Sleepless nights

There are alternative medications that work like Gabapentin. I will share what my doctors had to say. Endocrinologist: I have a love/hate relationship with Gabapentin. I would never choose to prescribe it. It's a nasty drug with too many side affects. But I have patients that say it works for them so in those cases I prescribe it. Spinal Pain Management Doctor: If weaning off Gabapentin doesn't work, I have alternative medications. I told him I was reading that Gabapentin is like a catchers mitt. The brain sends pain signals and Gabapentin blocks them. It can't eliminate them, more like defuses them. Alternative meds suppress the brain to create the pain signals. Like Gabapentin, can't eliminate, just defuse.
I told my PM doctor I've noticed brain surpressing kind are more expensive and my insurance hasn't been paying for new technology medications. He said with you they will because the AI fits and you would have to take something else to give your pituitary a chance to wake up.
As for my insomnia, I'm going into a new pattern. I was on 2,700mg per day. (300mg cap x3 900mg × 3 times per day). That sounds like a lot, but breakout pain is like blocking labor pain as it comes from the same part of the brain that creates labor. It is capable of the most destruction pain imaginable. I am now down to 2am =600mg, 1eve =300mg,1bedtime =300mg total 1,200mg. I just started weaning am every other day 1. I'm going really slow and taking it easy because a drug change this powerful is super stressful on the system and me with AI makes it more troublesome. My insomnia is now changed to sometimes falling asleep watching TV or can't stay up later than 1:30. I sleep all night and some mornings so tired I go back to bed getting up at 10-11. I like that pattern better than 3 in the morning or up all night. We have to remember I have the added exhaustion from AI.
As I suggested before, research your medications for insomnia and bring the info to your doctor. The Gabapentin is a heavy hitter, so the doc may not want to start with that one unless your pattern suggests otherwise. Jot down what you remember and chart a couple of weeks before the appointment.
Let me know what happens.

Here's one person's experience with Gabapetin. Yes, this is what's called "an·ec·do·tal (adjective) (of an account) not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research." But nevertheless, it's a well-written comment. He starts by stating the dosages he's taken, then launches into his concerns.

Potential Long Term Effects Of Gabapentin
Adam3355
"...I've used it a few times recently (in July, just a few weeks ago) when the pain really flared up, thinking it would only have minimal side effects, but it has resulted in continual severe depression and dark thoughts even though I haven't taken any in two weeks. I took it occassionally because I thought the depression was predominantely from the chronic pain, but now I realize the gabapentin was the root of it. I'm terrified because I know the drug has long since left my system but I can't shake the side effects. Doctors and psychologists won't listen to me. They say I'm just depressed and it isn't the medication, but I'm positive it is. The pain is finally improving, I'm going back to school, and things are looking up. But there is this unshakable auora that is plauging me. No matter how hard I distract myself and push through there's this cloud that impares my ability to emotionally and physical function (feelings of detachment, separation, depression, and some suicidal thoughts). Words come slower, it's harder to focus, memory is very dull. I wasn't concered within the first few days, but it's been a few weeks now and I'm alarmed that it doesn't seem to be improving.
Do the side effects ever go away... How long does it take and what can catalyze the healing process? Is it possible to incur permanent damage from a low dosage, or does it take months to heal. Can anyone explain the biomechanics behind how gabapentin can affect patients weeks after usage. "
patient.info/forums/discuss/potential-long-term-effects-of-gabapentin-272189

That's some great information you have shared with us. Thanks!

Oct 19, 2017 15:08:00 GMT -8 vintage said:

Here's one person's experience with Gabapetin. Yes, this is what's called "an·ec·do·tal (adjective) (of an account) not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research." But nevertheless, it's a well-written comment. He starts by stating the dosages he's taken, then launches into his concerns.

Potential Long Term Effects Of Gabapentin
Adam3355
"...I've used it a few times recently (in July, just a few weeks ago) when the pain really flared up, thinking it would only have minimal side effects, but it has resulted in continual severe depression and dark thoughts even though I haven't taken any in two weeks. I took it occassionally because I thought the depression was predominantely from the chronic pain, but now I realize the gabapentin was the root of it. I'm terrified because I know the drug has long since left my system but I can't shake the side effects. Doctors and psychologists won't listen to me. They say I'm just depressed and it isn't the medication, but I'm positive it is. The pain is finally improving, I'm going back to school, and things are looking up. But there is this unshakable auora that is plauging me. No matter how hard I distract myself and push through there's this cloud that impares my ability to emotionally and physical function (feelings of detachment, separation, depression, and some suicidal thoughts). Words come slower, it's harder to focus, memory is very dull. I wasn't concered within the first few days, but it's been a few weeks now and I'm alarmed that it doesn't seem to be improving.
Do the side effects ever go away... How long does it take and what can catalyze the healing process? Is it possible to incur permanent damage from a low dosage, or does it take months to heal. Can anyone explain the biomechanics behind how gabapentin can affect patients weeks after usage. "
patient.info/forums/discuss/potential-long-term-effects-of-gabapentin-272189

Hi, sherpa. Welcome.

I have adrenal insufficiency. Pituitary and glands are normal so medical suppression makes sense. I'm a good fit to the study profile. I sure hope it works for my pituitary to start working again. Gabapentin is a love hate relationship. There are drugs that tackle the pain from a different angle. My doctor said if I can't get off all the way, he'll put me on one of those.