I just thought I would update you all on my use of the medication pregabalin and how it is helping me . I take 150 mg at 7.30 each night . I can now sit and watch tv without that horrible crawling feeling that ends in me kicking around . I can actually sit through a whole film too and then I think at the end - wow 😯 no RLS .
I will begin to feel a bit sleepy around 10 - 11 pm . Most nights I fall asleep at around 12-1 am and sleep all night . I don’t even wake up to go to the loo which I used to do a couple of times .
Some nights - but not very many , if I haven’t fell asleep the RLS will come but it’s not as bad as it used to be and the feeling is short lived and I fall asleep .
I cannot tell you how this has changed how I feel in the day times too . I actually feel refreshed after a good nights sleep . I have other medical problems and am awaiting a huge operation and my mum passed away 6 weeks ago . 😔if I hadn’t been sleeping I don’t think I would have coped with all this stress too . I really hope my sleep continues . I know we are all different. But I just thought maybe this would give some of you some hope . ❤️
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Esme2007
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Such good news, Esme. Thank you for sharing. But my condolences for the passing of your mum. I hope she had a good life. And a calm and good end of it.
I'm on 300mg and it helps and has more or less eliminated RLS but sleep is still very hit and miss. Get an average of 5 hours broken sleep most nights. Wish it was nearer 7 or 8 but an improvement at least.
Hmmm, pregabalin is classified as a gabapentinoids along with GABA itself, gabapentin and phenibut. Very interesting read on just how this works...
"it does not bind to the GABA receptors, does not convert into GABA or another GABA receptor agonist in vivo, and does not directly modulate GABA transport or metabolism. However, pregabalin has been found to produce a dose-dependent increase in the brain expression of L-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme responsible for synthesizing GABA, and hence may have some indirect GABAergic effects by increasing GABA levels in the brain."
It works for me I suppose . I really don’t know what I should or shouldn’t be taking . I had a terrible time with augmentation and couldn’t carry on in this way . My GP prescribed it and I took it as I was desperate. I’ve had cancer twice and am awaiting huge abdominal surgery . I couldn’t cope with everything with no sleep . I get so confused with all the conflicting advise . I appreciate any advise and support of course but this has just left me so confused- yet again .
Hi Esme. I too take Pregabalin. I also take Temgesic. My RLS is fairly well controlled now. Having suffered such dreadful augmentation and withdrawal from taking DA"s I'm just relieved that my RLS is so much better. I don't look too much into the science of the medication I take as I've got my life back more or less. Don't feel confused if it's helping you.
Thank you . It’s really hard because I hate taking any medication. I had radiotherapy for bowel cancer at the age of 32 and therefore had to take hormone replacement therapy . I got breast cancer at the age of 50 and they have said it was more than likely because of taking the HRT . My daughter had cervical cancer at the age of 28 poor thing just after having her baby boy . She too has to take HRT as her quality of life without it is very bad . It absolutely worries me sick . I take an anti anxiety drug which I have taken on and off since my first cancer diagnosis. I’ve tried life without it and it just isn’t good . My daughter too takes anti anxiety medication now following her trauma . I just hate and feel so bad taking any medication. I’m actually going to see my oncologist today in half an hour as I have a pain under my arm . What with all this and losing my mum to cancer I so
Sometimes feel it’s all too much . I have amazing support from my husband and my family but sometimes you can’t help feel very alone . So it’s so lovely of you to contact me . As I’ve said before all advise is very much appreciated.
Hi Esme2007, I started Pregabalin about 2 months ago. I take 300mg, one at 2pm and one at 6. I am like you. I sleep through most nights. I have a difficult time getting to sleep, but once I am there, I do sleep well.
I prefer the pregabalin to the gabapentin, which I was taking about 1500mg. With gabapentin I was taking one 300mg every 2 hours. 12, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Oh, and if I missed, there was no catching up.
With pregabalin, if I forget to take it. I usually remember by 4-6pm, then pregabalin takes about 45 minutes to kick in. Gabapentin was hit and miss.
Hi Esme, I'm so sorry to hear your mum passed. It's been a really tough time for you.
Pregabalin worked really well for my RLS, and I wish I was still on it but I had side effects so I had to stop. Finally you've found something that works for you - good news indeed
Thank you everyone . The side efficacy get from pregabalin are I can sometimes wake with a headache and it takes me a while to wake up . I don’t know - I try desperately to get to sleep then When I want to wake up I can’t !!!!! Oh well . To be honest I’m not sure if I was working I would be able to take this medication. I’m just too sleepy in the mornings and would worry about driving . I had to retire early due to ill health and it’s a good job as I don’t think I could be in charge of 30 4-5 year olds on pregabalin!!!!!! Thank you everyone x
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