A personal note from Vladimir Fanshil & Eleanor Lyons
Live at Yours began in the most unexpected way — in our own living room. In 2020, when the world fell silent, we refused to believe that music should exist only on screens. So we gathered a handful of people, pulled the chairs close, and performed for twenty guests at a time. Those evenings were small, fragile, unforgettable — and they reminded us why we became musicians: to share something real, something human, something that only exists when people come together.
A New Way to Experience Music
In the first years, we travelled across NSW and the ACT, giving more than 50 performances in lounge rooms, coffee roasteries, tin sheds in the outback, art galleries, churches, synagogues and regional theatres.
It was in those intimate settings that we connected deeply with locals, listened to their feedback, and discovered what Australians truly value in live music: informal yet refined, relaxed yet deeply sincere, intimate yet world-class.
Those conversations shaped everything — from our welcoming tone to having no intervals, allowing the emotional arc to flow without interruption. This is how we crafted the ultimate listening experience we offer today: personal, natural and genuinely shared.
From a lounge room to a national stage
Live at Yours has now grown far beyond our living room — into concert spaces across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Orange, Castlemaine and beyond — yet the essence remains unchanged.
Every venue is chosen for its story and atmosphere. Every performance is lit and shaped to feel close, warm and immersive. And every artist who joins us shares our belief in vulnerability, honesty and connection.
World-class artists, up close
Extraordinary artists, shared in intimate spaces — where every detail comes alive.
Richard Tognetti
Yamen Saadi
Alexander Gavrylyuk
Emily Sun
Elena Kats-Chernin
Andrew Haveron
Kristian Winther
Rosanna Rolton
Vatche Jambazian
Elina Faskhi
Stefanie Farrands
Simon Tedeschi
Committed to the next generation
As Live at Yours grows, so does our responsibility to young musicians. Through masterclasses, mentoring, and partnerships with ANAM and the Sydney Conservatorium, we help the next generation experience the same intimacy and inspiration that shaped our early years.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
We can’t wait to welcome you — up close, and personal.
Gabapentin: A Practical Guide for Australians Over 30
By Dr. Emily Harris, General Practitioner – Melbourne, VIC
Are You Tired of Nerve Pain or Sleepless Nights?
If you're over 30 and living with burning, shooting nerve pain, persistent migraines, or restless legs that steal your sleep, you know how it can wear you down.
Perhaps you’ve tried paracetamol or ibuprofen with little relief, or you worry about stronger medications like opioids.
Maybe you’re recovering from surgery and the pain just won’t settle, or you suffer from anxiety that keeps your mind racing at night.
The good news is there’s a medication many Australian doctors trust for exactly these problems – gabapentin.
It might be the key to reclaiming your comfort and quality of life.
What Is Gabapentin and How Does It Work?
Gabapentin was originally developed to treat epilepsy, but decades of clinical experience have shown it’s remarkably effective for nerve-related (neuropathic) pain.
It works by calming overactive nerves in the brain and spinal cord, much like turning down the volume on pain signals.
In Australia, gabapentin is available under several brand names, including Neurontin and Gabapentin Apotex.
What is Gabapentin Apotex? It is a high-quality generic version manufactured by Apotex, a trusted pharmaceutical company.
These green-and-white capsules are bioequivalent to the original Neurontin, meaning they deliver the same active ingredient at a more affordable price.
For many Australians, the Apotex brand is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for approved conditions, making it an accessible option.
Gabapentin is not a narcotic and doesn’t carry the same addiction risks as opioids.
It can be used alone or alongside other pain relief strategies, and it often improves sleep quality because pain relief naturally leads to better rest.
| Medication Type |
Best for |
Addiction Risk |
Common Side Effects |
| Gabapentin |
Nerve pain, epilepsy, migraine prevention |
Low |
Dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain |
| Opioids (e.g., oxycodone) |
Acute severe pain |
High |
Constipation, dependence, respiratory depression |
| NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) |
Inflammatory pain |
None |
Stomach irritation, kidney strain |
| Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) |
Nerve pain, migraine prevention |
Low |
Dry mouth, weight gain, heart rhythm changes |
Can Gabapentin Help Your Specific Situation?
One reason Australian GPs prescribe gabapentin so often is its versatility.
Let’s answer the most common questions I hear from patients in my clinic.
🟢 Can I take gabapentin for migraines?
Absolutely. While gabapentin is not TGA‑registered for migraine in Australia, many neurologists recommend it off‑label for migraine prevention.
Studies show it can reduce both the frequency and intensity of attacks, especially when traditional preventers haven’t worked.
If you suffer from more than 3 migraines a month, gabapentin could be a game‑changer.
🟢 Can I take gabapentin after surgery?
Yes, and it’s increasingly common. Post‑surgical nerve pain (especially after back, joint, or abdominal surgery) responds well to gabapentin.
It not only treats the pain directly but also reduces the need for opioid medication, which means less nausea, constipation, and risk of dependency.
Many enhanced‑recovery programs in Australian hospitals include gabapentin for this reason.
🟢 Can I take gabapentin if I have a history of head injury?
This is a nuanced area. Head injuries can sometimes cause central neuropathic pain that gabapentin can help settle.
However, because gabapentin can cause dizziness and drowsiness, people with a prior brain injury need to be cautious.
Start low, go slow is the rule. Your doctor will likely begin with a tiny dose and monitor you closely. It’s not off‑limits, but personalised medical advice is essential.
🟢 Does gabapentin interact with melatonin?
Many of you take melatonin to sleep. Gabapentin itself often improves sleep, but when combined with melatonin, excessive drowsiness could occur.
There’s no dangerous chemical interaction, but I’d recommend using only one at night until you know how you feel.
Tell your doctor if you’re using melatonin regularly, so they can time your gabapentin dose accordingly.
🟢 Can gabapentin cause serotonin syndrome?
This is a worry for many patients on antidepressants. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious condition caused by too much serotonin activity.
Gabapentin does not significantly affect serotonin receptors. While extremely rare, isolated reports exist when combined with multiple serotonergic drugs.
In clinical practice, the risk is negligible and far lower than with many common antidepressants. There’s no need to fear gabapentin if you’re on an SSRI or SNRI.
🟢 Can I take gabapentin if I have COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requires caution with any medication that can slow breathing.
Gabapentin at standard doses rarely causes respiratory depression on its own, but the risk increases with very high doses or when mixed with alcohol or strong painkillers.
I usually start with a low dose and monitor any shortness of breath. Many COPD patients use gabapentin safely for nerve pain, but it’s a decision best made with your respiratory physician.
🟢 Can I take gabapentin if I have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)?
Yes, though you’ll need the right formulation. Gabapentin capsules (including Apotex) can often be opened and the contents sprinkled on soft food like apple sauce.
There is also an oral solution (Neurontin liquid) available in Australia.
If you struggle with pills, your doctor can prescribe the liquid version to ensure you don’t miss out on effective pain relief. Never crush extended‑release tablets.
Why Patients Over 30 Are Choosing Gabapentin
| Pain Point |
How Gabapentin Helps |
| Sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, shingles pain |
Reduces nerve signal intensity, often within 1–2 weeks |
| Post‑surgery nerve pain |
Lowers opioid need, accelerates mobility |
| Migraine prevention |
Can cut monthly migraine days by half |
| Restless legs syndrome |
Calms sensory urges, improves sleep onset |
| Anxiety (off‑label) |
Mild anxiolytic effect with a sense of calm |
Gabapentin is generally well‑tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild dizziness or tiredness – and these often fade after the first week.
Unlike many painkillers, it doesn’t damage your stomach, liver, or kidneys when used correctly.
Take the Next Step Towards Pain Relief
If any of these situations sound familiar, gabapentin deserves a conversation with your GP.
You don’t have to accept nerve pain as a normal part of ageing. With a valid prescription, you can access gabapentin (including the affordable Gabapentin Apotex brand) from any Australian pharmacy.
Many PBS‑listed presentations mean you may only pay a concessional co‑payment of $6.80 or $30.30 for general patients (2024 rates).
Don’t self‑medicate – the dose must be tailored slowly for safety.
Book an appointment today and ask, “Could gabapentin help me?”
Together we can work out a plan that lets you live with less pain and more joy.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
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