Eye Bags from Gabapentin?

[Happyfriday123]

I started switching from pramipexole to gabapentin 10 days ago. I am currently still in the transition phase, which means that I take 200mg Gabapentin and at the same time still Pramipexol (for me Pramipexol is very strong, which means I only take 0.125mg). Next week I will take 300 Gapapentin etc. (up to 2x 300). Since I have been taking Gapapentin additionally, I have noticed that I am now always very tired in the evening (which I actually like, because I fall asleep faster), but also that I wake up every morning with thick bags under my eyes. Since I sleep partially on my stomach, I also have strong marks from the pillow on my face, which only go away after a few hours. This and the bags under my eyes make me very worried for aesthetic reasons. My bad sleep has already been written in my face every day. But this is over the top

Has anyone had similar experiences? Will it go away after a while?

[Joolsg]

Gabapentin causes water retention and that is probably causing the 'eye bags' It does settle after about 2 or 3 months.

[Happyfriday123 in reply to Joolsg]

Thank you. Makes sense..hope it will settle 😬

[Indigirl99]

It should get better as you get used to it. For me, when I started taking Gabapentin it knocked me for six. I struggled to get out of bed everyday and was drained of energy. It got better though after a couple of months. Whilst I can’t bound out of bed like I used to, I don’t have the same lethargy.

[Happyfriday123 in reply to Indigirl99]

Thank you. I enjoy the effect in the evening but not in the morning 😉

[LavendarCat]

Hello! My undereye bags went away in a couple weeks!

[Happyfriday123 in reply to LavendarCat]

Thank you, sounds good

[Papa9385]

The short answer is “no.” I take 900mg taken throughout the day with 600mg just before bed. I sleep very heavily and have stopped kicking the living the daylights out of my wife! However, I do have a lot of dreams, some recurring. Having said that, I do feel tired most of the time. I rarely feel refreshed after sleeping. Sorry. I realise that isn’t much help.

[Happyfriday123 in reply to Papa9385]

Haha, no. But still interesting. I also rarely feel refreshed after sleeping since I've started with RSL medication. I miss the old times...they will never come back i fear

[SueJohnson in reply to Papa9385]

Is there a reason you are taking it during the day? For most it is just needed at night. Did you have symptoms during the day before you started it? Sometimes doctors will prescribe it during the day because that is the way is is prescribed for neurological problems. If you don't need it during he day, don't just stop taking it then. Instead slowly wean off it or you will have withdrawal symptoms.

[Papa9385 in reply to SueJohnson]

hi Sue. I was getting sharp, burning pains in my legs during the day. I have type 2 diabetes, so maybe that is why?

[SueJohnson in reply to Papa9385]

Does the gabapentin help that?

[Papa9385 in reply to SueJohnson]

For the most part, I think so. I also have early onset osteoarthritis in my hips and back and take ibuprofen for that, but only one tablet a day on some days. I find my pain management a bit confusing, if I’m honest.

[K2D2]

Perhaps one of the silk or satin pillowcases that are so popular right now would be helpful and soothing to you from an aesthetic standpoint. They claim to benefit users’ skin and hair, but I’ve not tried one yet myself.

[Happyfriday123 in reply to K2D2]

I've heard of them.. thougt of buying one and then I read an article which said they do not help in my case. I might still give it a try. Thank you for the reminder!

[Opie__]

I have only been on 900 mg of Gabapentin for 2/3 months. I am an early riser even though retired and I have always hit the ground talking lol (poor hubby). I haven't noticed any slugishness since starting Gabapentin. Everyone is different in how meds effect them. After coming off Requip (not easy) I am just so thankful to be RL free that maybe that is the reason, who knows.