The Fear of Medication Changes in AS and Neuropathy

  Last night as I lay in bed trying to get to sleep, my feet were burning and my ankles ached. I have Peripheral Neuropathy. My neurologist prescribed Gabapentin about 3 years ago and has increased my dosage as needed. 

  I had an appointment with my neurologist last month. I told her my neuropathy symptoms are worsening, keeping me awake at night and causing me to fall more frequently. The doctor explained she could increase my Gabapentin, but the side effects would also increase. My main side effect being sleepiness during the daytime. If that side effect would hit me at nighttime it would be the perfect solution to my problems. Alas, no luck there.
After telling her I certainly didn't need more daytime sleepiness, she said Lyrica might be an option. Of course, I have saw the advertisements on television for Lyrica. My doctor told me I would need to discontinue the Gabapentin before beginning Lyrica. Therein lies the problem, my Gabapentin also helps control my pain from my Ankylosing Spondylitis. The thought of stopping my Gabapentin possibly sending me into a flare is terrifying. I told my neurologist I would like to take time to think about my options. It's been a month and I still haven't made a decision.
  I feel like I'm in a no win situation. My rheumatologist is considering changing my Enbrel injections to Cosentyx because my inflammation markers are high. The Enbrel does not seem to be working for my Ankylosing Spondylitis. 

  Should I change both my neuropathy and AS medication at the same time? Is it more sensible to change only one medication and monitor it's effects before changing the other?

  I also have the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, possibly the Lyrica would make a difference in my pain levels. I know it is one of the most prescribed medications to treat Fibromyalgia. I have a cousin who also has Fibro, she tried the Lyrica. She had some of the worst side effects. At one point, she was suicidal. That would always be in the back of my mind if I choose to try Lyrica. With knowing that side effect, could I identify suicidal tendencies before they became an issue for me? 

  So many things to consider! I appreciate being able to share my thoughts on this blog. If any of you have experience with these medications, please comment. I'd love to have "hands on" experiences shared to help me make a decision.


Gentle hugs to each of you!
Fighting Ankylosing Spondylitis, Peripheal Neuropathy,
Osteoarthritis, Scoliosis, and Fibromyalgia daily.


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Comments

Skyagrey said…
This looks really old but, lyrica works much better then Gabapentin. I loved it until I lost my health insurance. Then I had the worst withdrawals in my life. I have had benzo and opiate withdraws at the same time. So now I will not go near lyrica. It was awful I almost died from the withdrawals. I felt awful my head hurt form months and I reduced my dose daily for two weeks before I ran out. tapering my dose Appropriately and still almost died. I had a seizure four days post lyrica withdrawal. Doctors don’t seem to think withdrawals should have been that bad. I think that most doctors don’t report side effects Like mine to the company and our the company doesn’t release negative feedback on the non-addicting wonder drug lyrica.