Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Tina1957 on August 08, 2013, 03:04:31 PM
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Hi
Have just got back from GP with a prescription for Gabapentin.
Have been on Clonidine for 4 weeks (increased after 2 wks) but it had no affect at all on the horrendous hot flushes and sweating. My GP has now given me Gabapentin to try, but has admitted this is usually prescribed only as a last resort as it is not licensed for flushes.
Has anyone else used this and was it successful - desperately hoping for some relief.
Tinax
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Clonidine didn't work for me either. I got Gabapentin for neuralgia, don't know about helping flushes. Maybe someone else knows. All I know is I was like a space cadet. I didn't realise it, but my family were worried about me. Of course that may depend on dosage. I can't remember what I was on.
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Interesting info here from America http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/772249
Taz
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/16816054/
Found this site, which might help.
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Hi
Many thanks for your speedy replies!
The links seem hopeful especially as it compares it's efficiency to estrogen.
The only thing I am a little worried about is the side effects, I must admit that the Clonidine did make me feel very sleepy which was not great, but to be honest if I can get some relief from these constant flushes and sweating, hopefully any side affect will not be as bad (fingers crossed).
I have been told to take 1 x 300mg cap once a day and to speak to the GP in a week's time to let her know how I am and to discuss maybe increasing the dose if I need to.
Not sure when would be the best time of day to take - thinking maybe before bed?
Tinax
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Gabapentin is often given for pain relief, though it is recommended for reducing hot flushes.
I got it for pain relief, it has helped with that. I can't tell about hot flushes as I use evorel conti patches, which I think sort those out.
I have heard people comment about gabapentin making them sleepy. Best to take the 1 x 300mg before going to bed, then you will sleep well. The only other side effect I have had is my boobs assuming amazon proportions, never happened before........
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Definitely at bedtime. In fact I used to take around 8pm so that any after effects would wear off by breakfast time.
Will be interested to hear how you get on.
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I took Gabapentin for nerve pain and my experience was awful. I had short term memory loss and slurred speech. I had to stop university because the side effects were so bad. I couldn't take them anymore. I would be interested to know how you got on with them.
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Hi
A little scared by some of the side effects mentioned so chickened out of taking my first dose last night as I have a hospital outpatient appointment today and didn't want to feel groggy, etc. from any side effects.
Sitting here at the moment dripping from head to toe and feeling like I am going to combust so will definitely start tonight (have a quiet weekend planned) ...
I Just thought that there would have been others who may have used or are using Gabapentin for flushes, so am slightly worried how little it seems to be used!
Has anyone tried it for flushes or know anybody who has??
Tinax
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It seems to be used quite a lot in America Tina so we are just, as usual, catching up I reckon. It is used by UK patients who are recovering from breast cancer and are on Tamoxifem which causes dreadful hot flushes in some women. You might like to read some of their comments on the UK forum http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/community/forums/gabapentin-hot-flushes-tamoxifen
Taz x
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Tina, I was offered Gabapentin by the Meno clinic, but after checking all the side effects I was too scared to take them, that was 4yrs ago, in the end I decided to take HRT for my hot sweats, its the only thing that as helped, would you please post how you get on with them..x
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Definitely give them a try. Not everyone gets side effects and those who do probably get in varying degrees. Flushes & sweats can be awful, which is why I'm on HRT, but can't stay on it forever.
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The list of potential side effects for Gabapentin is massive, but they have to list absolutely everything. It doesn't mean you will get any of them, there is a chance it might even help!
It's like HRT, the list of side effects is scary, however I grit my teeth and struggle womanfully on. ::)
I was offered Gabapentin about 15 years ago and didn't take it because I was scared of side effects. It has taken a little while to get used to them, but they really help.
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Limpy so pleased Gaba is working for you, what dosage are you taking? xx
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Well took my first dose last night and did sleep really well!
Today just a little lightheaded, but nothing like I was expecting - in fact I felt worse after taking Clonidine.
So now optimistic and hopeful - will keep you all informed!
Tinax
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Fingers crossed for you.
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Tina so pleased to read you slept well, think if we can just sleep it helps with general mood, are you taking 300mgs? please keep us posted..xx
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Yes taking 1 x 300mg cap daily!
However, after googling, it appears dose needs to be higher to control flushes, so will have to wait and see - GP has booked me a telephone app at the end of next week to discuss .
Fingers crossed!
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With all meds they start on low dose & gradually increase as required.
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Hi
Rosebush - I am currently on 300mg x 3 day. The pain killing benefits kicked in after 1 x 300g day, just slept better, got some pain now but need fewer painkillers.
Tina1957 - Really pleased you slept well, I found the light headed feelings ok, not totally brain dead like I did on
Amitriptyline
The strange thing is I tried gabapetin 100mg about 18 months ago, I just could'n hack it, got swollen fingers ankles and all sorts, that was on 2 a day. However, spoke to different GP recently about pain relief, we tried amitriptyline (real brain death). She suggested 300mg gab, working up gradually, making the point that the lower dose didn't work. I was very reluctant, but it really has helped for the pain
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Just an update...
Have taken Gabapentin for a week now - have felt a bit spaced out and light headed (some days worse than others) - unfortunately no difference in hot flushes.
Had tele app with GP this morning - she has told me to increase to 2 x 300mg for a week and then if needed 3 x 300mg the following week. She seemed to think the side affects should subside.
A bit worried having to now take a dose during the day as up to now have taken my one dose just before bed, but still remaining optimistic and hopeful.
Tinax
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You have to try these things don't you? Keep us posted though as I would be interested to find out if it works.
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Hi Tina - I found the spaced side effects had much reduced by the time I got up to 3 x 300mg a day, but it does take a time.
I am still sleeping for England / oops Wales even now, but I quite like that. ::)
Starting gradually, like you are will really help.
I found when I was on 2 a day, taking the night time dose around 9.30 pm and the morning dose at 9.30 to 10:00 am worked. You are already up and around by 9.30 so getting spaced out and woozy is less of an issue. The pain relief benefits I was looking for didn't kick in till I reached 3 x 300mg a day, may be the same with flush control?
It may take some time but I hope it starts to help you
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Update.....
Gabapentin has worked for me - not stopped the flushes completely, but I have now gained some normality to my life again!!
I still experience two or three flushes daily, but these are manageable unlike the constant hourly flushes previously.
I am currently taking 2 x 300mg morning and evening and 1 x 300mg lunchtime, which is a higher dose than normally needed - my GP has just introduced the extra lunchtime dose to see if it would help me further in stopping all the flushes.
Initial side effects have also disappeared - so all good!!
Tina
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Tina - Really glad to hear this.
It's still working for me too. The sleepiness has much improved, which is handy in the the event of having to get up to do things in the morning ::)