I just started gabapentine around 8pm. 100mg to start than another 100mg if needed aHave been taking for 7 days.
My script says take at on set of symptoms.
This doesn't seem to be working.
Have had 2 bad nights usually around 3 in the morning.
Side effects are light readiness, feeling faint when I wake up and last most of the morning . Also some shortness of breath.
Will the side effects eventually go away?
I'm afraid to up the dose.
Would appreciate input before I see my neurologist again.
Most of the side effects of gabapentin or pregabalin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. However the one I would be concerned about is shortness of breath so definitely do not increase your dose and I would contact your doctor.
Thanks for your response Sue.The shortness of breath is more like a panic attack.
A little xanax (.125mg) usually helps. Wondering if the Gaba is causing the anxiety. Should be the opposite. And it's such a low dose. I do have COPD which could be a factor. Am hoping the anxiety attacks are just part of the side effects and will diminish over time.
Still confused why it works some nights and not others.
Anxiety can be a side effect.
Could azithromycin be a trigger? I have to start taking as maintenance for copd. Couldn't find any info on google. Do take early in the day.
Generally I would say no, but 2 people did say it bothered them.
Gabapentin did not work for me until I got to 1500 mg. I take them at night only. They have been working for me for two years. No PLMS either. Great drug, multipurpose.
Did the side effects increase with the increase in dosage?
Called neurologist today about anxiety breathing issue and insomnia. Nurse said to stop the gabapentin.Doc was out if office and will get back to me on what he will prescribe next for rls.
Have a feeling it's going to be an agonist.
As Sue says, most side effects should decline/disappear over time. However, significant respiratory problems on gabapentin are listed as 'rare to very rare' so as Sue says you should get checked out just in case -
'Notice from the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency: "Gabapentin has been associated with a rare risk of severe respiratory depression even without concomitant opioid medicines. Patients with compromised respiratory function, respiratory or neurological disease, renal impairment, concomitant use of central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and elderly people might be at higher risk of experiencing severe respiratory depression. Dose adjustments might be necessary in these patients."
My neurologist knows about the COPD but said I shouldn't have breathing issues on such a low dose. I made sure to ask her if it would affect my breathing.I don't see her again for 3 weeks so will continue the 100mg (×2)
as prescribed and hope I don't end up on the ER.
I do of course hope that the breathing issue is nothing serious and that your neurologist is correct: the respiratory depression is rare. All the best.
"My script says take at on set of symptoms"
Gabapentin doesn't work like that. It is a graduated response and works over a period of time.
It normally takes 3 weeks to start being effective.
Hi, yes gabapentin does have some side effects. I take 800mg 3 times a day for a neuropathic condition. I also have slight RLS due to Erythromalalgia. It can take up to 3 months for gabapentin to work properly because it builds up in the body. It takes about 3 hours to work within the body. You should really take it 3 times a day at a low dose. Please discuss this with your doctor.
The side effects are dizziness, balance problems, blurry eyes, short term memory problems, brain fog and tiredness. But then I am on a very high dose. You do get used to the side effects. While taking Gabapentin make sure it doesn't interact with any other medications like antacids, Cimetadine etc.
Appreciate your response.I am going to call doc tomorrow about upping dosage,
How much of an increase at a time ? And how often?
Since it takes so long for GABA to work what to do in the mean time. I've been up most of the night using creams to try and calm my legs. (didn't work).
I'm careful about drug interactions. Have other meds for COPD I have to juggle as well. I have quite the chart made up.
There is one thing you can try that might help. Keep your feet and lower legs as cold as possible. Try using fan on your legs or better still crushed ice or ice cubes in a bag and rub it slowly over your feet, ankles and calves. I know this sounds odd and extreme but it works for me.
To clarify - it only takes 3 weeks to be fully effective. After that one would normally increase by 100 mg every 2 days. Increasing more slowly helps lessen the side effects. Take 1 to 2 hours before bed (or your symptoms start). If your need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. If you take magnesium, take it at least 3 hours before or after gabapentin as it interfere with the absorption of them and if you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours. However I agree with Joolsg answer below "don't increase it and speak to your doctor."
Meanwhile some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, estrogen, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, stress and vigorous exercise. Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.
Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if any make RLS symptoms worse and if so may be able to give you a safe substitute.
I would see your doctor asap about the shortness of breath.
You are on an extremely low dose. For RLS, the dose is usually between 1500-1800mg. If you're having serious side effects on such a low dose, don't increase it and speak to your doctor.
Taking the gabapentin at the onset of symptoms is to late. Peak plasma concentrations occur 2-3 hours after taking it. I've not seen any literature but I would think food would delay absorption. So try taking it a couple of hours before you go to bed.
Of course your doctor must guide you. This is just my experience and I am not a medical professional.
Your dosage seems low and the timing seems off. I take three 600 mg Gabapentin capsules daily — one each at 4, 6 and 9 p.m., and it works beautifully with no restless legs, a full night’s sleep. My only side effects are occasional balance issues. I usually get in bed around 9:30-ish and read for awhile. I wish you the best.
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