Gabapentin becoming less effective

[Walrob66]

Hi,

I’ve been on Gabapentin since my RLS was diagnosed in January, and it has been working very well giving me a decent nights sleep. However, over the last month, it’s been less effective despite the fact that I’ve increased my dosage.

I had been taking a few 100mg during the day, and then 400mg before bed.

Since it’s become less effective, I’ve been increasing my bedtime dosage in stages and now I’m having 700mg before bed, but it doesn’t seem to make any difference.

I wake up at 12.30 every night almost to the minute, I have to get up and sit in a chair,, with my legs bouncing away for a number of hours, plus I find my legs have a dull ache during the day

Has anyone else found Gabapentin decline in effectiveness?

Rob

[Madlegs1]

Just to add to what Manerva says, Do avoid taking any form of magnesium within 3 hours of your Gabapentin. That could be straight mg or in another medicine such as laxatives and indigestion pills.

[Walrob66 in reply to Madlegs1]

Hi Manerva & Madlegs,

Many thanks for your kind responses.

Although I’m not on any other medication, it’s worth while understanding that it could have an impact on the Gabapentin that I’m currently taking.

I do have a high 200s level of ferretin, so I believe my iron levels are okay.

I think I’ll start making a log of what I eat to see if I can find any links to the decline of its effectiveness.

Failing that, I’ll consult with my GP, and if Gabapentin continues to be ineffective, I’ll consider moving to pregabalin.

Kind regards.

[TheThirdDoctor in reply to Walrob66]

Get a test done for your folic acid levels as well. My serum ferritin levels are fine at 250, but my Folic Acid levels were flagged as low.

[Madlegs1]

You're welcome. Indeed-- high ferritin is not always the answer- only effective for about half of sufferers!😪A food diary is a very wise step.

Good luck.

[SueJohnson]

Are you by any chance taking collagen? I started taking it not realizing it had monosodium glutamate which makes restless legs worse.

[WideBody]

I had similar issues with Gabapentin, mainly is was inconsistent. I was taking 1500mg almost one every two hours starting at noon. If I missed one, it didn’t work.

I switch to 300mg of pregabalin. 2*150mg. One sometime in the evening, the other before bed.

For me Pregabalin is much more consistent and if I forget or I am busy. I can take one at bed time and within the hour get some benefit. Consistency and ease of use (2 vs 5 pills), I prefer the pregabalin.

[Bellamcc]

The doctor increased my gabapentin to 1800 per day, as it was not giving me the same effect. I eventually came off them as they did not help anymore. I am now on ropinirole.