Yes I have taken Gabapentin. I think this is a generic form of a drug similar to Lyrica. The insurance companies don't want to pay for a drug that is new and doesn't have a generic available. I think Lyrica is stronger though. If your doc has ever put you on gabapentin, and it didn't work, you may be able to get your ins. co. to pay for Lyrica. Hope this helps, Lynn

Goobs hun....

Gabapentin/Neurontin is a sister med to Lyrica.
It originally and still is used for epiepsy, but it's also used for nerve pain..which is what Lyrica was doing for you.

Neurontin (gabapentin) & Lyrica is also used with diabetics. So, really it's a cross therapy drug.

Was the "they" you referred to above the insurance company or the plan?

If that's the case sweetie, all you need to do is pay the generic price for gabapentin and then run a claim through for the lyrica again.
Some insurance comapnies need to see that "claim' in the system showing proof that you tried it.

My understanding is that the pros and cons are the same amongst the Lyrica and Neurontin...some tolerate the other better....some it's a preference.

If I were you, just play the dumb game...go to walmart to get the $4 generic fill of gabapentin and then see if your refill will go through. Many times it's hard coded in the insurance companies databases to allow it to go though automatically (just not the same day).

that's some good info, Wonderbaby. From what I was told it was the pharmacitical (sp?) division of my insurance that said I had to go on Gabaphentin and as far as I understood... they were denying Lyrica all together. I'll give it a try. Heck, a $4 prescription is better than $55! I hope it works for me :)

I'm on it. I have really good results with the neuropathy pain.

OMG,did your ins pay for this for 4 months, then say no more?

Im sorry you are going thru this.

Hugs

Hya there all!.
I find it hard to read that medical insurance companys just say no to meds, Im in England and we dont have any of this, we have national health service and if you want you can pay private but there is meds and help etc for everyone.
My heart realy goes out to all those that have problems just trying to get meds or have treatment that can make a difference between life or death but also making someones life and illneses easier to cope with.... keep going and dont give up x.x

are the side effects like lyrica? I was just taken off lyrica due to side effects and looking for a new med....

I hope you get some bennifit from this. YES going off meds CAN make you go through withdrawls.

The only side effects ive found with Amitriptyline is hair loss! but not bolding I mean! I am lucky as I have a lot of hair to start with! .x

I had the same kind of experience with my ins. company. They only approved Lyrica after they found out I'd taken the Neurontin/Gabapentin.

It did help for about 3 months but then my doc upped the dosge and I started having side effects that made my life a total Hell until I stopped.

Neurontin works for a lot of people so it's worth a try. Lyrica has a lot of side effects, too.

I just wish ins. companies didn't think they knew better than my doctor, but then, with them it's all about money and Lyrica is very expensive.

Yep, on it for 4 months and then at the beginning of the year they decided to pass a new rule where you have to be on Gabaphentin first before they'll approve Lyrica. I only noticed one side effect of Lyrica and that was I gained a little weight. The one side effect I see with Gabapentin that makes me very leary is feeling sedated. I can't take it and feel that way at work.

I'll give it a try and pray for the best.

Gabapentin = not approved by the FDA for Fibromyalgia

Lyrica = one of only 3 drugs approved for Fibromyalgia

Must be something you can do to fight them.

That said, I had horrible side effects and brain drain on Gabapentin. Did nothing for the pain either.