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Peripheral Neuropathy and Gabapentin

MrsBJH

Good Afternoon

Hysterectomy September 2020. Stage 1B/grade 3 serous Endometrial cancer. 3 sessions Brachytherapy Nov 2020. CT scan Nov 2021 details Mets to peritoneum, pelvis, omentum and above vaginal cuff.

December 2021 started 6 cycles of chemotherapy of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. 

I was prescribed 900 mg Gabapentin daily to help with peripheral neuropathy I started to experience after cycle 2 of chemotherapy. I experienced numbness in my hands and feet rather than pain. This didn’t seem to ease things so my dosage was doubled to 1800 mg daily yet still not sorting out the problem.

I’ve recently had a blood test done to check my CA125 markers, prior to seeing my Oncologist in 2 weeks time. ( brilliant at 14)  However my GFR readings have gradually been decreasing over a period of 4 months from 79 to 54 indicating kidney problems and possible kidney failure.

When I did a bit of research, ok - I know not to consult Dr Google - I was horrified to read how toxic Gabapentin can be. My Oncologist is on holiday until 14/8, I’m seeing him on 16/8. I know you don’t just stop taking Gabapentin so I reduced my dosage back to 900 mg daily. It’s never eased the PN so I can’t see the point of causing further damage to myself.

Do you agree?

Kind regards, 

  • Hi Mrs BJH,

    Thanks very much for getting in touch with us.

    I’m sorry to read about the peripheral neuropathy you’ve been experiencing since you had chemotherapy. I can only imagine how this is affecting your day to day life and doesn’t seem to be relieved by the gabapentin.

    I appreciate why you would want to reduce the dose due your blood results. Unfortunately, we can’t advise on whether you should or shouldn’t as the nurses on the Macmillan Support Line are not prescribing nurses.

    I’m reassured you are seeing your consultant on the 16th August, but it would be a good idea to get in touch with either your CNS at the hospital or your GP to discuss the dose, or even look at other treatment options to help with your symptoms.

    I hope this information is helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there’s anything else we can help you with.

    Best wishes and take care,

    Sarah (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/ LM