Gabapentin and Oxycodone

[RLSHell]

Hi

I'm back, looking for more advice from the wise ones on HealthUnlocked. I recently came off Pramipexole and persuaded my (UK NHS) neurologist to prescribed Oxycodone/Nalazone. I take 10mgs in the morning and 20 about 7.00pm (any later and it doesn't work). This led to an improvement, but my sleep is very disturbed. She then prescribed Gabapentin, 100mg an hour before bedtime. The first night I had a good sleep, but in the 7 or 8 days since, it's made things worse rather than better. I also need to take it about 7.00 - when I took it an hour before sleep I was really 'wired' all night.

Other medication. Duloxetine for depression. This controls my depression very well, so I'm reluctant to change it, especially as my RLS started before my depression. I take a number of medications for prostate cancer, Prostap injections, Amlopidine, Alendronic Acid and Calcium Carbonate/ Vitamin D. I avoid taking the Gabapentin at the same time as the Calcium. I also suffer from Night Eating Syndrome, which kicks in even if my RLS is quiet. My question is whether there is any benefit in pursuing the Gabapentin, e.g. at a higher dose.

[SueJohnson]

100 mg of gabapentin is lower than the usual starting dose. That said Most of the side effects of gabapentin will disappear after a few weeks and the few that don't will usually lessen. Those that remain are usually worth it for the elimination of the RLS symptoms. If your RLS is worse, it is probably because you recently came off pramipexole. It takes a few weeks before the symptoms from the withdrawal settle down. Gabapentin may have side effects but it doesn't make your RLS worse. Once things have settled down you can increase your gabapentin by 100 mg every couple of days. I am surprised you need to take it at 7:00 as the peak plasma level is 2 hours, but then everyone reacts different.

[ziggypiggy]

Gabapentin can cause increased agitation and restlessness in some users. These symptoms while not officially RLS related can mimic how they make you feel. Any uncontrollable body restlessness is no fun at all regardless of the source.

[Sleepylamb]

I had started Amlopidine for high blood pressure and my Rls got worse after taking it. I looked it up and Amlodipine is a trigger if you can get off of it and see if that helps.