Gabapentin dosages

[Bloodhound669]

Ok! ok! ok! NOW that I am starting on Gabapentin I have been reading people's comments and I now find myself, again, in a quandary. Some have stated that Gabapentin, at my age of 76, I should start at 100 mg and not the 300 mg I currently am taking. On the other-hand, I read where 12 and over should start on 300 mg and then that is to be taken at 3 per day up to 1800mg. I have no word from my doctor as to what is next. I am feeling less leg anxiety and discomfort but it's only been about 10 days on Gabapentin I'm sure that the little relief I have now is more to do with getting the pramipexole out of my system. Questions are: 1). If I require a higher dosage of Gabapentin in the future will my doctor cooperate? 2). Will Gabapentin stop all the discomfort and mood swings; from mild discomfort to "I hope you all die along with myself"? (Joke). 3). Will Gabapentin become a drug I will be on forever.

This is probably as good of a place as any to apologize for my past outbursts and complete loss of compassion and belittlement of all the work everyone here constantly does, free of charge, to help the afflicted. Having this accursed ailment that God wouldn't wish upon Job, where you have no control or understanding as to what is happening to oneself the pure anguish and helplessness is a test not many can pass with dignity, and I fail more than not. Thank you all and Happy New Year.

As an aside, I am low on potassium and the doctor has me on a daily dose of 10MEQ SA TAB which may be causing or helping also, I don't know. What is the difference between MEQ and MG?

[SueJohnson]

300 is fine unless you are susceptible to falls. 3 per day is because it is usually prescribed for neuropathic pain. For RLS you only need it at night. And you may not need 1800 mg.

Can't tell whether your doctor will cooperate. Whether Gabapentin stop all the discomfort and mood swings you will find out. Yes it will be a drug you will be on forever.

Low potassium can make RLS worse.

[Madlegs1]

Grumblin, grousin is all part of the great experience we get on this site.

What makes it so exciting and challenging and thought-provoking!

Keeps us young ones old and gives us silver lockes.

Living on the edge, never knowing what new terror is going to bare it's mind rotting fangs at our super sharp brains.

Am I going on a bit too much?😝

Must be the glass of nonalcoholic bubbly I had this evening.

Ah well!!

You're very welcome to vent to your hearts content here-- after all -- who is taking any notice?

Keep going and to H€ll with all the rest.

We hear you!💚☘️

[SueJohnson in reply to Madlegs1]

Close but didn't quite reach my laugh for the day 😀

[Joolsg]

You are getting through the withdrawals well! Keep going.The withdrawals can last months but the fact you cracked a joke is a positive sign.

You may need higher doses than 300mg and as Sue advises, you only take it at night. Doctors aren't taught about RLS so they just prescribe gabapentin in the same way they've been taught to prescribe for pain.

You may do well on a low to medium dose of gabapentin. Play it by ear.

And keep an eye on your iron levels. I know at least 2 people who got off Pramipexole , had an iron infusion, their RLS improved and they're med free.

Happy New Year.