Gabapentin

[Kenneth77]

Yes...I take 300mg at bedtime. Don't Really know its effects, but it may help with slow wave sleep.

[Joaclp]

I am on large dose of gabapentin for neuropathy-- 2400 mg daily with 1200 mg pm. Before taking this medication I had not slept for 2 months straight. Now I wake up every few hours with pain, but I can go back to sleep and I find the quality of sleep is deep and restful. They say it improves REM sleep. It has side effects, but for now it is a trade-off.

[Kenneth77 in reply to Joaclp]

I thought it improved SLOW WAVE SLEEP (stage 4)

[Joaclp]

I forgot to ask what you are taking it for Pain? Sleep? If you really want to know about adverse effects, I can tell you mine after 8 months. They vary a great deal among takers, however, and it makes most sense to ask whether others have the same issues as you have. Is it too soon to know?

[Kenneth77 in reply to Joaclp]

Sorry I took so long to answer you. My GP thought 300 mg of gabapentin might help me be calm as I was undergoing withdrawal from long term use of benzos. (dalmane)

The night before I didn"t take it an I didn't sleep well at all. Last night I took 300mg again and I slept better, so it must be down regulating gaba somewhat. I know this is a very small dose compared to some people who take 2-3000mg.

What has been your experience with this. Appreciate hearing.

[Joaclp in reply to Kenneth77]

I took dalmane very long term, as well as some other strong medications, so I know about benzo withdrawl. Stopped about a year ago and still am battling insomnia (and severe pain). Gabapentin has helped me to sleep, and to do it well, but it does require higher and higher doses to work. The need to increase applies to neuropathy relief as well. I have many of the listed side effects and they usually subside a week or so into the next higher dose. Some are cognitive, like loss of short-term memory and mental focus; others are physical, like problems with balance, headaches, and double vision. The issues with vision are ongoing and worrisome to me. I have an appointment with a neurologist at the end of September and will know more about whether other medications may help with disabling neuropathy.

Some people can handle gabapentin or pregablin longterm; others stop because of adverse effects. This is probably more than you needed or wanted to know. Do you have reason to think you will need to take it indefinitely?

[Kenneth77 in reply to Joaclp]

I am left with extremely weak thighs and knees, and I really don't feel like exercising. Still take a bunch of crap to sleep: 12.5mg zolpidem time release, 50mg benadryl oil, gaba, health store variety.