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Does Intake Of Lyrica Help In Treating Neuropathic Pain?
Question: I currently am taking gabapentin for neuropathy mostly and have fallen suddenly and awakened only when hitting something such as the floor. It is frightening,. dosage yesterday only 1/2 of 600mgs in a.m. a full one at noon and full one at 5 p.m.. Did not take my tramadol in evening as usual. Dr wants me to stop the gabipentin without gradually going off of it....and being lyrica... I am concerned because of the way my body reacts to medications.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,.have not taken any lyrica as yet. Dont know if my reactions would be the same.... any ideas? would really appreciate it. e-mail YYYY@YYYY .. appreciate any comments. I shall call my neurologist also today and see if I can get an appointment. XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
In terms of whether it is possible to interrupt Gabapentin right away, since that dose is a small one at 300 mg, it may be done I do not think there will be any serious side effects.
Lyrica is also a very good drug for neuropathic pain, a first line one along with the other drugs you have already tried (gabapentin, cymbalta and amitriptyline). So it is a valid choice and can be tried. However realistic expectations should be had, it can have similar side effects to gabapentin, if gabapentin caused dizziness and falls, Lyrica has the potential for those side effects as well.
However I wonder if other causes for those episodes have been consider. While true that Gabapentin can cause dizziness, the episodes you describe seem more than simple dizziness, more like loss of consciousness, not that typical of Gabapentin especially at that low dose.
Perhaps your doctor has already considered other possibilities, but I would still like to mention that heart issues can also cause loss of consciousness, due to arrhythmia or heart valve issues leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain. So a cardiac evaluation with EKG, 24 hour Holter EKG, heart ultrasound may be considered. Orthostatic hypotension must also be considered if episodes happen when changing position from supine to standing.
Also if there is any motor activity during these episodes (head/eye deviation, movement of the limbs, cyanosis, loss of bladder control etc) which may suggest a seizure that possibility should be considered as well with your neurologist.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
In terms of whether it is possible to interrupt Gabapentin right away, since that dose is a small one at 300 mg, it may be done I do not think there will be any serious side effects.
Lyrica is also a very good drug for neuropathic pain, a first line one along with the other drugs you have already tried (gabapentin, cymbalta and amitriptyline). So it is a valid choice and can be tried. However realistic expectations should be had, it can have similar side effects to gabapentin, if gabapentin caused dizziness and falls, Lyrica has the potential for those side effects as well.
However I wonder if other causes for those episodes have been consider. While true that Gabapentin can cause dizziness, the episodes you describe seem more than simple dizziness, more like loss of consciousness, not that typical of Gabapentin especially at that low dose.
Perhaps your doctor has already considered other possibilities, but I would still like to mention that heart issues can also cause loss of consciousness, due to arrhythmia or heart valve issues leading to insufficient blood supply to the brain. So a cardiac evaluation with EKG, 24 hour Holter EKG, heart ultrasound may be considered. Orthostatic hypotension must also be considered if episodes happen when changing position from supine to standing.
Also if there is any motor activity during these episodes (head/eye deviation, movement of the limbs, cyanosis, loss of bladder control etc) which may suggest a seizure that possibility should be considered as well with your neurologist.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The dosage for gabipentin at 300 mg was my doing by cutting it in half at times. as in the a.m.and at times in evening. But last evening and the other times I had fallen it was 600 mgs one time and the big fall was taking twice the dosage which would be then at 1,200. which I only took that one time and then started cutting back on it. sorry if I did not explain it very well.
all three times now my eyes would close and it would as if I were sleeping to awaken on the floor in pain. I will certainly consider all of your points for sure. I was wondering about radiculopathy... I have it mentioned in one test , but now am thinking an MRI is needed for sure. to make sure the growth that is causing the radiculopathy(sp?) is indeed not some tumor or disc swelling... OH BOY... some times. this getting old needs strong people.................................. I do also have a carotid artery partially blocked and as you say... could be the blood supply.. will check everything out... I appreciate your answer for sure. it is most helpful... since my dosage yesterday before the fall in total was 1,200.. should I take only one half in the a.m. and lunch... for a few days then 1/2 in the a.m. while wide awake and then ZERO? thank you. XXXXXXX
all three times now my eyes would close and it would as if I were sleeping to awaken on the floor in pain. I will certainly consider all of your points for sure. I was wondering about radiculopathy... I have it mentioned in one test , but now am thinking an MRI is needed for sure. to make sure the growth that is causing the radiculopathy(sp?) is indeed not some tumor or disc swelling... OH BOY... some times. this getting old needs strong people.................................. I do also have a carotid artery partially blocked and as you say... could be the blood supply.. will check everything out... I appreciate your answer for sure. it is most helpful... since my dosage yesterday before the fall in total was 1,200.. should I take only one half in the a.m. and lunch... for a few days then 1/2 in the a.m. while wide awake and then ZERO? thank you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update!
Regarding the manner of withdrawing, since the dosage was that high I agree with your suggestion of lowering the dose every couple of days up to zero, continue as you suggested.
Since you seem to indeed have a loss of consciousness the consideration I made before about investigating about heart related cause remains. The carotid artery is unlikely to be the cause, especially if the rest of the neck arteries had no issues.
As for investigating radiculopathy further, yes it is advisable to have some imaging either MRI or CT in order to exclude malignancies or infections (but in overwhelming part of the cases are chronic degenerative changes of the spine to cause it).
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update!
Regarding the manner of withdrawing, since the dosage was that high I agree with your suggestion of lowering the dose every couple of days up to zero, continue as you suggested.
Since you seem to indeed have a loss of consciousness the consideration I made before about investigating about heart related cause remains. The carotid artery is unlikely to be the cause, especially if the rest of the neck arteries had no issues.
As for investigating radiculopathy further, yes it is advisable to have some imaging either MRI or CT in order to exclude malignancies or infections (but in overwhelming part of the cases are chronic degenerative changes of the spine to cause it).
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Oh my Gosh.... I appreciate your help so very much. I shall continue on to find answers for sure.
In appreciation, XXXXXXX XXXX
In appreciation, XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I really hope you'll feel better soon.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
I really hope you'll feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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