rls and gabapentin

[Sleeplessmom]

I just started on gabapentin. 100 mg. Not planning on going up at all. Just sticking to 100 mg. It has helped me sleep a bit. Which is amazing. I have had heart palpitations before I started this medication. I think due to low ferritin. But what are some of everyone’s side effects ? I am afraid of this medication. Heard way too many horror stories. But I’ve also heard great things. Anyone have any insights? Ease my fear or anything really. I really appreciate yall.

[SueJohnson]

There's no reason to be afraid of it. Especially at that low dose. The normal starting dose is 300 mg. Most side effects will go away or lessen after a few weeks and if they don't it is easy to come off it, The normal way to wean off it to avoid withdrawal effects is to reduce by 100 mg every 2 weeks, so you could just come off it.

[Joolsg]

Definitely sort out your low serum ferritin as raising levels can resolve the majority of RLS.Gabapentin can cause side effects over the first few months, but they do settle. And you are on a very small dose.

[SueJohnson]

Some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, foods high in glutamate, ice cream, eating late at night, oestrogen (estrogen) including HRT, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), collagen supplements, 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, fennell, low oxalate diet, a low-inflammatory 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, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak (epsom salts), 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, playing and listening to music, creative hobbies, meditation and yoga.

Looking at the drugs on your profile effexor is a SNRI antidepressant - is this the one you came off of 6 years ago? If so good as it is known to make RLS worse.

Many medicines and OTC supplements can make RLS worse. If you are taking any other than those listed on your profile I may be able to provide a safe alternative.

[SueJohnson]

I missed that you mentioned low ferritin. What was it? Improving your ferritin to 100 or more helps 60% of people with RLS and in some cases completely eliminates their symptoms.

If you take blood thinners, iron binds with blood thinners, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the blood thinners and of the iron so check with your doctor. Otherwise, take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate which contains 65 mg of elemental iron, the normal amount used to increase ones ferritin, or 50 mg to 75 mg (which is elemental iron) of iron bisglycinate with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Ferrous sulfate is fine for most people, but if you have problems with constipation, iron bisglycinate is better. Also take Lactobacillus plantarum 299v as it also helps its absorption. Ferrous sulfate is fine for most people, but if you have problems with constipation, iron bisglycinate is better.

Take it every other day as more is absorbed that way, preferably at night at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee or tea and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee or tea since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach and the tannins in coffee and tea limit absorption.

If you take magnesium, calcium (or calcium rich foods) or zinc, even in a multivitamin take them at least 2 hours apart since they interfere with the absorption of iron. Also antacids interfere with its absorption so should be taken at least 4 hours before the iron or at least 2 hours after.

Don't take your iron tablets before or after exercise since inflammation peaks after a workout. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron. If you take thyroid medicine don't take it within 4 hours. It takes several months for the iron tablets to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months. When you take your test stop taking any iron supplements including in a multivitamin 48 hours before the test, avoid a heavy meat meal the night before and fast after midnight and have your test in the morning before 9 am if possible.

If your ferritin was below 60, double the amount of iron I mentioned.

[Carlettejaque]

Hi, I'm on 2400mg per day. And I'm still here and functioning. I started with 100mg but it wasn't enough to combat the nerve pain I get in my skin. There are side effects, everything hss side effects. With Gaba I found I had a form of dizziness a bit like being drunk. I never got used to that and I've been on it for 4 years. You can get brain fog too. But, on such a low dose I don't think you'll get that. Probably wise to stick to 100mg but if you need to go up then 100mg x3 per day is low and okay. Gabapentin is addictive and hard to get off. If you go higher you might get foot and ankle swelling. I haven't been able to get any of my shoes on since starting. Weight gain is a problem with this drug.

I take a very high dose and should be comatose but I don't find it puts me to sleep.

Hope the info helps. Take care.