Gabapentin and test

[Johan10]

I'd be very grateful for thoughts or experience of Gabapentin being responsible for low platelet, red blood cell (marginal) and white blood cell counts. All these have come back low following a recent annual blood test. Particularly the platelets. The doctor feels there may be a correlation between this and the Gabapentin which I stared about 9 months ago and have gradually increased to 900mg. I am not aware of anything else that has changed (eg medication, diet, lifestyle) in this time frame. He is taking specialist advice as to what should be done but advises I start reducing the Gabapentin.

Thanks for any help.

[SueJohnson]

They are rare side effects but they can be caused by gabapentin. You will need to reduce the gabapentin slowly or you will have withdrawal effects. The usual schedule is 100 to 200 mg every 2 weeks. If you withdraw it slowly enough you won't have any withdrawal effects.

[Johan10 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank for reply Sue. All the best.

[Joolsg]

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

There are many reasons your bloods may have come back like this. Viruses like Covid can cause changes as well.

So it might NOT be gabapentin.

I would await further results and obtain a second opinion from a haematologist before making changes to meds, especially if they're helping the RLS.

[Johan10 in reply to Joolsg]

Many thanks for that Jools. I had Covid about a year ago and not aware of any residual long term effects but as you say there could still be many other causes apart from Gabapentin. Thanks again.

[SueJohnson]

Let us know what you eventually find out.

[Dolly38]

Hello Johan,I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease two years ago. Prior to this 40 years ago diagnosed with IBS. Had gastric problems for years and years and years. By the time a sensible locum GP said has anyone ever tested you for Coeliac I had all sorts of malabsorption problems. Gabapentin was prescribed as I got more constipated depressed and eventually gave up my job as I was not sleeping at night. Have low thyroid probs etc. Eventually as my sleep etc nerve pain????was so bad prescribed Gabapentin 100mgs three times a day. Then it was upped. I turned into a zombie and put them in the bin!!!

I have heard it can affect people sometimes in a positive way but I would never ever take this again.

Take care and one has to try many different things before they get it right.

I'm still trying. Go well my friend

BW

Lally

[SueJohnson in reply to Dolly38]

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, eating late at night, estrogen including HRT, 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, fennel, 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, CBD, 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, vibration devices, 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.

Have you had your ferritin checked? If so, what was it? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms. If not when you see your doctor ask for a full iron panel. Stop taking any iron supplements including multivitamins that have iron in them 48 hours before the test, don't eat a heavy meat meal the night before, fast after midnight and have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible. When you get the results, ask for your ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) numbers. You want your transferrin saturation to be over 20% but less than 45% and your ferritin to be at least 100. If they are not, post them here and we can give you some advice.

[Johan10 in reply to Dolly38]

Thanks for letting me know your Gabapentin experience Lally and I wish you all the best.