Gabapentin, RLS, PLMD feeling lousy next morning

[Ephemera]

Hello, husband now taking 1200mg each night of Gabapentin (2 x 600mg). He still is not sleeping more than about 2hrs a night and in the mornings he feels really lousy. Could this be because of the lack of Gabapentin in the morning (as well as lack of sleep) as he was taking it 3 times a day. Any ideas please!!!!!

[SueJohnson]

When you say he feels really lousy, what exactly is he feeling?

[Ephemera in reply to SueJohnson]

exhausted, had enough, like withdrawal symptoms

[SueJohnson in reply to Ephemera]

Probably because of lack of sleep.

[TeddiJ]

did you order the Kratom yet?!

[Ephemera in reply to TeddiJ]

no not yet, unfortunately finances are tight and with cost of postage to Uk it is to much for us at the moment.

[Mikisot]

He needs physical exercises much more than sleep. Reducing calory intake in half also will help.

[Joolsg in reply to Mikisot]

Exercise can worsen RLS for many, especially if done in the late afternoon/evening. The recommendation is that aerobic exercise should take place in the morning.

[Simkin]

I have switched to taking my 2,100 Gabapentin at night rather than 3 times a day.I don't feel any different now that I don't take it in the morning.

[ChrisColumbus]

1. Husband has only recently increased to 1200mg/day gabapentin. Jools has said it can take 3-4 weeks to become fully effective.

2. 1200mg is still the bottom end of the Mayo Clinics 1200-1800mg effective range. Jools has also shared that on average 1800mg plus has been required.

3. Jools has stated that it can take 2-3 months for gabapentin side effects to settle.

4. Sue, Jools etc have suggested that if gabapentin doesn't work husband might switch to pregabalin or a low dose opioid.

5. Husband's serum ferritin was measured at 165, which could be adequate. (I have only once had a ferritin level under 200 in the last 20 years, and that was 180 something...). Iron was never my problem: it may be worth trying a magnesium supplement - that was what initially stopped my RLS. Magnesium citrate worked for me.

6. Husband on bisoprolol and escitalopram. While hubby has been on these for 15 years, it may be that while they didn't trigger RLS they may exacerbate it now it's started. I've suggested you ask your doctor about changing to losartan for blood pressure (I've just increased from 25mg to 50mg a day, no RLS effect - although others are less sure) and Jools has suggested trazodone, wellbutrin or benzodiazepene as RLS safe treatments for depression/anxiety. Again one for your doctor.

7. Moderate exercise in the mornings may help. You've probably already looked at diet: my exacerbators - too much sugary/carby food; too many diet foods/drinks containing artificial sweeteners; too much caffeine etc. (Although some report that caffeine helps them).

Good luck!