Gabapentin Titratrated Up To 4800mg/day

Before I became more proactive than I already was, and I was focused, but not on the right place. Then I started researching the drugs I was on. One of the first was Gabapentin. While I was on Gabapentin before I had first symptoms she began increasing my dose immediately.. I could not figure out where she was going with increasing my dose every time I reported my symptoms were progressing. It had originally just been my feet. Then my legs, with hyperesthesia of my knees, specifically to cold and barometric changes., onto a pelvic floor disorder, essentially pressure on the pelvic floor, with pressure on the Pudendal Nerve. All the while reporting this to my Neurologist, who instead of asking to see me, increased my Gabapentin. Then suddenly my teeth went numb, my scalp tingled, I had hyperesthesia of the trunk, could not tolerate underwear, or any clothing too close to my skin, spending much of my home time in pajamas. Then my lower face became involved, and my hands. By this time, I knew about the Neurologists incredible increase to many times the recommended daily dose of Gabapentin to 4800mg/day. The last time I saw her, she stated:"The only thing I can diagnose you with is Ataxia" Heck, didn't she realize the first side effect of Gabapentin is Ataxia? I was stunned, but did not confront her at the time. By this time, I'd begun suspecting that my initial dose of Gabapentin, over time, had begun to affect my feet. Then with increasing my Gabapentin dose, put me where I am today. I have since confronted her, as well as my other Physicians, who did not raise the red flag on this too high dose. Finally, my lower face has become involved. I can not even smile anymore. All the other symptoms have remained. This all started a little over two years ago. Many diagnostics later, all negative for any pathology, other than SIADH, have been negative. I began tapering very slowly in August, 2014, with quite a bit of pain, but as of now, I have managed to halve the dose to 2400mg/day now in January, 2015, and I am not finished yet. I am to see a new Neurologist, affiliated with a local Medical School, yet, could not get an appointment until mid-April. That is my story. Since that time, I have become very pro-active in my own health care. I fear these changes may be permanent. I am white, 64y/o, a retired R.N., non-Diabetic, with no family history of nerve problems. Thank you for hearing me out, but had to tell my story. I have also begun thinking of myself as a Client, rather than a patient, as the Doctor/Client dynamic changes my whole perspective, and denotes a partnership, rather than subserviant individual in my health care. It is, after all a business relationship. Any thoughts on the matter greatly appreciated.

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You are not the first to report such issues from taking Gabapentin, but the good news is that such symptoms do typically go away, once you stop taking it.

Other typical side effects, as listed by the FDA, may include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache and mood swings.

I'd also like to add a note for anyone else that is in a similar situation, you are not obligated to take anything your doctor prescribes for you. Unless you are under court order for something, such as drug abuse or a mental health problem, no one can make you take a medication. It is entirely your option. You know your body best, so if something doesn't seem right, you are most likely correct and should look at the medications you're taking.

How are you feeling now, Donnastl?

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