I have been taking Gaberpentin for the past 2 years, originally 3600 mg and now 2700mg whilst investigations were being done to give me a diagnosis for my neuropathic pain.
I was diagnosed 6 months ago with MS and have to stay on this dosage until I get an appointment with the pain management team.
Since taking Gaberpentin my weight has ballooned. I have put on 64lbs and have not increased my food intake.
I am getting very depressed as the weight has contributed to my lack of
confidence.
I used to be a very fit person going to the gym three times a week, but my GP won't give me permission to take up exercise for now.
Please can anyone help me I am getting so depressed.
People often have varying reactions and side effects with meds. Weight gain is an unfortunate part of this dilemma. The levels you have been prescribed are quite high. Is the medicine helping? If you need to get off the medicine, you will need to be slowly weaned off of it under your doctor's care. You should not stop taking it abruptly.
As to the weight gain, yes it is difficult. Have you had your hormone levels checked? Weight gain can come when hormones are out of balance.
__________________
MS diagnosed since October 3, 1982
MS onset circa 1977
Proud to be MED FREE!
Eternally blessed and eternally optimistic!<><
The following user gives a hug of support to MSJayhawk: Mitch1958 (10-21-2012)
The Following User Says Thank You to MSJayhawk For This Useful Post: Mitch1958 (10-21-2012)
Hi :wave
My GP is reluctant to stop my meds until my pain is under control.
II have been referred to the pain management team, which is a long process and could take
Up to 9 months.
No I haven't had my hormones levels checked recently all I know is I am on the change.
We eat healthily and I am worried that if I don't take control of this weight gain I will have great difficulty dealing with my self confidence and this will increase my depression
That is a conundrum. It is a difficulty to be where you are at because the medicine may be ineffective for you, yet they will not proceed until the pain is under control. If the pain is caused by nerves, you may never get it under control. It is a sticky wicket to be sure.
You might be able to seek out the MS Society there regarding their assistance to get a referral to see an MS Specialist. I do not know if this is doable under your NHS rules. I certainly think you ought to be able to see an MS Specialist and a pain specialist at the same time.
__________________
MS diagnosed since October 3, 1982
MS onset circa 1977
Proud to be MED FREE!
Eternally blessed and eternally optimistic!<><
Mitch,
Im sorry you are going through all this. I would never suggest that you take matters into your own hands; but I am suggesting that you talk to someone on the phone about reducing the amount of the drug you are taking. It is important to wean off it and not stop it abruptly; however you are taking some HUGE doses, that I would bet that reducing it 100 mgs a shot wouldnt hurt you (with your doctors permission). They dont want to change it until you see a pain specialist? But - who put you on it? The pain specialist? Call them and talk to them on the phone. This isnt something that cannot be done verbally on the telephone.
Gabepentin doenst often help MS patients....nerve damage, which causes neuropathy from exposed and damaged nerves doesnt usually respond to this drug. Were you put on it before you were diagnosed with MS? And has it helped at all?
I realize you are upset and Im upset for you. To take that high a dose- is questionable- and can be contributing to your depression! The sooner you start to wean off it, the better for you. Please make some calls this week and see if you can get verbal permission to start reducing the mgs you are taking..
Also, just an FYI- your doctor may not be giving you permission to get back in the gym right now...but how about walking? Walking burns calories, is good for the mind, and is low impact....can you start walking a mile here and there (do it with someone if you feel that you may not be safe on your own) and start helping yourself to feel better? No one feels good when all they are doing it putting their wellbeing into someone else's hands....I really feel for you. And, I hope you get answers soon.
Nikki
__________________
RRMS- dx 05
The following user gives a hug of support to MSNik: montague (11-07-2012)
Mitch,
Im sorry you are going through all this. I would never suggest that you take matters into your own hands; but I am suggesting that you talk to someone on the phone about reducing the amount of the drug you are taking. It is important to wean off it and not stop it abruptly; however you are taking some HUGE doses, that I would bet that reducing it 100 mgs a shot wouldnt hurt you (with your doctors permission). They dont want to change it until you see a pain specialist? But - who put you on it? The pain specialist? Call them and talk to them on the phone. This isnt something that cannot be done verbally on the telephone.
Gabepentin doenst often help MS patients....nerve damage, which causes neuropathy from exposed and damaged nerves doesnt usually respond to this drug. Were you put on it before you were diagnosed with MS? And has it helped at all?
I realize you are upset and Im upset for you. To take that high a dose- is questionable- and can be contributing to your depression! The sooner you start to wean off it, the better for you. Please make some calls this week and see if you can get verbal permission to start reducing the mgs you are taking..
Also, just an FYI- your doctor may not be giving you permission to get back in the gym right now...but how about walking? Walking burns calories, is good for the mind, and is low impact....can you start walking a mile here and there (do it with someone if you feel that you may not be safe on your own) and start helping yourself to feel better? No one feels good when all they are doing it putting their wellbeing into someone else's hands....I really feel for you. And, I hope you get answers soon.
Nikki
Hi
Thank you for your post.
The information was very useful.
i do have a neurolist consultant, three MS nurses, a physiotherapist and
a OT MS nurse.
When i next see my doctor in 2 weeks i will discuss my weight gain.
Unfortunately I tried to come off gaberpentin and ended up in hospital
Welcome.
Re: Weight Gain using Gaberpentin 
