I have recently (3 days ago) asked my doctor to move from pramipexol to gabapentin, as pramipexole had little benefit to my sleep and then suddenly stopped while side effects like nausea and bloated feeling were too severe. My doctor dosage recommendation seemed to be for the Epilepsy of 300mg 3 times a day after 3 days. Also he genuinely didn´t seem too informed on the matter.
Best regards!
Gabapentin is licensed for epilepsy and nerve pain. For these it is prescribed 3 times daily. It is prescribed for RLS off label. For this, depending on the dose it should be only taken at night.
It's best taken 2 - 3 hours before bedtime.
You should start on only 300mg per day. It can be built up in steps of 300mg every 3 days or so.
Once you get to 600mg it's better to take the next 300mg 2 - 3 hours before the 600mg.
Be aware that it takes 3 - 4 weeks before fully working.
Also be aware that if you stop pramipexole, you must not stop suddenly. It is best to do it slowly by reducing the dose in steps of half a 0.125mg tablet and no less often than once every 2 weeks.
Even then withdrawal effects may occur which make it seem the gabapentin isn't working, but you'll have to persist with it until after stopping the pramipexole for at least two weeks.
Initially, at first gabapentin can cause drowsiness, dizziness and problems walking. These can fade after a few weeks.
Give it chance.
Hi Manerva, I’ve started to take Gabapentin and 0.088mg of pramipexole whilst I wait for the Gabapentin to kick in. I’m estimating I will need to be on the Pramipexole for at least 3 -4 weeks. (I’m trying to stay off opioids)This is a low dose and a short period of time. Do I still need to taper?
Just to be on the safe side, I'd reduce it to 0.044mg for a couple of weeks, but you should be OK if you've not taken it for long.
Thanks Manerva much appreciated
When To move to Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Gabapentin 
Gabapentin 
