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Real members of MyChronicPainTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyChronicPainTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX

How long does it take to adjust to Gabapenten before you stop nodding off like a junkie and feeling lightheaded?

(Using for fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy/nerve root disorders in neck and lumbar- on day 6)

I do think its starting to work— feels like when a lidocaine injection starts to kick in, if anyone here reading this has gotten those for nerve pain before.

March 18, 2021 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared their varied experiences adjusting to gabapentin for nerve pain, with most reporting that side effects like dizziness and... Read more

Members shared their varied experiences adjusting to gabapentin for nerve pain, with most reporting that side effects like dizziness and drowsiness typically subsided within a few days to two weeks, though some found the cognitive fog never fully resolved despite the medication's effectiveness for pain. Several members offered practical strategies including starting with nighttime-only dosing before adding daytime pills, drinking plenty of water, and gradually titrating up the dose to ease the adjustment period. A recurring theme was that individual responses differ widely, with some members finding gabapentin transformative for sleep and pain relief while others had to switch to alternatives like Cymbalta or stronger pain medications when the side effects proved intolerable.

A MyChronicPainTeam Member

Hi , i take gabapentin 3 in the morning 3 at night,some people get very dizzy and feeling like you do,it only took me a couple days to get use to it and I find it really helps,drink lots of water when taking,everyone is different but if you can hung your side affects should subside and hopefully find some relief :)

March 21, 2021
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I use it both for migraines as well as neuropathy. I've been on for quite awhile but when I first got it, it took about 2 weeks. I only took it at night for a week then went to twice a day. But I hear some people can't get over the wobblies. I hope it helps you in time

March 18, 2021
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I "climbed" the WHO pain ladder as recommended by my neurologist for my chemo induced peripheral neuropathy and found that only Percocet worked for me...45mg/day. Not pain free but at least I can sleep better. We pain patients are being persecuted due to a hysteria created by PROP and one Dr. Kolodny...go ahead...look it up for yourself. It's unconscionable!

July 2, 2024
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

Most medication take a couple weeks,I take now ,900mg/300 ,3,times a day,it was just increased for my fingers/ hands and my sciatica,I would try and give yours the full 2weeks if still feeling that way maybe mention to your dr ,wish you all the best :)

June 30, 2021
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I take 800 mg/day 1600mg of it at night and still only get average 6 or 7 hours of sleep plus Trazadone 100mg

June 23, 2021

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