GABAPENTIN

[Ambler58]

Hi everyone , I was put on 1200mg of Gabapentin about 12 years ago for my RLS ( 4 X 300mg ) at first seem to do the trick , but now I sometimes wonder if they actually make it worse , doe's anyone feel the same , thank you

[Madlegs1]

You might need to up your dose. Someone will come on to advise on max dose for Gabapentin.

Another point might be if your are taking any form of magnesium- as a supplement or antacid etc, within 3 hours of your Gabapentin. It will negate the effect of the medication.

And thirdly, have you taken any triggers, especially medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants or statins etc? These all can affect your RLS.

Be seeing you soon.

Cheers.

[Ambler58 in reply to Madlegs1]

Hi Madlegs1I take Anti- depressants & an anti acid , but no supplements, think I best go see my GP .

Thanks for the tip Madlegs1👍

[Madlegs1 in reply to Ambler58]

I hope your GP is knowledgeable on these issues.

There are safe antidepressants, but I'm not up to speed on exactly which ones. There will be a list somewhere -- there are Related and Pinned posts on this page. Well worth your while to check them out.

Also a list of ok meds on the RLS UK site.

Check the ingredients of your antacid to see if it contains magnesium. If it does ,then just take it 3 hours apart from the Gabapentin.

See you!

[SueJohnson in reply to Ambler58]

Gabapentin won't make your RLS worse.

If you are taking the 1200 mg all at once you are not getting the full benefit. Take it 1 to 2 hours before bedtime as the peak plasma level is 2 hours. Since you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. Since you may need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. You could try adding 100 mg. According to the Mayo Clinic Updated Algorithm on RLS: "Most RLS patients require 1200 to 1800 mg of gabapentin ." If you take magnesium even in a multivitamin, don't take it within 3 hours of taking gabapentin as it will interfere with the absorption of gabapentin and don't take calcium within 2 hours for the same reason. If your antacid contains magnesium or aluminum take your it 3 hours before the gabapentin.

Most anti-depressions make RLS worse. There is only one in the UK that doesn't - Trazodone.

Many medicines and OTC supplements make RLS worse. If you are taking any and you list them here, I can tell you if that is the case and may be able to give you a safe substitute,

Also try keeping a food diary to see if anything you are eating makes your RLS worse.

Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium(salt), foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, estrogen including HRT, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.

Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga.

[707twitcher in reply to Madlegs1]

Curious about magnesium and gabapentin. I believe that magnesium works better (for those whom it helps) if taken shortly before bed. So should we be taking the gabapentin (or pregabalin - I assume the interaction with magnesium is the same?) 3 hours or more before bed? I thought most people say to take that at bedtime also?

[Madlegs1 in reply to 707twitcher]

Magnesium only interact with Gabapentin. Not with Pregabalin.

[Greenseagirl]

If your GP recommends you switch antidepressants be aware it’s possible to experience withdrawal responses *even if starting a new one*. If you do experience problems it’s usually advised to reinstate and reduce very slowly (10% of dose at a time until you stabilise each time). The Royal College of Psychiatrists patient information resource on Stopping Antidepressants is helpful for both patients and GPs - link can be found here along with other useful resources: sps.nhs.uk/articles/depresc...

[Conifer]

I have just been put on it but there has been no change still have to take my liquid morphine..oxymoron

[Svengolly]

gabapentin was the only thing that worked on my horrific rls

But it would consistently start to falter within a week or two.

I would have to increase it to get relief .

When I hit about 1200 MG I would switch to l-dopa

For three days, and then I could start again at a lower level of

Gabapentin.

Ultimately, I got total relief when I raised my ferritin levels.

Details on request