Sedation--pregabalin to gabapentin

[wantokporo]

I switched from 150 mg. pregabalin to 900 mg. gabapentin about three weeks ago because I was hoping that maybe I wouldn't have the same daytime sedation side effect. At the very first I didn't but now in the last 10 days it has set in and feels very similar to what I experienced on pregabalin. Two questions: has anyone had this side effect go away after a month or two? Second: has anyone gone on Horizont and not had sedation issues--after having this on pregabalin or gabapentin? Thanks. It is hard to imagine this for the rest of my life.

[Hidden]

Hi wantokporo

I'm on 300mg pregabalin and experience the daytime sedation you speak of.

I have recently introduced ultra low dose naltrexone into my regime and i find that it gives me a little more energy in the day and definitely more stamina.

I take approx 0.5mg of naltrexone sublingually. (Some people get stomach upsets from tablets which is why i take it sublingually).

I do find that it can cause some insomnia so i take it very first thing in the morning, and keep to a very low dose.

There's a facebook group call Low dose naltrexone (LDN) for chronic illness and infection. This has a lot of information should you decide to go this route.

[SueJohnson]

It is not likely to go away since you have been on pregabalin so long and the drugs are basically the same. Horizant might help and is worth a try, but it is expensive and most insurances don't cover it. However Horizant has a prescription Savings Card which you would qualify for if you are under 65 which makes it very inexpensive. horizant.com/savings If you decide to come off pregabalin, do so very slowly to avoid withdrawal effects. If you do it slowly enough you won't have any withdrawal effects. Another possibility is to take an ADHD drug in the morning to counter your daytime sedation - discuss this with your doctor.

[Hidden]

Further to Sue's reply, a few years ago when i complained to my sleep specialist that i was still tired in the daytime (i believe i was taking pramipexole at the time), he suggested that i take Modafinil, a stimulant medication used to treat sleepiness.

I didn't take up the suggestion. For yourself however, if the pregabalin/gabapentin works well for your RLS and you don't have other options, it may be an option.

[wantokporo]

Thanks much for this suggestion (Modafinil). I'm checking with the doc. This sedation is only slightly better than suffering with the shaky legs.