Gabapentin for Sleep?

[zeusop]

I was taking Gabapentin originally to help with mild RLS symptoms which are even less evident with iron supplementation. As a sufferer of insomnia I have kept taking 200 mg Gabapentin together with 50 mg Trazodone before bed and have found that combination very effective. Is there a problem continuing that as a long term solution?

[SueJohnson]

There shouldn't be. I'm glad you found something that helps your insomnia.

[zeusop in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue. Appreciate your prompt response.

[Hidden]

You might find that half or even 1/4 of a 50mg tablet is even more sedating. Not sure what type of iron you take but I use ferrous bisglycinate an hour before bed. Not only does it get rid of my RLS in one hour but I find it mildly sedating.

[zeusop in reply to Hidden]

Interesting. I take 65mg Iron (325 mg Ferrous Sulfate) and usually in the morning with Vitamin C. Is that also mildly sedating? And the Trazodone in a lesser amount is actually more effective? That would be a good thing. As I wrote in my original query I also take 200 mg Gabapentin which I doubt does much for RLS at that dosage but seems to have helped my insomnia. I'm all for eliminating all drugs if at all possible. I wonder whether the smaller Trazodone dosage with Iron at night would allow me to drop the Gabapentin? Any thoughts on that. And thank you very much for your response.

[Hidden in reply to zeusop]

I’d be willing to bet $1,000 that if you took two iron tabs (preferably ferrous bisglycinate) an hour before bed on an empty stomach and 1/2 trazodone that you would sleep well without the Gabapentin. My “chelated” iron might be more sedating because it is formulated with Glycine which is a sedating substance.

If you find 1/2 trazodone works then try 1/4. I would take the trazodone about 15 minutes to 20 minutes before bed

Please let me know how it goes 💫

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I always wondered why the ferrous bisglycinate was so sedating to me. Plus, no one else on here reported same. Then someone suggested it might be the Glycine in it. So this is interesting: thesleepdoctor.com/sleep-ai...

It is not as sedating to me as it once was but still gets me to where I need to be…asleep without RLS

[zeusop in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for your response. I can certainly give it a try. I'll give you some feedback afterwards

[SueJohnson in reply to zeusop]

Did you have your ferritin checked? If so what was it?

[zeusop in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue. Have a follow up appt with the Doctor November 1st. I will be checking my Ferritin level before. I'll tell you as soon as I know. Thanks

[zeusop in reply to SueJohnson]

Hi Sue. Got my results. My Ferritin level was 69

[SueJohnson in reply to zeusop]

OK - that is actually good because improving it to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS. You do need to take your iron at night, not in the morning as it is absorbed better then. Take it at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron. If you take magnesium or calcium take them 2 hours apart as they interfere with its absorption. Also antacids interferes with its absorption. It takes several months for the iron tablets to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months. Also see my reply to Hemi1980.

[Hemi1980]

Theres no choices but long term onece you start them you cant quit them at all alot of serious side afect if you do even death i would stay away of gapapentine

[zeusop in reply to Hemi1980]

For 200 mgs? Death? Seriously?

[SueJohnson in reply to Hemi1980]

That's ridiculous. You do need to reduce them slowly to avoid withdrawal effects and if one does there will be none.