I was prescribed Gabapentin after an awful outbreak of shingles last June?
Question posted by lilred68107 on 25 March 2010
Last updated on 22 November 2018 by mary webb
My PCM ordered 300mg to be taken 3x a day. I haven't felt any significant relief from this, so I looked it up on this website. I found that I may not be taking enough, so I called my PCM, and she prescribed 400mg to be taken 3x a day. How long will it take for me to know if this is an improvement? I feel stabbing, pin sticking, pain across my rib cage 24/7. Weather is a huge factor it seems... as with certain fabrics that come in contact with the affected area.
I have also tried Capsicum Oleoresin with 0.075% Capsaicin Topical Analgesic Cream, but that really put it on fire. So, that is out. Anyone have any other ideas for relief? Is 1200 mg of Gabapentin per day going to make a significant difference vs 900mg that didn't even touch it?
I have also been told that stress is a huge contributor to Shingles outbreaks, but I haven't had much luck at reducing that in my life. I was prescribed Prozac and before the 30 day prescription ran out, I weaned off of it because of very frightening, violent nightmares. I don't think that is the route for me to go.
I can't seem to get much info from the PCM. What specialty doctors can I request a referral to?
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19 Answers Page 2
MA
mary webb
18 Jan 2012
I am on Gabapentin 300mg 3xdaily and they are helping me so much with this terrible pain debilaitly shingles which i got just before xmas the pain is soo bad it brought me to tears.I have shingles from left side of hip to my groin.Gabapentin is a miricale drug for me and it is also funded now in New Zealand
Votes: +2
DO
dona_o
27 April 2010
Consider seeing a pain management MD .Shingles pain that does not go away is PHN.Tho hard to treat you there are other options,ie:pain meds,lyrica,lidoderm patches,anti-virals,acupuncture. I have had PHN since last September and occasional have breakout still,the pain is always with me breakout or not,breakouts just make it worsen.Avoiding stress is a must,I have really cut out the drama people in my life,just not worth the pain.Neurontin takes a while to work,it has given me some relief,other days not.I meditate,avoid stress,take pain meds,and try to figure out triggers and avoid them,like heat,it always makes the pain worse for me.I wish I could tell you I have found what makes it go away but I have not.Keep trying.I hope you get relief soon,
