The study included 150 participants, 90% of whom were women (there is a higher rate of incidence of fibromyalgia in women compared to in men). The study randomly assigned dosages of Gabapentin or placebo to participants for a 12-week period. The effectiveness of the drug was based on the following categories:
sleep
mood
life quality
fatigue
stiffness
tender point pain in the shoulders
Individuals taking daily drug dosages of 1200 to 2400 mg displayed significantly lower levels of widespread pain compared with those taking placebo, as well as improved sleep and reduced fatigue.
So, there you have it. I will definitely keep you posted. I'm supposed to start with one pill at night for a week, then go to two- one in the morning, one at night, and eventually to three a day. I hope I'm not too groggy or out of it. That's all we'd need. Me, loose on the Internet, out of my mind on pain meds.
I mean, uh... more than usual.
Helped me a lot. Couldn't walk without it.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't help for me, but I don't think that means it won't help for you. You have different symptoms and based on yours, I actually think Gabapentin will help. But be prepared for the people around you to complain that you're acting like you "don't care anymore". I got A LOT of that when I was on it, and at the time I had no idea what they were talking about. It's been used as a mood stabilizer as well (as an alternative to heavier meds like lithium) so that might be the cause of the "not giving a shit" mood effect.
ReplyDeleteNico, I couldn't not give a shit any less (or more?) than I am right now. If it takes the pain away, then it will make my mood better... even marginally (I hope, at least!).
ReplyDeleteI suppose my drastic turn from raging, anal-retentive bitch to "huh? oh, you smacked me in the face with a mop? That's kinda funny..." was disturbing to those around me. If your moods aren't all over the place to begin with, the stabilizing effects of the Gabapentin probably won't be so noticeable.
ReplyDeleteI think at the VERY least, it will help with those frustrating, deep itchy feelings you get, and the electrical shocks you've mentioned.