gabapentin and sleep apnoea

[Mounta]

I have just been prescribed Gabapentin for my RLS to come off Ropinerol, I also have severe obstructive and central sleep apnoea. Has anyone with both conditions had any experience of using Gabapentin or has anyone got any advice on the subject? I am concerned because I understand that Gabapentin is a sedative and it might stop me waking up if I stop breathing whilst asleep.

[Opie__]

I have had RLS for 5/7 years and used to take Requip but recently started taking Gabapentin for it about 5/6 months ago and it has helped me tremendously. About 4/5 months ago I was dianosed with severe sleep apnea thru a sleep study. I only take 600 mg of Gabapentin at bedtime and it doesn't make me very sleepy. I know it can be sedative for some but I have no trouble ith taking it and using a cpap. I don't believe it will interfere but if you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist to be sure. Hope that helps

[Mounta in reply to Opie__]

Thankyou for your very helpful reply. That has eased my mind about taking the medication.

[SueJohnson]

A number of people on this forum have sleep apnea and use gabapentin. Type sleep apnea in the search box.

Be sure to take gabapentin the correct way as I advised you 6 months ago. If you need me to repeat it, just post here.

[Mounta]

thanks Sue, I have found the information you gave me.