, although, hopefully, a return to the full dose of oxy won't be necessary. Also, Verwon suggested Pregabalin, which is the generic name for Lyrica. In all circles Lyrica is known for weight gain, i.e. bloating/swelling. I wouldn't think that would be a satisfactory alternative at all.

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To all who are able to tolerate Gabapentin, good for you. I first started with 300mg 4x a day, my body would not tolerate. Swelling ankles, skin discoloration, and feel like I was in a fog. My doctor change to 100mg 4x a day, no better. I was hoping I could tolerate because it helped my pain to the point of thinking I would be able to stop pain management treatment. I am still waiting on a miracle drug that my body will say ”okay”.

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It could very well be your reducing the oxy could cause the swelling. Go back to your original dosage as that's what your body is used to. Gabapenting doesn't make you swell so there might be an underlying problem. I would seek a medical opinion.

I take 900 mg of GABA four times a day and have had no problem. Best of luck. Elevate your legs while your sleeping.

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