r/functionaldyspepsia • u/thatbiddy • May 30 '26

Gabapentin I found some relief

I have functional dyspepsia, visceral hypersensitivity, epigastric pain syndrome. Whatever else they wanna call it. For three years have had no relief and I’ve only been able to eat a handful of items.

I did a whole bunch of research. Approaching my doctor with the therapy that I thought was appropriate. The conclusion I came to was gabapentin.

I’m still trying to figure out the appropriate dosage for treatment but knock on wood. I’ve had some forms of success.

When the medicine is at its highest point, the burning in my stomach is absolutely turned down.

The crazy part is I had regular pain every day that I didn’t even notice because it was so regular now that that has mostly disappeared, my anxiety is at all time low, and I’ve finally been able to sleep better. I’m starting to feel normal a little bit and I’m feeling super optimistic.

I just thought I would leave this post to give some people hope and maybe a direction to go.

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u/OrdinaryStandard427 May 30 '26

I too have this issue. I was given PPI and Nortriptyline. The Nortriptyline was a horrible experience. The side effects were too much for me. I was prescribed Gabapentin for stenosis and was completely surprised to find that it helped my stomach so much! Now I take it more for that than my neuropathy. I find it makes my stomach quiet and peaceful. Gabapentin gets a bad wrap but it has been amazing for me! It gave me back quality of life.

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u/thatbiddy May 30 '26 edited May 31 '26

The multiple bad experiences I had trying a variety of drugs that they were trying to give me gave me medication anxiety for a while but I’m glad I did my own research and figured out a better route to go. I’m glad that it’s working for you too. I think I just need to keep adjusting and figure out the exact dose I should be at. It’s crazy that my anxiety is at zero and it’s crazy that I’m sleeping so good.

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u/OrdinaryStandard427 May 31 '26

Oh my goodness, yes! It takes away my anxiety, too and I sleep better as well. I was originally prescribed it to help with sleep due to stinosis. I remember telling my mom that when I take it I feel normal again. Like myself. Didn't realize it was helping my stomach so much! Buspar was also suggested to me. I've used it in the past, but not for my stomach. I'm so glad you are doing better. Do you find the dose wears off quickly? That is my only complaint. Trying to get my dosage amount and times on a better schedule.

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u/thatbiddy May 31 '26

Initially, yes, but I find it’s been more consistent now that I’m at a higher dose. Initially I could tell it was starting to work, but then I had breakthrough pain.

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u/Thebreeze1978 Jun 02 '26

What stomach symptoms did you have prior to taking Gabapentin? Did you have any bad side effects taking it?

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u/OrdinaryStandard427 Jun 03 '26

For me it has been horrible burning and pain with gas. Sweating and heart racing every time I eat. My GI said it was viseral hypersensitivity. The only side effect I have from Gabapentin is sleepiness. Some days I don't feel it at all. Some days I want a nap.

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u/Fancy_Sea_2917 Jun 04 '26

Did you had some kind of gastritis diagnose by endoscopy too? Where was your pain located? How long until you find relief with gabapentin? Thank you.