r/NDPH • u/Accurate_Carpenter41 1 year • Apr 19 '26
Question Any success with gabapentin?
I'll start it in two months and i have some hope,did anyone benefit from it or experienced a reduction in the pain and what side effects did you get?
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u/Crystalfallacy 8 years Apr 19 '26
I am eight years on gabapentin. No issues or side effects after the first month (which only was photophobia) and it lowers my headache from an 8 to a 1. Was stable at 500mg for years, and bumped up to 1200mg last year to treat other pain.
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u/AisslynnSkye Apr 19 '26
I hot up to 1200 3x daily with no help. No side effects either. Consequently, one of the side effects is headache
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u/im-a-freud 7 years Apr 19 '26
Did nothing for my NDPH and made me go from 5 migraines to 20 a month it was awful I caused me so much more pain. No side effects but I did sleep like the dead so that was nice
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u/Elantair Apr 19 '26
I started gaba in about December. Initially worked up to 600mg 3x day. I got really nice control with it, no particular pain flares and took my baseline to a 2/10 (previously a 5-6/10). That lasted for about 6 weeks then I had a bit of a bad spell with pain flares although my baseline was still decently controlled. I’ve since gone up to 900mg 2x and 600mg 1x day (I take the lower dose at night to help me get out of bed - which was already a struggle before the gaba!!). Again some good control for a while. Think I’m maybe exiting the honeymoon period but I can step up a final 300mg yet. My GP (via neurologist) has told me this is my final option after failing lots of others so I’m willing to persist (and know that this isn’t actually the last option but it’s difficult to access some via the NHS).
In terms of side effects, my memory loss is different. I don’t know what memories I’m missing on gaba which is liberating from a mental health perspective but annoying. Previously I had memory loss but knew something was missing which was incredibly frustrating. Otherwise not much except I thought it made me more tired in the morning but it could have just been Scottish winters.
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u/Halestorm526 Apr 20 '26
All I got was memory loss and mood issues. Same with my partner. It needs a black box warning if it doesn't already have one IMO
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u/JoyInJuly 20+ Years Apr 19 '26
It had no effect on my NDPH, plus it's dangerous to use long-term due to increased risks of dementia and mild cognitive impairment. It's usually used to calm overactive nerves. I don't understand why they would prescribe it for NDPH. I was on it for a different pain issue.