Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with gabapentin and steroid injections for herniated disks and rheumatoid arthritis pain, with many reporting... Read more

Members shared their experiences with gabapentin and steroid injections for herniated disks and rheumatoid arthritis pain, with many reporting significant rapid weight gain (ranging from 15 to 20 pounds in a short period) as a frustrating side effect that worsened their pain by adding more weight to carry. Several members described how steroids in particular caused mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness, and depression, with some finding relief through medications like Ativan or Cymbalta, breathing techniques, and building a strong support network. A recurring theme was the difficult trade-off between much-needed pain relief and sleep improvement versus distressing side effects like weight gain and emotional instability, leaving many members weighing whether to continue treatment or endure the original symptoms.