Medication: Gabapentin
Symptoms: Emotional blunting, cognitive impairment, anger/aggression, swelling of feet
I was prescribed gabapentin after a vehicular assault left me with foot and body pain. I was told it was a new wonder drug that was non-addictive and much safer than opioid medications. Soon after taking it I started to experience the above listed symptoms. When I sought help from my family doctor nothing was done. Eventually the doctor’s office stopped taking my calls. I have now been without a family doctor for approximately 5–6 years. At the time I had no idea these were side effects from the drug and was never informed of such. I was sent to an auto insurance provided psychologist who wrote a report describing that I was faking the severity of my issues.
When I did my own research I realized what was happening, began to taper the meds myself and eventually stopped taking altogether. I believe this harmed my insurance case as it was claimed that I wasn’t seeking treatment. This severely affected my life, relationships with friends and family, my financial future and access to justice/medical care. I now have none of the mental or emotional symptoms described.