To ask about gabapentin and nerve pain/sciatica success stories?

[SpamChaudFroid]

After nearly 3 months of sciatic pain, (it's bad, I need a stick to be able to walk, well shuffle really) and many different drugs, (codiene, amitriptyline, diazepam) my GP has prescribed gabapentin. I am seeing a physio who has made an appointment for a second opinion as to whether it needs further invstigation, (eg. steroid injections or material removed).

Has this worked for anyone? please someone tell me it works

I have had two episodes of sciatica this year. Painkillers and diazepam didn’t touch the most recent. My hamstrings and calf muscles were in constant spasm. I wasn’t keen to go on gabapentin so GP suggested Baclofen. It took a week to start working but has been fantastic. The first week I was totally spaced out but after 3 weeks of agony, no sleep and being unable to stand or walk I didn’t really care. After a week the side effects wore off and by week 3 of taking it I was no longer needing painkillers.
I will have to stay on it for a while because the withdrawal symptoms are problematic but after 6weeks I have reduced the dose. I have been back at work ( the sciatica is the result of long term working position so I have modified my posture and work position) and although having a little aching in the other leg I am managing really well. It will be a while until we are able to work at full capacity so the extra time for recovery is a bonus.
The loss off feeling in my foot is returning but no pain and although I am still limping slightly I can do 2-3 miles with the dog without pain.
I have suffered from chronic sciatica since I was a young adult but I’ve only had a handful of severe episodes. The last two were definitely the worst. I have a very high pain threshold having suffered with endometriosis since my mid twenties but sciatica pain if the worst pain I’ve experienced.
I have managed to lose 10kg since Xmas so hopefully this will help and plan to start swimming regularly when pools open. The worst thing is that walking is often the best way the exercise it but it’s the very last thing you feel you can do.

thanks so much oralengineer I'm so pleased for you that the Baclofen worked.

will be off to Google...

If i can get the pain under control I know i could exercise more which did the job before.

It is a truly awful pain isn't it.

ah I see its a muscle relaxant. osteo def recommended something for nerve pain.

GP prescribed amitriptyline. Really hope it helps.

The problem with sciatica is the neuro pain is caused by the nerve being trapped along its course usually by one of the muscles in the buttock or hip. It can be caused by bulging disc and surgery is usually indicated for this.
Baclofen is a new way of treating it by stopping the muscle spasms. When the the nerve is trapped it becomes inflamed and causes the muscles to go into spasm so the pain becomes an evil circle. Anti inflammatories with muscle relaxant is usual drug combination but after prolonged spasm it is difficult to get the muscle to simply relax.
Neurological drugs can cause severe drowsiness and depress the neuro system. Although Baclofen causes initial drowsiness the side effects wear of quickly. One of the more interesting side effects is that it can control impulsive behaviour and has been used in addiction. I have found that it has aided weight loss because I don’t seem to crave some of my go to comfort foods.
Baclofen is being used increasingly for chronic back problems.

Thanks thats really interesting and useful to know. My osteo thinks mine is due to a compressed disc... But i will definitely keep this in mind.

Anyone had success with Anitriptyline and/or codeine?

Hey there, I totally get what you're going through — sciatic nerve pain can be absolutely debilitating. I’ve been in a very similar situation, and I just wanted to share that Neurontin (gabapentin) has genuinely helped me. I also get mine from curecarry.com — they’re reliable and the quality has been great, so I’ve stuck with them.

For me, gabapentin really started to kick in after about a week of taking it regularly. I take 300mg three times a day — morning, mid-afternoon, and before bed. The first few days were a little foggy (a bit sleepy and woozy), but that settled quickly. What I noticed most was how the sharp, electric, stabbing kind of nerve pain dulled significantly. It didn’t totally vanish overnight, but within 2 weeks I could walk without relying on a cane, and sleep without waking up from shooting leg pain.

I’m still doing physio and stretches daily, and I think the combination of both is key — but gabapentin gave me the relief I needed to start moving again. Everyone’s different, but don’t lose hope — it really can work. Sending you strength and healing. 💛