Question:
Anyone post ops successfully using GABAPENTIN for severe neropathic pain?

I am now taking 3-4 400mg capsules per day. They tried taking me off it once and as I tapered down, the pain became unbearable. My problem is proximal peripheral nerve damage that occurred as a complication of back surgery. Please tell me if you are able to swallow capsule whole and if you needed a dosage adjustment. Thanks a bunch!    — Anna W. (posted on March 26, 2006)

March 25, 2006
Anna- I too take Neurontin but not on a regular basis, however my surgery is 3 weeks away- what I would suggest is check with the pharmacist and see if it can be made up as a liquid/suspension- I am not sure if this is possible or not- I know one of my friends hwo has RNY 2+ years ago takes Naproxyn in liquid form for her arthritis. It won't hurt to check or even to ask the pharm. if there is a liquid alternative to Neurontin.
   — dabby

March 26, 2006
I take three a day for nerve in spine. I am 3 weeks out and I do fine swallowing. I actually take a lot of medications and the ones I can cut I do but the capsules are going down just fine. I just take one and wait a little while before the next. Good Luck and God Bless
   — cheymax

March 26, 2006
I also take Gabapentin for over two years now. I started taking it after I had my tummy tuck surgery. I had statred having alot of pain afterwards and my internal medcine doctor had told me that I might have never damage from the surgery. My dosage that I take is 600 mg four times a day. We tried cutting me back on it but the pains started coming back. I really don't have any problems swallowing. When I had first started taking Gabapentin I was only taking 100 mg three times a day, and it really didn't work so I had to start going up. It seems that 600 mg three times a day is working for me. Shelly
   — angelglobe

March 26, 2006
You need to check with your doctor, some medications are absorbed differently. - Carol
   — robinsoc140

March 27, 2006
I was also taking this for neropathy in my feet. My ortho doc changed me to the new drug Lyrica. It is just amazing! You take less mg only twice a day and the capsules are tiny.I take 75mg twice a day. I also take Athrotec for arthritis. It is amazing also. I was told we should NEVER take Naproxen as it is VERY hard on the new tummy. Ask your doc for samples of Lyrica. Good Luck!
   — sblady329

March 27, 2006
Like Sandra, I've been prescribed Lyrica also, and although I've heard from others that it is a "miracle drug", I haven't been able to take it because its a Category C, and I'm trying to conceive.
   — Karyn B

March 27, 2006
Anna, I take 800 mg 4 times a day for pheripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. After my surgery I was changed to the liquid form at the same dosage. I am now 16 months post op and am able to swallow the 800mg pill. Good luck, and I hope that this info was helpful.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 22, 2006
I am just behind in answering your question. I take Neurontin (gabapentin) for peripheral diabetic neuropathy in the capsule form and do just fine. In fact, I take several pills like Lipitor for cholesterol and Zetia and Tramadol for pain and Mobic for pain and Protonix for ulcer/acid reflux control. I take them all with no problem so it is possible. Karen
   — KRWaters