The ME Association's medical adviser Dr Charles Shepherd is currently updating the MEA information leaflet on Gabapentin/Neurontin.
Gabapentin/Neurontin as a management option for moderate or severe pain in ME/CFS. This is a prescription-only drug that is sometimes used to treat more severe or persistent pain, especially neve/neuropathic pain – which has a shooting or burning quality
Gabapentin does, however, have a number of side effects – including fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, dizziness, memory loss – which can obviously cause problems when used in ME/CFS
So the feedback from people with ME/CFS that we have obtained over the years has been very mixed. Some people report gaining benefit and without any significant problems with side-effects. However, a significant proportion of people have been unable to tolerate this drug due to the side-effects
The aim of this survey is to obtain some up to date patient evidence from people who have been, or are currently using gabapentin
Thanks for your assistance!
Dr Charles Shepherd,
Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association,
Member of the 2018-2021 NICE guideline on ME/CFS committee,
Member of the 2002 Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on ME/CFS
Please complete this short survey:
Further information
- Medication – Gabapentin (Neurontin): Moderate to Severe Pain Relief (current leaflet)