Side effects of Gaberpentin - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Side effects of Gaberpentin

DisneS profile image
19 Replies

I have been taking 600 mg of Gaberpentin for several months and it has helped with my RLS. Unfortunately it seems to be causing severe constipation even though I have also been taking Senna which the doctor has prescribed. Has anyone else experienced this?

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DisneS
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19 Replies
Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

It’s a common side effect- I had the opposite problem- it caused diarrhoea.

Try eating at least 5 portions of veg with your evening meal.

If that doesn’t help maybe switch to pregabalin which is a similar drug but with fewer side effects.

DisneS profile image
DisneS in reply toJoolsg

Thanks for trying to help, but I eat plenty of fruit and veg. Also one of the listed side effects of Pregabalin is constipation and, if that’s on the list, there’s no doubt I will be affected. In fact, there is very little I can take without being affected with constipation. I’m beginning to think I’ll have to give up all drugs but then, as you all know, it will mean night time agony!

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toDisneS

It’s no fun. Ask your doctor if there’s anything to counter the effects. Something stronger than senna? Or try magnesium citrate at least 2/3 hours away from the Gabapentin. It causes loose bowels in most people ( take 2/3 tablets) and has the added benefit of helping RLS in many people.

Hope it helps

DisneS profile image
DisneS in reply toJoolsg

Thanks a lot Joolsg. I do apply magnesium in a spray form to my legs each night but don’t know if the tablets would work better

Thanks anyway

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toDisneS

Definitely as they affect the digestive tract.

I use them every night to counter -act constipating effects of OxyContin.

Give them a go

DisneS profile image
DisneS in reply toJoolsg

Have just ordered some tablets so am hoping for the best!

Many thanks Joolsg

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toDisneS

Don’t forget to take them 2/3 hours before or after the Gabapentin as magnesium interacts with the gaba.

Good luck.

martino profile image
martino

I don’t know about senna but I use Fybogel which keeps me going. I am on a high dose of Gabapentin plus other stuff which can cause constipation.

Parminter profile image
Parminter

Senna is a slightly odd choice for a doctor.

It is quite hit-or-miss and can be violent when it does work.

I would try Dulcolax, two or three or four tablets, depending upon your own need, to which you add a stool softener. (I use a product called Lacson, which is lactulose).

That should do it.

When all fails, use a Dulcolax suppository.

I must use strong opioids, which turn me to stone, but this combination works.

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl

Really interesting comments, l too suffer awful constipation, l take 1200mg gabapentin daily plus 1 codiene 30 mg at night. Lactulus doesnt help me anymore so lm finding these comments really helpful. Thanks

DisneS profile image
DisneS in reply toUnhappygirl

Just wondered if you found anything to help your constipation. I am now taking magnesium citrate which Joolsg recommended and the doctor prescribed a stool softener which worked well at first but now is hardly working at all.

Unhappygirl profile image
Unhappygirl in reply toDisneS

My gp gave me dioctyl 1 3 times a day also dulcolax 1 at bedtime but l find your system soon gets immune to them, lm still struggling unfortunately

DisneS profile image
DisneS in reply toUnhappygirl

Sorry to hear that!!

Chileman profile image
Chileman

Just get a bottle of stool softeners. 3 or 4 a day should help.

Phil3819 profile image
Phil3819

I take pregabalin and Zomorph which affect my colon and bung me up terribly. My doctor prescribed Macrogol which works a treat. It's a powder that dissolves in water (I add an effervescent vitamin tablet to flavour it. Either that or use flavoured water). It's gentle and effective in my case.

EveC profile image
EveC

For constipation, always drink at least 3 litres of water a day. Fluid is Number 1 on the list of treatments for constipation.

Bajatom profile image
Bajatom

I'm also taking 600 mh gabapentin. Complete plant based whole foods only took care of constipation problem. I also take tablespoon of freshly ground flax seed with full glass of water for fiber and needed Omega 3. Start with one teaspoon. Meat and dairy are constipating. Side effects of plant based no portion limitations are all good.

Grammieof4 profile image
Grammieof4

Miralax every nite will work.

DisneS profile image
DisneS

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Lactulose doesn’t suit me but I might try Dulcolax and more water

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