Ask for a med

[evertking]

OK, I have really bad anxiety and I have found a med that helps. Gabapentin and lyrica. One or the other, not both
Helps so well that I even have considered going to the doc and telling them I have restless legs.
So, this is my question. I want this med it has changed my life but I can't continue to buy off the streets. I have not found a vendor for it here. Sooo
Should I go and say I have restless legs or do I be honest and say "hey, I been taking X for Y and it helps. Can I get a script?"

 

[LuckyIrish]

I’d recommend you describe your symptoms to your Dr and ask for their opinion. If they don’t say either med you want then say you’ve done some research and think these could help too. Be persistent but do it gently. I wouldn’t admit that you’ve been buying the meds. Good luck

 

[TurboV8]

I think it depends on the provider. I have a family member that told the doc that a certain med worked and nothing else has, that he has to source them off the street and she wrote him a script for it; I think it was more of a want than anything. As LuckyIrish said, describing the symptoms, you'll probably have better luck. I told a provider that I had nerve pain and how it inhibits me and the PA automatically thought I was seeking pain meds. If she would have asked a few questions and got to know me, she would've found out that my hip wasn't seated properly.

 

[Bawston]

I'm in agreement with LuckyIrish - in the current environment I think it's best to NEVER ask for a specific med, no matter what it is. Everything goes into your record and if you ever say you bought off the street or even borrowed from a relative you'll have a permanent black mark and probably never get any med.

I'd do as recommended and describe your symptoms, say you've researched this, "this, and this"...and with all the things they throw gabapentin at you surely could come up with restless leg or nerve pain.

Just a couple side comments though...have you really searched this site for gaba? You might look around a little more for it under a US vendor since it's not scheduled like tramadol, etc. (if you're in the US).

Also, before going the Lyrica route, please check out not just the side effects but comments from people who've tried to come off it.

Best bet though is a legit prescription.

 

[trish5959]

The things you learn here. I had no idea Gabapentin (Neurontin) helped with anxiety. My mother was on it for years due to a very bad case of shingles.
There's no way I would ask for a specific medication. I don't know a GP that well and no doubt it would be put in my file with some type of bad comment accompanying it. In fact I do occasionally have restless legs syndrome and when I asked, the dr advised potassium supplements depending on the dr you might go nowhere fast.

 

[jaders]

I think it depends on the provider. I have a family member that told the doc that a certain med worked and nothing else has, that he has to source them off the street and she wrote him a script for it; I think it was more of a want than anything. As LuckyIrish said, describing the symptoms, you'll probably have better luck. I told a provider that I had nerve pain and how it inhibits me and the PA automatically thought I was seeking pain meds. If she would have asked a few questions and got to know me, she would've found out that my hip wasn't seated properly.

Wow. I would've written a letter to the head of that provider's group if possible. Gawd, that p*sses me off. They've become so sensitive to this issue, that they can't even listen to a legitimate complaint without jumping to that conclusion anymore. Yeah, I'd be writing to SOMEONE about that happening. You bet, I would!!

 

[TurboV8]

Wow. I would've written a letter to the head of that provider's group if possible. Gawd, that p*sses me off. They've become so sensitive to this issue, that they can't even listen to a legitimate complaint without jumping to that conclusion anymore. Yeah, I'd be writing to SOMEONE about that happening. You bet, I would!!

It's the healthcare that's known for treating patients like shit and long wait times. That appointment didn't go well. I mentioned I've been taking Vimova that would help if I taken it about X8 times the directions dose. She didn't know what it was so I told her Naproxen with something else that I couldn't remember the name. She automatically said "what, percocet, oxycontin, vicodin" without letting me speak. I looked up the other ingredient and told her and she said "oh, that's just something for your stomach. I was later assigned to a new provider.

I agree though, providers should take each case by case instead of treating all patients as one category.

 

[Bawston]

@trish5959...I think it's one of those things where people react to meds in different ways. I was prescribed neurontin for fibromyalgia before Lyrica came out and frankly it made me a basket case. When it didn't help the pain they just kept upping the dose - way over what's recommended. Matter of fact I think there was a lawsuit against them because their sales reps were telling doctors to keep increasing the dosage and to ignore what was approved.

it definitely wasn't the way to go for me because my husband found me sitting on the floor one day and I was trying to pull my skin off.

 

[trish5959]

@Bawston That is one hell of a reaction (must have scared your husband no end) and as so often happens, I'm stunned that they just kept upping the dosage just because they could.
How's your fibromyalgia going? From what I've read and heard it is one devil of a problem so hope you're getting some decent treatment.

 

[Bawston]

@Bawston That is one hell of a reaction (must have scared your husband no end) and as so often happens, I'm stunned that they just kept upping the dosage just because they could.
How's your fibromyalgia going? From what I've read and heard it is one devil of a problem so hope you're getting some decent treatment.

Well the drug reps at the time were pushing doctors to keep upping the dose - they were already prescribing off label because they "thought" Neurontin might help fibromyalgia. It's been over 25 years now and frankly I'm just dealing with it best I can. Pacing myself and learning to say no when people expect too much from you is important. I'm having better sleep with the CBD oil although it does make me drowsy in the morning.

Frankly, there really isn't any treatment that's consistent for everyone so I think we all just find what works best. The best and only time I've felt normal in 25 years was when I was at my full dose of oxy. Of course that's not approved for fibromyalgia so way back when, my doctor and I just documented all the medical problems, fibro being just one of them.

 

[trish5959]

Well the drug reps at the time were pushing doctors to keep upping the dose - they were already prescribing off label because they "thought" Neurontin might help fibromyalgia. It's been over 25 years now and frankly I'm just dealing with it best I can. Pacing myself and learning to say no when people expect too much from you is important. I'm having better sleep with the CBD oil although it does make me drowsy in the morning.

Frankly, there really isn't any treatment that's consistent for everyone so I think we all just find what works best. The best and only time I've felt normal in 25 years was when I was at my full dose of oxy. Of course that's not approved for fibromyalgia so way back when, my doctor and I just documented all the medical problems, fibro being just one of them.

25 years! That is one tough road to hoe.

 

[Bawston]

25 years! That is one tough road to hoe.

@trish5959...I guess we all have challenges and that's one of mine. After that diagnosis I was diagnosed and treated for multiple sclerosis, almost died from one of those drugs, then told I probably didn't have it after all. There were a few other health issues, lymphocytic colitis that had me down to about 90 lbs for a few years, arthritis just about everywhere, over 20 unexplained brain lesions, migraines and lung cancer.

So when doctors tell me to learn to accept my pain, frankly I'd like to inflict a little on them. Yet they seem to think I'm responsible for the "opioid crisis". It would be funny...except it's not.

 

[Stunod]

I’m actually quite curious of Lyrica. Pregab? I had an accidental order of them come in accidentally months back and when I took one I felt really sleepy but that could have been because I worked like crazy and lacked sleep. I been reading online that they help some WD symptoms and I figure I would stash them for one of those late order periods when customs SLOWWLY processes my pack and give them a try again.

If your doctor does not give them to you, I seen them on one of the main pharmacy’s on this forums Pharm page. They didn’t look too expensive. Seems like medication of all types including blood pressure and antibiotics are easier to get from overseas.

- - - Updated - - -

How DARE you know what works for you!! Shame on you for knowing what helps you and what doesn’t!!!

I think it depends on the provider. I have a family member that told the doc that a certain med worked and nothing else has, that he has to source them off the street and she wrote him a script for it; I think it was more of a want than anything. As LuckyIrish said, describing the symptoms, you'll probably have better luck. I told a provider that I had nerve pain and how it inhibits me and the PA automatically thought I was seeking pain meds. If she would have asked a few questions and got to know me, she would've found out that my hip wasn't seated properly.

 

[trish5959]

@trish5959...I guess we all have challenges and that's one of mine. After that diagnosis I was diagnosed and treated for multiple sclerosis, almost died from one of those drugs, then told I probably didn't have it after all. There were a few other health issues, lymphocytic colitis that had me down to about 90 lbs for a few years, arthritis just about everywhere, over 20 unexplained brain lesions, migraines and lung cancer.

So when doctors tell me to learn to accept my pain, frankly I'd like to inflict a little on them. Yet they seem to think I'm responsible for the "opioid crisis". It would be funny...except it's not.

@Bawston just reading what you've been through is so incredibly sad and impossible to imagine how you've managed to live through it all and how the hell you've haven't hit one of those doctors on the noggin is beyond me.

 

[lorelai]

OK, I have really bad anxiety and I have found a med that helps. Gabapentin and lyrica. One or the other, not both
Helps so well that I even have considered going to the doc and telling them I have restless legs.
So, this is my question. I want this med it has changed my life but I can't continue to buy off the streets. I have not found a vendor for it here. Sooo
Should I go and say I have restless legs or do I be honest and say "hey, I been taking X for Y and it helps. Can I get a script?"

Do you have fibromyalgia? Or, who prescribed the Lyrica/Gabapentin, and why?

If so, then say what they gave it to you for, and you noticed it also helped your anxiety. That you see gabapentin isn't scheduled, but even if he wanted to go with Lyrica it's scheduled lower than Valium or Xanax.

Probably would get gabapentin that way easier because it's cheaper, Lyrica if he has samples or you have good insurance.

 

[boseyphones]

Just as a heads up, gabapentin can at times raise your white cell count, and depending on age do damage to the good ole kidneys. Granted it seems everything these has some crap side effect.

Out of recovery and WD’s they rx you gab like candy. Had a scare on a blood test and turned out to just be from the gab. ????????*??

 

[dragonxp]

I think, this can be an option, if you are already a patient at your doctor. But when you go to a new doctor, then this behavior is probably not successful.

 

[Krang]

I just found out about the anti-anxiety properties of gabapentin from a friend who was prescribed it for nerve pain. She was telling me how she always feels very relaxed now and her mind doesn't race like it used to. Apparently the effect was so noticeable that her workmates even mentioned how "calm" she seemed lately.

So now I'm kinda hoping I can find an OP that has this too. Seems like a pretty hard med to find from online vendors.

 

[H20shed65]

I just found out about the anti-anxiety properties of gabapentin from a friend who was prescribed it for nerve pain. She was telling me how she always feels very relaxed now and her mind doesn't race like it used to. Apparently the effect was so noticeable that her workmates even mentioned how "calm" she seemed lately.

So now I'm kinda hoping I can find an OP that has this too. Seems like a pretty hard med to find from online vendors.

Hi-

While asking for Sources is against Forum Rules ( And, you DID NOT DO THAT ! ) , I can tell you there are not fewer than 5 IOPS in the Non-Senior Forums, all reputable Vendors, who sell this medication. Since it is not a controlled drug, it’s quite easy to find. I’d suggest using the SEARCH function using Gabapentin & Neurontin both. You will quickly find multiple threads ( look for vendor threads with many, many posts, and preferably many within the last 90 days. Once you are in a vendor thread where one of these Keywords is mentioned, use the SEARCH THREAD or SEARCH FORUM function to further narrow down the threads with both the most posts mentioning this drug, preferably in a positive overall tone and importantly, posts which are relatively recent. You should have a list of not fewer than 3 good vendors who all carry this med within 30 minutes.

 

[Tiny Rick]

I've never used gabapentin or lyrica; however my grandmother was given gabapentin by a new doctor who didn't check that she was previously prescribed and taking lexapro.
She had a huge allergic reaction to gabapentin, which caused hives and she would scratch her skin so hard it would come off in patches. She described it as having the WORST case of poison ivy all over your body. I'm the one that realized she shouldn't be taking the two medications together.
My mom took lyrica for 3 months for back pain and she had little to no effect for pain, other than feeling very groggy all day.

I guess what works for one doesn't always work for someone else.