Gabapentin and insomnia: Was introduced to... - Sleep Matters

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Gabapentin and insomnia

zeusop profile image
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Was introduced to Gabapentin to help with symptoms of RLS. I had briefly taken Ropinirole but decided the dangers associated with that drug just were not worth it. It did help with sleep so I started with Gabapentin instead which in researching it discovered it would help as well. It did for a while-it no longer does. Have tried 300mgs two hours before bed together with 300 right before sleep. Tried 600 mgs at once and more... Sleep now is quite difficult. Wake up frequently or wide awake at 3PM etc. Wonder if anyone here has had similar experiences or has some solutions.

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zeusop
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FreddieFaulenze profile image
FreddieFaulenze

I am using Gabapentin (for itching & sleep) and was at 300mg and am now down to 200mg. But I take that in combination with other meds for sleep and am slowly dropping everything little by little. Unfortunately it should take about a year as it really is slow. Just letting you know there are others out here with Gabapentin problems

Johnny-One profile image
Johnny-One

It is quite nice to have another opinion.

I have several minor hiccoughs with my health, but the neurologist put me on Gabapentin for Restless Leg, Headaches, and to help with my narcolepsy. I had not slept much in three years when I started. To be honest I have had difficulty with sleep all my life.

I can go to 1,000 mg, but I found 400mg OK. I found when I was balancing myself out, at 600mg I was drowsy the following day.

Please remember I am an early-morning person, not a night owl.

I find 400mg at 21:00, I am asleep by 21:30. I do wake on/off from 4:30, but find if I just lay still, I can slip back to sleep on/off until I rise, usually about 06:00. I am known to get up anywhere from 04:00, but this has always been the same in my life.

I have been taking the drug for 17 years, and occasionally I try to sleep without for a few days, but I am wide awake again between 23:30 and 24:00.

I have even changed my mattress, tried lavender pillows, etc, but none of this works for me.

I hope that helps.

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