why oh why don't doctors tell you about all the common side effects of a drug before

[CTyankee]

you take it?

Been on Gabopentin for my shingles and alluva sudden I have swollen ankles and feet (which I never ever get). Called my pcp and he confirmed it is a common side effect of the drug (I got the scrip from my neurologist). But it was a good friend (not a doc) who advised me to check out all the meds I am taking. Which is what I did.

I knew something must be funny because I never had such swelling, even during my pregnancies.

What was my fault was I didn't check ALL of the possible side effects, just the ones on the bottle and that info wasn't there (and shudda been).

It was a little scary but I feel better now.

[hlthe2b]

1. They should, but to be fair, I think it is the pharmacist's primary resposibility to do so.

Glad you are getting better. Shingles is tough...

[CTyankee]

5. I ALWAYS read the info on the pill bottle but not always the big sheet that comes

with it. My bad. Will do that from now on, lesson learned...

[LiberalEsto]

2. How are you doing with the shingles?

I hope it has gone away.

[CTyankee]

3. nope, but I am hoping I am in the final week of my 3 month window and then it will

fade away. I'm still on the Percoset but it doesn't do much for the pain. I'll see my neuro doc next week and we'll go over it (after I get pissy over the Gabo scrip). Oh well, I guess he can't foresee everything...but really he should tell patients about that...

[Skittles]

4. maybe they think people will Google

http://www.rxlist.com/neurontin-drug/consumer-side-effects-precautions.htm

certainly the doctor or pharmacist should tell you the common side effects though

[Paper Roses]

6. THanks for the link. n/t

[CTyankee]

7. to be fair, it only happened when my neurologist increased my dosage when he pain

was not really being mitigated.

But had I gone to that page on the internet I would have seen that right away and then, problem solved...

[dorkzilla]

8. I can’t believe you’re posting this...

I just started taking gabapentin 2 weeks ago and my doctor just increased the dosage. He prescribed it mainly for a variety of symptoms from MS; he started the dosage really low (300mgs) and just increased it to 600mgs. I feel like I’m walking inside jello, so I just googled the side effects about 3 hours ago and my jaw is still on the floor.

I think I’m going to go off it slowly (after I talk to the doctor) - too many bad side effects. I can live with the neuropathy.

[CTyankee]

9. I was taking a LOT and also getting a litle shaky (another side effect on the internet

but not on the bottle). It DID say I could get drowsy which was good because I want to know anything that will interfere with my ability to drive safely.

what is the difference between neuropathy and neuralgia, do you know?

[dorkzilla]

10. I think neuralgia is nerve pain

Neuropathy is nerve damage. I can’t feel my right leg or my feet, especially my right foot.

I’m so drowsy I’m waiting for my hubby to get home in an hour then I’m going to sleep again!

[CTyankee]

11. It's certain I have neuralgia but I don't have any neurapathy.

Is drowsiness a symptom of neuropathy?

[dorkzilla]

12. No a major symptom of MS

and also a side effect of gabapentin! So I’m basically the walking dead right now.

[CTyankee]

13. Oh, I am so sorry to hear that...you are suffering and I wish we could all help...

it is terrible what you have been put thru...I do hope things get better for you...but I don't know how...

[dorkzilla]

14. Being a goofball helps! Gotta keep my sense of humor

I have a tendency to laugh and shrug stuff off that I can’t do anything about. I can do something about the medicine but the other stuff not so much. But I have a wonderful life at last, MS aside, so I am determined to keep it that way!

[SheilaT]

15. Depends on the doctor.

My PCP tells me about the common side effects of a drug when she first prescribes.

[Brainstormy]

16. Because most doctors don't know

they rely on whatever the pharma pusher tells them.

[HuckleB]

19. Balony.

Sheesh.

[hedgehog]

17. Reverse placebo effect? I think the fear is that if the patient knows

all the side effects, the patient will develop all the side effects.

[SheilaT]

18. I suspect that's actually at the root of it.

People get an idea of some sort into their mind, and it becomes reality.

[HuckleB]

20. That happens quite frequently.

Also, in this case, the side effect doesn't appear to be particularly common, and would fall in line with a list that would be absolutely cumbersome. Most patients wouldn't begin to remember the specifics.