Currently seeking additional RLS relief (on 1000 mg Gabapentin) and hopeful iron infusion is a solution.
Quick interpretation would be most helpful as I’m leaving Internist confused.
Latest blood draw indicates the following:
IRON and TIBC Iron 86 ug/dl TIBC 301 ug/dl Saturation 29%
My neurologist feels an iron dextran infusion would help, my Internist says no as my levels are “normal”.
Thanks to any and all on this wonderful forum!
The most important number is your ferritin. Do you know what that is?
Crazy but looks like this last report does not have a specific “Ferritin” column. Hemoglobin 12.8 but I know thats not relevant for our purposes. Last lab report showing ferritin was 18 mos ago - 104.
Then it's really hard to know whether you need an iron infusion. Any chance they will repeat the test - asking for a full iron panel?
I have probably told you how to take the gabapentin before but in case I didn't. 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.
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 nor antacids within 2 hours for the same reason.
Sue, as always, thank you so much. Yes, I split it up - 600 mg around 6P, then 400 mg at 9P. By taking it by 6P (or even 530P) it has greatly reduced my tendency to experience symptoms in the evening before bed. I still have leg rubbing episodes almost every night. Briefly tried Horizant but I have no RLS symptoms during the day and the drug really made me lethargic and groggy during daytime hours. Neurologist suggested 3 mg of melatonin about an hour before bedtime in an effort to help me stay asleep…..hmmmm…. Not working yet!
Interesting - neurologist feels iron infusion is worth it. If I don't get relief from that, suggested carbidopa levodopa. Any word on how effective that is for our RLS sufferers?
NO NO NO - do not take carbidopa levodopa. It acts just like a DA.
Melatonin makes RLS worse for many.
Yes, I can ask for a full iron panel. I'm not too hopeful as I have a sinking suspicion my ferritin will be relatively consistent with the last time it was measured.
Thankfully asked you about the Carbidopa Levodopa as I thought the same thing. - I inquired about the drug as related to DA's. Was assured it didn't behave the same way as an agonist. So frustrating....
Melatonin is not a positive for me either.
Maybe I should ask for pregablin.... ?
You certainly can if you want. The equivalent pregabalin dose would be 167 mg so if you switch ask for 175 mg as it only comes in doses divided by 25.
However one takes pregabalin all at one time so would be hard to take it all at 6 pm as it would make you sleepy long before your bedtime. If what you are doing now works, I wouldn't change it.
Hi there. Have you been keeping an eye on what you eat and how it may impact your symptoms? Big triggers for me are caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Other foods that have been affecting me negatively are red meat and cured meats like bacon. Also, I find taking extra strength Tylenol or Advil (I rotate between the two) alongside my gabapentin can reduce symptoms. And as Sue said, stay away from carbidopa levodopa.
Good iron levels for the four blood tests relevant to RLS?
good news/bad news update
Iron Infusion - Successful ?
Maintaining iron levels after infusion
I have terrible RLS, it includes not only LEGS, but also my HANDS AND MOUTH CHATTERING
