Gabapentin/Pregablin

[C82021]

After 4 years I'm currently at 1500mg gabapentin and is not working well . so, I thought I should try Pregablin. my Dr. is starting me at 75mg. and won't allow taking Pregablin and Gabapentin together. I'm concerned of what I'm going to experience.😱 Also I take the Gabapentin at 5-7-9pm. when should I take the Pregablin? Thank You!

[SueJohnson]

You can switch directly to pregabalin. There is no need to start over. I also take 1500 mg and I switch back and forth. The equivalent amount is 250 mg. You don't need to divide the doses. Take it all at one time 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.

However if 1500 mg isn't working, it is unlikely 250 mg of pregabalin will work, but you can increase it every couple of days by 25 mg.

[Joolsg]

I agree with Sue. No need to reduce gabapentin as you increase pregabalin. Just make a straight swap.Were you taking the gabapentin correctly? At night and in split doses of 600mg 2 hour's apart?

Have you had blood tests to ensure serum ferritin is above 100, preferably 200? Are you taking any meds that will trigger/worsen RLS?

[Wtfisup]

Concerned for you. Gabapentin was prescribed for me several years ago. They kept increasing it until I was taking over maximum dose. It had no effect on me, good or bad. We decided stop it. It should have been tapered. The side effects were horrendous. Regular withdrawal symptoms like severe cramps, sweating and anxiety.

Add terrifying vivid memorable nightmares (when I could sleep) and hypertension of 185/115 even with PRN clonidine.

Learned after the fact about discontinuation syndrome.

I now take 150mg pregabalin twice daily. It was prescribed to help with pain. It must have a positive effect on me because I’m able to sleep for a 4hr block now which I guess in the long run helps with pain.

Please keep us updated and I hope today is a good day!🫧