How do I manage severe pain caused by Lyme disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have Lyme disease and need help. I’ve tried a few over-the-counter pain medicines, but none have worked. I was put on Gabapentin 2 or 3 days ago, and it seems to be making my symptoms worse.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this level of pain. It sounds tiring and frustrating, particularly when nothing you've tried is helping, and the new medication is making things feel worse.

Lyme disease can sometimes cause intense nerve pain and inflammation, and while Gabapentin is often used for nerve-related pain, not everyone tolerates it well or responds to it the same way.

If your pain has gotten worse since starting it, that is important, and you should contact your prescribing doctor as soon as possible to let them know, because they may need to adjust the dose or switch you to something else.

Severe, uncontrolled pain is not something you should just push through, and there are other prescription options, including different nerve pain medications, anti-inflammatory approaches, or even short-term, stronger pain relief under supervision.

If the pain is unbearable or rapidly worsening, going to urgent care or the emergency department is appropriate. In the meantime, gentle heat, rest, hydration, and avoiding overexertion may help a little, but given what you are describing, you really need a clinician to reassess your treatment plan quickly.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

Thank you.