switch from Gabapentin to Gababalin

[Moretravel1]

I’ve been taking Gabapentin 600 mg starting at 4pm, then 6, 8, and 10pm to get desired results. If Gabapentin’s potency last from 5-7 hours wouldn’t Pregabalin taken in split doses or a single does be more effective and less could be taken since every 2 hours the potency of Gabapentin is wearing off?

[SueJohnson]

The potency of gabapentin isn't wearing off every 2 hours. It's just that one has to wait 2 hours because you won't absorb as much if taken in a dose of more than 6 hours. Since that doesn't happen with pregabalin you can take it all at one time and there is no advantage to taking it in divided doses. The potency - which is the half life is roughly the same on both. And with you taking as much as you are 2400 mg yes you can take probably take a little less pregabalin but most people aren't taking that much gabapentin.

[Moretravel1 in reply to SueJohnson]

I’m getting the Pregabalin Monday so my plan is to take 4 (75) Pregabalin tablets at one time which would be equivalent to 1800 mg of pramipexole.

[Tanker1]

I take all of my pregabalin (300 mg) at once about 2 hours before sleep. It is more effective and convenient than 1800 mg of gabapentin. My PLM symptoms largely manifest in the evening and early night hours so it makes sense for me to take all the meds at once.

[Moretravel1 in reply to Tanker1]

I’ve been taking 2100 mg of Gabapentin each night and some time a little codine(10mg), to go along with the Gabapentin and that was working. My first night of gababalin I’ve taken 225 mg and it has worked fine. I hope I can continue this lower dose with no codine. I’ve been working on getting of pramipexole and I’m about drugged out. Good luck and thanks for writing me. One more .1 mg of pramipexole and I’ll be through with that chapter, thank God!

[SueJohnson in reply to Moretravel1]

That's great.

[Strike26]

Hi - sorry for the delay in replying (have a few other health issues going on).

I was on Ropinirole (and have tried everything going over the years) but it wasn’t working. I took Sue J’s advice and switched to Gabapentin, quickly increasing to 600mg x 3 times daily. I take this first thing in the morning, lunchtime and early evening. Also I have meds for a heart condition (arrhythmia) so they might have an effect on the RLS.

For me (and it might be different for you of course) the effect was dramatic. From every day, sometimes all day and night, I now only get significant symptoms approximately once a week for a few hours at most and occasionally minor ones in the morning. If, and after 6 months only It is still a big “if” it stays like this then a major part of my life has been transformed.

In terms of the side effects some people report, I haven’t had any. My advice is to give it a good try and maybe, as suggested, vary the times you take it (for example, I take my last 600mg about 6/7pm - you might want to try it later in the evening but 2 hours before bedtime.

Best of luck, and hope this helps a little bit.

Alex

[DCM556]

That is a lot of gabapentin in a short period in my opinion. I've never taken pregabalin. From what I know, it can be addictive. I had that problem with ropinirole. The withdraw was terrible. I take my gabapentin after dinner. And once more before bed with a 50mg trazodone. I also use theraworx foam on my legs from the knees to the ankles. I also found falling asleep on my belly helped. This is leading me to believe there is a problem with my spine in the lower back causing it. Some of the things posted here, in my opinion, are too much. People are being over medicated to try and relieve symptoms, even iron and magnesium. Things that have helped me, gave up caffeine, no chocolate after4pm and somehow, I lost some weight. Although I am tired and my legs are sore, I keep pushing on to get things done. I won't just sit around. I almost gave up, but I won't. Just waiting to see a doctor about my spine which does affect me at times. Good luck, and never give up.