I’ve started this discussion to hopefully get some answers to my question but also so others can put any of their questions about side effects to others…!
I’m not sure if this is an EM symptom or whether its a Gabapentin side effect (it is in their list of more recent side effects) but really wanted to find out if anybody else is suffering in silence so as not to be embarrassed…?
I’ve noticed a decline in my bladder control which has got worse since upping my dose of Gabapentin. I’ve been going to the hospital regularly and going all the exercises given but haven’t noticed an improvement.
What I’m wondering is could it be that the Gabapentin is relaxing my muscles so much that its hard for them to work when put under strain like coughing or jumping etc. I know Gabapentin is given to patients who have seizures and work by relaxing their muscles whereas with EM patients they relax the nerves.
I’d be really grateful for some answers this embarrassing question.
It is quite possible that as it is listed as a side effect it could be the cause of the problem. I wonder - if it is the cause - could it affect both sexes? I have never known a man complain of stress incontinence.
I can't speak for the Gabapentin as I am taking Lyrica but one side effect (and there are loads) is having the opposite effect ie., urinary retention which is affecting me despite my not reducing my fluid intake. Trouble is, the fluid is all gathered in my feet and ankles. The day of receiving my prescription was the last day I was able to wear shoes. Methinks I need to see the doc again.
Keep on doing the old pelvic floor exercises and I hope the problem resolves for you.
Yes, I too wondered if it could affect both sexes Tilly.
When I mentioned the possible link to my gp he looked online and said it is possible that Gabapentin (Neurontin) is the cause but didn't offer anymore info than that. Thats why I think its really important to be able to talk to people who are taking these meds and get first hand experiences and responses.
I was like a Zombie when I first started taking it and with every increase in dose too. I'm taking 1500mg daily now, I feel ok most days but if I need to take regular painkillers for anything else then I'm back to being zombified... I'm currently taking codiene for something else and thats affected me quite badly.
I think it would definitely be a good idea to review medication if its having that affect on you, I actually buy shoes in my size plus some in the size bigger for when my feet swell... The only trouble is sometimes I have to change shoes 3 times a day at work... lol
tillyp said:
It is quite possible that as it is listed as a side effect it could be the cause of the problem. I wonder - if it is the cause - could it affect both sexes? I have never known a man complain of stress incontinence.
I can't speak for the Gabapentin as I am taking Lyrica but one side effect (and there are loads) is having the opposite effect ie., urinary retention which is affecting me despite my not reducing my fluid intake. Trouble is, the fluid is all gathered in my feet and ankles. The day of receiving my prescription was the last day I was able to wear shoes. Methinks I need to see the doc again.
Keep on doing the old pelvic floor exercises and I hope the problem resolves for you.
Just goes to show that it's horses for courses with these drugs. Side effects for one person can be the opposite for another on the same drug.
The only shoes I can get on with any degree of comfort is an old pair of open sandals. I am already geting funny looks when I'm wrapped up warm and wearing sandals. I have splits on my heels caused by the the oedema which are very painful and won't heal.
Will make an appointment to see a doctor on Monday.
I have been taking Gabapentin for 2 years now and have had to increase my dosage to 2400 mg daily over that time. I do have occasional issues with bladder control, but attributed it to my age (52). I suppose it is possible that the Gabapentin does relax muscles enough to cause this problem, but never really thought about it. You might be right.
Thanks for all the responses, and my apologies for taking a while to respond but I’ve been pretty poorly… I’m 36 and the problems only started to arise when my dose increased. Hopefully it will respond to twice daily exercises otherwise it will mean an operation.
I haven’t been able to take any meds for 4 days fuel to a vomiting bug and already the pains almost unbearable, and that’s with me being in bed, I hate to think how unbearable it would be if I was up and about. I really hope i don’t have to stop taking it for any reason… What do you take for pain Jan.?
LAURA I BOUGHT A BIG RELAX SEAT LIKE IN THE PLANES FIRST CLASS INSTEAD OF STAYING IN BED AND I WATCH T.V.
STAYING IN BED IS NO GOOD FOR THE STOMACH
I TAKE ASPIRIN DUO NOW FOR PAIN.......BUT THE WEATHER IS SO VERY DRY NOW AND COOL SO I CAN HANDLE FOR THE MOMENT...I CAN EVEN SEE MY MESSAGES IN THE COMPUTER AND WRITE BACK
Sorry to hear you sometimes struggle to use your fingers. I can usually get on with everyday activities when taking Gabapentin, even get in the gym to cycle when I’m well. I fear that if I stopped taking it I’d go back to being in constant pain and not sleeping. It’s a shame you haven’t found something to give relief. I do take low dose asprin daily too but that has its downfall too… Constant bruising…!
Hi Lizzi,
i don’t think its because I’m holding more urine thats a problem because I often find i can leak even 5 minutes after going to the loo. The specialist doesn’t think my bladder is emptying properly when I do go. Maybe muscular too…? Not sure tho…! Wouldn’t it be great if we could all have straight answers to our what ifs…!?
i have since taking gappentin noticed my bladder urency has increased and i'm not at the full amount yet. i have a irritable bladder as is so this has added to it.
