As a result of my experiment to stop taking my Gabapentin, I started to have increased pain. Along with the pain, I started feeling fatigued, tired and drowsy. I would sleep 11 to 12 hours a day and still require 2 naps a day for 1-2 hours each time. If I could, I would sleep all day!
I did go to see my Family Doctor (GP) about my fatigue. I was concerned that it was a result of a low thyroid. I had blood tests done for my thyroid and they came back normal. My GP told me that drowsiness is a normal side effect of the medication that I was taking. Even though I had been taking it for several years, it was not uncommon to continue to experience drowsiness. In addition, severe pain also causes fatigue because it is stressful on the body. The body heals itself during period of rest and sleep. As a result, my GP felt that my complaint about fatigue and feeling tired was warranted and "normal" given my situation.
The best advice I can give you is to give in to your feelings of fatigue if you do take nerve related medication, narcotics or pain relievers, or experience severe pain. Don't try to fight it, it will win! I often have to reassure myself that it is okay to sleep. That I will have days where all I do is sleep. It's okay! Luckily I am not working so I am able to sleep more if needed.
What is your experience with fatigue? Share in the comments below.
I did go to see my Family Doctor (GP) about my fatigue. I was concerned that it was a result of a low thyroid. I had blood tests done for my thyroid and they came back normal. My GP told me that drowsiness is a normal side effect of the medication that I was taking. Even though I had been taking it for several years, it was not uncommon to continue to experience drowsiness. In addition, severe pain also causes fatigue because it is stressful on the body. The body heals itself during period of rest and sleep. As a result, my GP felt that my complaint about fatigue and feeling tired was warranted and "normal" given my situation.
The best advice I can give you is to give in to your feelings of fatigue if you do take nerve related medication, narcotics or pain relievers, or experience severe pain. Don't try to fight it, it will win! I often have to reassure myself that it is okay to sleep. That I will have days where all I do is sleep. It's okay! Luckily I am not working so I am able to sleep more if needed.
What is your experience with fatigue? Share in the comments below.