Is Gabapentin Safe/good/bad With Morphine?

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Hello. I have multiple pain issues due to generalized OA, neuralgia, bilateral sciatica, trigger thumbs, carpal tunnel, protruding discs, trapped nerves, compression of spinal cord at L4/5, tendenosis, fibromyalgia and chronically inflammed tendon/nerve sheaths. I'm 52, female and in quite a bit of pain and take a few meds that include 600mg GABAPENTIN 3xdaily, which I love and can't do without. I also take dihydra., and naproxin. I've asked my GP for something more/stronger and I want to get MORPHINE at the starter dose of 30mg slow release, to see how I get on with it.

My question I'd like to know from users of gabapentin with morphine is how have you got on with them + is the combo safe/good/bad in your experience? I'd like to know how your side-effects have been esp., for constipation, drowsiness and nausea, because I'm very sensitive to those side effects. Thank you.

Also, due to menopause I suffer very badly with extreme flushes/flashes and sweats; so please could you tell me if gaba/morphine makes you hotter, or more sweaty as I can do without that!

In the UK the NHS advises against using Gabapentin with Morphine (it doesn't say why). But I've read a few clinical papers that say the combo is very effective at reducing inflammation, which is ideal for me, so I want it.

I hope you'll tell me your experiences. Thank you very much :)

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1

Hello, Grace! How are you?

I've not taken them together, but I can tell you that it may increase the side effects you experience, such as the nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and constipation that the FDA lists. Since you're sensitive to them, you should be aware of that and keep it in mind.

Yes, Morphine can cause hot flushes, so it may worsen those and it doesn't help with all inflammation, it can actually worsen some forms of it. It also carries the risk of being habit forming.

Can anyone that's taken both of them chime in?

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2

Hello:
I use gabapentin 900mg q12h and morphine sustained release 15mg t.i.d.
No side effects and everything works great together. Can't be late with the gabapentin or the neuropathy flairs up.

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3

Sorry to be a downer but there's even a new commercial that backs what I've been saying for thirty years.. First: ha spending gave me hallucinations, increased pain and out if body sensations so IMHO it isn't safe with anything. Ok, the new commercial slows a woman complaining of constipation from opiates-it starts out, "Opiates attach to pain receptors and they also... wait for it.... cause constipation! Oh my! What else do they do? What other side effects? Waiting... hmm, hmmm....waiting......you mean none??? That's right! They can cause constipation. So if you ask me, your morphine is safe all by itself and God knows why you would put that horrible poison Gabapentin in your body.

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4

The reason that I put "that horrible gabapentin" in my body is there is nothing my doctor knows of that stops pain from neuropathy.
My kidneys work at 50%. The gabapentin makes it worse,but I still take it.
Neuropathy pain wakes me out of a dead sleep. Then I get this throbbing pain in the same stop for hours; that's without gabapentin.
So that's my excuse for using a drug I dread continuation of.
Regards
LLS207

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5

I wouldn't touch Gabapentin if docs told me my life depended on it! Pure poison

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6

There are so many safer medications out there: opana, oxycontin, fentanyl patch ( which I currently use and surprisingly I finally dont wake up in pain! And IF i run out if my breakthrough meds, there isnt any withdrawal) i dont know how you feel about opiates but they are safer than most other drugs...as far as addiction: we can get addicted to anything, even shopping so dont let fear of addiction stop you..I have about four autoimmune disorders, osteoeverything, RA, fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, various myalgias, MS and now hypothyroidism. Im on 50 mcl fentanyl/48 hours, 4 30mgs oxycodone.....works great my pain except the dose thats works best for me is 6 insstead of dour a day.

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7

They've been saying forever that opiates do not help with neuropathic pain..I was in a serendipitous position of being on phenytoin AND oxycodone which is hyper metabolized by the phenytoin. To summarize: due to that I was taking 300-450mgs of oxycodone to prevent withdrawal and as a result every inch of my body was pain free. I almost convinced myself that perhaps there wasn't anything wrong with me at all..ok we stopped the phenytoin and my dose of oxy dropped substantially, down to 150-180 a day. Then last year I read that doctors discovered that opiates do in fact help with neuropathic pain......if they double the dose.most doctors are unwilling to do that but I can vouch from experience that yes, it works great! Unfortunately I am back at 4 a day though six per day does make me completely pain free but is not allowed. You do have other options but due to scare tactics and propaganda, doctors still hesitate to prescribe the safer drug, opiates.

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8

I have been taking Gabapentin with each dose of MS Contin (Morphine Extended Release). This is the most effective combination I have ever used for pain relief. I was on acetaminophen/narcotic pain relievers for over 20 years. I finally said enough is enough. I've always been very honest with my doctors about pain. Converting to MS Contin and Gabapentin was a good move. I sleep better and have better overall pain management...better coverage. I also will take 1-2, 220 mg. Naproxen daily as tolerated. I also take 325 mg. (QPap Tylenol) tabs as needed (Tylenol).

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9

I am on 30mg ER morphine and recently prescribed gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily and it stops the effects of the morphine and I feel withdraw symptoms so I have to stop the gabapentin for my lower back pain due to muscle spasms and severe arthritis in lower back

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10

I felt the same way about Gabapentin for years. I finally tried. After 2 weeks I got used to it. This is worth trying. Remember, the first week or two you try any new medicine it will take your body & mind to get used to it.

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11

I take morphine and have been taking gabapentin for about a month I get nauseous. Can't eat anything. Been back and forth to the doctor and hospital. It's driving me nuts . (I also take metformin for my diabetes )

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12

I have OA and have had ALIF back surgery. To handle the nerve pain I was put on 2400 mgs of Gabapentin. Prior to my surgery I suffered a debilitating back injury and because of Workers Comp and some incompetant doctors my pain levels went through the roof. An ER visit and subsequent visits with my regular doctor I was put on 30 mg of MS Contin 3x a day, plus 30 mg of oxycodone a day. Until I settled with WC and had corrective surgery scheduled a year went by. I am now almost 6 months post surgical involved in rehab and down to 5mg oxy. The problem is getting off the MSC and Gabapentin. I understand your predicament but here is what you will face. Severe constipation requiring massive quantities of ducolax, miralax, chugging prunejuice for a modest bowel movement. Plan on significant weight gain and do not expect improved mobility. Pain will increase requiring more MSC and on and on. Right now I am going through withdrawal hades trying to get my life back. I am on Medicare, finally, and have access to quality surgeons. I don't know what to suggest or recommend, but I would suggest something less potent than MSC. And bear in mind whatever comfort you receive will only be short lived.

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13

Ibeen taking tramadol and my doctor started me on morphine sulfer 15mg. Can I start taking them or wait until tramadol get out of my body my last dose of two was last night...

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14

Any long term use of narcotic pain meds must include a persistent regimen of fiber intake and also the use of stool softeners. A good diet rich in fiber will help.

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15

Opiates are the ultimate poison and killer!! Spyz sounds like they're in some really deep denial about this. Don't spread this crap because you are dead wrong.

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16

I hope and pray that you have had time to work through this information from my reply and others. Another thing I forgot to mention, with the weight gain from the opiod use you will exponentially increase the pressure on your already sore joints. I have been weaqned down to 1600 mgs of Gabapentin from 2400; 45 mgs of MS Contin down from 90mgs; and the Oxycodone is down to 5-10mgs from 40mgs per day. I have been introduced to Botswella Serrata (ck spelling) as a natural for of pain relief. I will need more time to determine it's effectiveness (4-7wks as a rule). I so want to be on a minimum of opiods, but I realize that I will likely have to take something minimal.

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17

I've been taking MS Contin for severe neck pain, herniated disks (C5-6), trigeminal neuralgia, both causing extreme pain at neck and skull level. Constipation was a problem no amount of fiber or ducolax could relieve. I was put on Align probiotic. It's expensive and not covered by drug plans but i keep an eye out for sales on the six week package I take because my bowel movements have improved DRASTICALLY by 80%...as well as pain from IBS. No more Ducolax or laxatives. I eat prunes because i like them and make a daily smoothie - 10 ounce glass with 1 1/2 cup frozen mango to a banana and 1 yop bottle. Mango is well known to relieve constipation, even in breast fed babies suffering from constipation. The mother consumes it and the child gets relief from mothers milk. Since it's delicious in a smoothie, it doesn't feel like a chore to me at all. I now have 2-3 regular bowel movements weekly at worst which for me is comfortable. No more straining and worry due to constipation. I occasionally use a capsule of Gas-X extra strength for IBS when stress causes bloating flare ups and painful cramps as it works better than prescription drugs which affect eyesight (causes blurry vision). Funny thing is that GPs and ER drs have no idea about Gas-X when it's an amazing IBS reliever withing 20 minutes. Not so surprising as drs are not necessarily the best info source... As individuals, trial & error and gathering tips on forums like this one, is probably the best info source. Suffering from IBS and coping with side effects of morphine constipation can be a serious issue. It is well worth giving it a try. It's much stronger than yogurt probiotics could ever be. The cost is worth the relief.

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18

Stay away from Gabapentin, the side affects are horrible look it up. It's a NON narcotic drug that many doctors push, even though they know the side affects are horrible and helps very little to zero.

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19

Plan a, was just taken off the market. So obviously it's not safer.

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20

I was taking Gabapentin for 8 months for unexplained sinus, jaw and head pain with migraines. Started to get side effects including swollen face and air passage so asked GP for advice on coming off them and how to cope with withdrawal symptoms. GP said to stop taking immediately and gave me oral morphine to help with pain. I was surprised as she gave me no dosage instructions. Pain got bad so took morphine. It got worse so had more morphine (both times within medication guideline dosage). Pain got so bad within the space of 6 hrs it felt like my brain was on fire and I was rocking in pain and shaking. Ambulance took me to hospital where they gave me something to stop what was happening. Dr was appalled Id been given morphine while having taken gabapentin especially to treat migraines as it makes them far worse. My neurologist was equally appalled. Please stay away from all these chemicals, they really mess you up. Pregabalin was what I was prescribed next and had terribly worrying memory loss, confusion and dark depression. I don't trust my GP anymore. Am looking for more natural therapies now.

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Re: Spyz (# 5) Expand Referenced Message

Why do you say that? Iam Only asking because my mother was on 30 mg immediate release morphine her doctor put her on gabapentin and for three months months if your medical center said it’s the gabapentin that block the morphine so basically for three months morphine stored in her kidneys and then all the sudden the gabapentin let loose and then released into the blood blood stream slowly poisoning her and overdosing her thank God I woke up out of my sleep and seen that something wasn’t right that next morning I called an ambulance because she was saying somebody drink or he’ll let us she did not recognize my father or my sister she only recognize me why is that hallucinationsCan somebody please give me an answer to this

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26

Re: Spyz (# 3) Expand Referenced Message

I’m a mum of 3 and I take 100mg of gabapentin and I’m fine on them and the test show it helps muscles. One day I couldn’t even get up in the middle of the night.

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25

I was on 3 x 300mg Gabs, I often had yellow stools; I was also on 10mg morphine at the same time, this increased to 20mg morphine and 3 x 600mg Gab, because of broken back, palsy, loss of muscle use, nerve pain and spasms.....When both meds were combined I was bad with diarrhea, constant for 5 days, given pills to stop, then had constipation for 5 days, taking moviedom to ease, then back with diarrhea. It has been that way ever since..I cannot get a balance, so I have stopped both...will live within until I eventually get my surgery...

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24

You should be fine. It's not anything super strong. Only problem I ever had was headaches and tiredness sometimes. Every one's body is different so it mite affect you differently and be a good add on the your routine. Wish you luck and be safe.

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23

Everyone is different. I used Gabapentin 300MGS TID and am now down to BID. It started making me DIZZY and blurred vision. I started crying and I also take Oxycodone which I am weaning down on a bit more.
You can take them together, its just not working out for me.
I prefer to take the least amount of opiates and fall back on my legal CBD 1:1 vape pen, and at night Indicol vape pen. Neither will ever kill me.

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22

I take Oxycontin 20MGS, every AM, Gabapentin BID (twice a day), Flexeril at bedtime, and Klonopin 1MG at bedtime.
I have 5MG Oxycodone for breakthrough pain (5mg does 0 so I take two 5mg's). I am also in the medical mj program (CT) and I am not dead. :-) Medical MJ allowed me to wean down to the 20MGS. There was a few years I was on 120MGs of Oxycodone and/or AVINZA/morphine. That marijuana program allows you to taper with medical mj as a buffer, to the anxiety and shaking. I do NOT smoke either. I use the vape oils in the pen.

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21

Gabapentin is a horrible medication, the side affects are very bad, it will give you tons of side affects without any relief from the medication. Lots of the smarter doctors now do not prescribe it.

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