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Real members of MySpondylitisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rainier, OR

I was prescribed Gabapentin, was ok taking one pill a night, but when I took one at night and one in the morning I got angry, cried a lot and was thinking suicidal thoughts. So I called my pcp up and told him. He still wanted me to take one at night! I refused.it wasnt helping me anyway. Should I try it again?

March 16, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply mixed experiences with gabapentin (Neurontin), with some finding it helpful for nerve pain, tremors, and sleep while... Read more

Members shared deeply mixed experiences with gabapentin (Neurontin), with some finding it helpful for nerve pain, tremors, and sleep while many others described severe side effects including worsening depression, suicidal thoughts requiring hospitalization, muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty sleeping after stopping. Several members emphasized that the medication affects everyone differently, with practical advice including trying alternative medications like Lyrica or Horizant (extended-release gabapentin), always tapering off slowly rather than stopping abruptly, and never hesitating to advocate for yourself by refusing a medication that causes harmful effects regardless of doctor recommendations. A recurring theme was the importance of trusting your own body and mental health over medical pressure, with multiple members urging the original poster not to retry gabapentin given their serious adverse reaction, while acknowledging that for some people it remains an effective and well-tolerated treatment option.

A MySpondylitisTeam Member

It’s so bad for the brain, it stops new synapses, I refuse to take it.

April 3, 2018
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Yes, I had horrible swelling & fluid retention on the high dose of Gabapentin. Then my dosage was reduced but increased to take 4 per day instead of 3. This seems to be working well for me.

July 27, 2019
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Although I got relief from Neurontin (12 daily, dose) I had extreme swelling from fluid retention. I was switched to Gabapentin with same problem but not as bad so I was switched to Horizant (12 HR release Gabapentin) 600mg Bid with great results & no side effects. So if you got sufficient relief with the normal meds but had side effects there is a possible solution. Might not work for everyone but did for me! 😄

March 8, 2019
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Gabapentin do seem to be very helpful for some people, my husband finds they help him a lot but I suppose like all meds they don't suit everyone.

January 19, 2019
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I love it! I take 6 pills a day. Without it my neck tremors are horrible, embarrassing. I am very thankful for this med

November 22, 2018

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