Gabapentin

[Moretravel1]

how long should I wait from one dose of Gabapentin until the next for best absorption

[SueJohnson]

Take it 1-2 hours before bedtime as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. If you 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 even in a multivitamin take it at least 3 hours before or after you take gabapentin. as it will interfere with the absorption. And if you taken calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason.

[Moretravel1 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you. Does Gabapentin work for most RLS people. I’ve gone up to 1500 mg the last two nights and had to take 10 mg of codine to stop the pain. I’m just wondering where the Gabapentin mgs will stop.

[SueJohnson in reply to Moretravel1]

You can go up to 3600 mg although that would be ridiculous on gabapentin since it has to be 2 hours apart. After 1800 mg it makes sense to switch to pregabalin as that can be taken all in one dose. Divide the gabapentin amount by 6 to get the correct dose and you can switch directly. Since you were on pramipexole for 14 years your dopamine receptors may be damaged and gabapentin/pregabalin may not work. In that case you will need a low dose opioid instead and I would suggest buprenorphine as it lasts 24 hours. I would go up to the equivalent of 2100 mg gabapentin (350 mg pregabalin) and if that doesn't work I would give up on it. To come off pregabalin reduce by 25 mg every 2 weeks to avoid withdrawal effects. If you do so slowly you won't have any.

[Moretravel1 in reply to SueJohnson]

Sue, I’m needing better doctoring with my withdrawals. Could you give me the doctor’s name at Ft Smith again. I contacted her and couldn’t make an appointment without my primary doctor’s permission. Now I can remember the doctor’s name. I’ve got to have some help. All I’m doing is getting addicted to codine. I’m taking 1800 mg of Gabapentin and 20 mg of codine to knock me out. The pain is too much. I need help from a doctor.

Thank You

[SueJohnson in reply to Moretravel1]

Dr. Tonya Phillips, neurologist, 2713 S 74th St Ste 401 Fort Smith, AR 72903 , 479-314-7590

[Moretravel1 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue

[Nikos64]

Everyone is different when it comes to how they absorb and experience the therapeutic or side effects of drugs. I have gone up to 1400mg of gabapentin taking both gabapentin enacarbil and the plain gabapentin in the evening. For me, gabapentin alone is not adequate to control my usually painful rls.

Good luck!

[Moretravel1 in reply to Nikos64]

It’s not taking care of mine at 1800 mg. I’m supplementing 20 mg of codine to knock me out the pain is so bad. I’m probably already addicted to the codine by now. Where do we go from here.

[Nikos64]

My doctor told opiates are the “end of the road” for treating RLS. In other words nothing else to try.

But cannabis is also an option if it is legal where you live

[Moretravel1 in reply to Nikos64]

Smoking pot helps?

[Nikos64 in reply to Moretravel1]

Yes, almost instantly stops it. Lasts a 2-3h too. I tried it and it works, but decided against it as a long term option because of health concerns with inhaling it. Edibles don’t seem to help. Vaping it is safer but in my opinion a small dose of an opiate under strict medical supervision is the safest treatment available and probably most effective long term. I consider it only a backup option. There are shortages of opiates in the U.S. thanks to the actions of the DEA which prefers to go after legitimate users and doctors rather than focusing against the onslaught of illicit fentanyl

[Moretravel1 in reply to Nikos64]

Thank you for your quick response. My doctor has prescribed Gabapentin but it is not handling my withdrawal or RLS. So, I’m hung out to dry. It’s hell every day starting about 7pm. I’m taking codine but I hate getting addicted to a drug that only knocks me out and has bad side effects too. Just in a bad withdrawal situation and looking for help.

[SueJohnson in reply to Moretravel1]

You won't get addicted unless you have an addictive personality. That doesn't happen to those of us with RLS, so I wouldn't worry about it. Besides that is a very low dose for RLS. The average dose is 60 to 180.

[Moretravel1 in reply to SueJohnson]

Sue my doctor asked me if Lyrica is okay instead of Pregapentin. He is VA and I’m assuming that this is a generic for Pregapentin. I wonder if the dose equivalent is the same as Gabapentin is to Pregapentin

[LotteM in reply to Moretravel1]

Lyrica is a brandname, while pregabalin in the substance or generic name. They are the same substance.

[SueJohnson in reply to Moretravel1]

Yes as LotteM said

[Midnight-Blue]

Hi! My first question is how was it prescribed to you? For instance, I take 2 (300mg ea), 3x’s a day. Mornin, noonish & evening. As in any medication you take your physician/prescribing individual is the most qualified person to ask. You should have your questions answered before you leave their office. We can tell you what works for us but most of us are merely members , like you. We are here for each other.

[SueJohnson in reply to Midnight-Blue]

Is there a reason you are taking it morning, noonish and night? Normally it is only taken at night.

Are you still taking paxil as it can make RLS worse and there is are two alternatives that are safe for RLS for antidepressant - Wellbutrin which may even help RLS and trazodone which also treats anxiety and insomnia

[Moretravel1 in reply to SueJohnson]

I never have taken paxil or Gabapentin in the mornings. Yesterday and today I started 600 mg of Gabapentin at 4:30, 6:30, and 8:30. This is the first time in a month I am not hurting and jerking almost continuously. This is my second week of .1 mg of Pramipexole so my body must be adapting from .2 to .1 mg of pramipexole. I also increased my dose of gabapentin from 900 mg to 1800mg and if I start jerking and experiencing pain I going to increase it again. I’ve appreciated your help. I read the Mayo Clinic algorithm on RLS information again this morning. You’re right on the money with their information, and a valuable help to this forum. Thank you for your concern.

[SueJohnson in reply to Moretravel1]

The reply on paxil. etc. was actually to Midnight-blue. Sometimes HealthUnlocked sends a notice of a reply to more than one person. I know I have gotten them when they weren't to me.

I'm glad it is working.