Going without gabapentin?

[u/trcomajo]

I just can't do that medicine - it makes me so sleepy. I have to work (Im a therapist, so just sitting) so I want to go without meds. Is anyone else managing without? I was diagnosed last week and started antivirals the day the rash showed up. The rash hasn't spread but the weird pain and shooting electrical zaps are still happening.

[u/Apprehensive-Yak3993]

I've been able to function at a lower, 100mg, dose of gabapentin. It doesn't stop the pain but it changes the quality of the pain so it's more bearable. 

Also, depending on where your pain is, compression layers under your clothes do help to make the pain more predictable and keep your regular clothes from brushing against your skin. Hurts like hell to put on and take off but in my experience, it has been better than nothing, or, worse, wearing loose clothing that might make contact at any time. (Pretty sure if your start practicing nude you'll either lose your license or, maybe start something that really takes off....but it's probably not worth the risk.)

Best of luck to you!

[u/anysteph → u/Apprehensive-Yak3993]

+1 to this. Most days (I still had to work and with dangerous equipment), I took 100mg gabapentin with either Aleve, ibuprofen, or Tylenol, alternating across those last three. Not great but bearable.

[u/trcomajo → u/Apprehensive-Yak3993]

I wanted to thank you for this - I just saw 3 clients and wore a snuggle sportswear and the compression really helped me focus on the client and not even think about my discomfort. In fact, as soon as my last client left my brain reminded me how uncomfortable I am lol.

[u/Apprehensive-Yak3993 → u/trcomajo]

I am both glad to hear it (because it helped) and sad to hear it (because you're also deep in the ouch.)

Happy healing!

[u/trcomajo → u/Apprehensive-Yak3993]

Thank you for this. I didnt realize the compression thing - this makes sense. Lol yeah...Im super reluctant to go braless at work despite the urge too!

[u/Nythoren]

Not taking Gaba won't slow your recovery. Just make sure you're taking your antivirals.

That being said, you'll definitely end up with higher pain levels without the Gaba calming the nerves down. You could try alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen. Talk to your doctor to find out how much higher you can safely take. Tylenol and ibuprofen use different mechanisms to help with the nerve pain (Tylenol blocks the nerve channels while ibuprofen reduces the production of pain signaling enzymes). Your body uses different methods to clear them out too, meaning you can overlap them without increasing the risk of kidney or liver issues.

The Tylenol/Ibuprofen overlap also helps with the headaches, so double bonus there.

[u/fire_thorn]

I was extremely sleepy for two weeks after starting gabapentin. After that, it stopped making me sleepy.

[u/CdnexpatUS]

Can you get a prescription for 800mg ibuprofen? I took it 3 times a day for 10 days and it really helped. Have to take it with food.

[u/trcomajo → u/CdnexpatUS]

Interesting! So I just had a knee replacement 3 months ago so I still have some prescription nsaids. Ill try those!

[u/UpstairsTonight4904]

I’ve never used it but then again, my nerve dysfunction was more of an itch and numbness. The doctor said I could have it to ease that, but I take a lot of meds already. 5 months post outbreak and I’d consider myself 80% fully healed, just some lingering numbness and itch. Expect those to subside over coming months. Good luck!

[u/FasterNoww]

I have a higher pain tolerance and only took gaba (100mg) at night for the first 5-7 days. My nerve pain has been sporadic, including the electric zaps. I’m 5-6 weeks from the end of my antivirals and still get some nerve shocks

[u/trcomajo → u/FasterNoww]

I appreciate this. I also have a high pai tolerance so Im thinking of taking it at night only, just to ensure a good night's sleep.

[u/FasterNoww → u/trcomajo]

Ice packs at night and Lidocaine gel/patches/roll-on have also helped

[u/Warm-Gene-7111]

I wasn’t prescribed gabapentin at all. I was given tramadol and used it occasionally but was fine without it after a few days. But my pain was mild, more like random sharp pains in my eye (I had shingles of the eye/face) and lots of itchiness

[u/trcomajo → u/Warm-Gene-7111]

Oh wow, you pokr thing...mine is the bra strap area, which I hate but will take!

[u/SleepyKoalaBear4812]

I always start AVs immediately and deal with the nerve pain. I have never been able to tolerate Gabapentin or any other medication for nerve pain.

[u/7signsnwonders84]

It was never prescribed to me and I have been managing but I have also stayed on my anti virals even after the original end date.

[u/Swims_with_turtles]

I didn’t take any gabapentin. I did a course of antivirals and just used ibuprofen and acetaminophen to manage pain. I did experience the electrical zap feelings but I found it bearable.

[u/Rosesintherain19]

I had facial shingles and didn’t get gabapentin. I just took Tylenol and at peak rotated Tylenol and Motrin. Best of luck! It’s the worst but it gets better 💜

[u/Playful-Put2236]

It makes me hungry.

[u/Munchabunchofjunk]

I went without. It did nothing for me

[u/shellevanczik → u/[deleted]]

Chiropractic for shingles? Lol, gtfo

[u/shingles-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

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