Does Gabapentin Help With Sleep

The bottom of both of my feet have a burning sensation especially when I go to bed and I can't sleep. My pain dr. prescribed Gabapentin 300mg (1 before going to bed for a week and then 2 thereafter). I've just started taking it last night and I couldn't get to sleep, tossing off and on all night. My primary dr. prescribed Zolpidem for sleeping which makes me sleep and I don't feel the burning sensation. My question is, can I take both meds before bedtime? ## Continue zolpiden no need to take gabapentin. I think Feeling burning sensation on your foot because of sleeplessness. So continue zolpiden ## Added info.: Dr. that prescribed Gabapentin stated my burning foot sensation is Restless Leg Syndrome. Do you still recommend taking Zolipen rather than Gabapentin? ## Hi Jim,...

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For the past 2 years I have been using a cpac machine to sleep but lately I will wake up 5 or more times a night. My doctor prescribe medication for RLS, but it did not work, now he has prescribed Gabapentin 300 mg to help me sleep. What I have been reading about the medication doesn't include anything about taking it for sleeping. ## I was just given a prescription for gabapentin 300mg 90 minutes before bedtime. Can increase 300mg every night to a max of 1200. This increase is weekly. I have symptoms of restless leg syndrome but my problem is much more than RLS. I have heavy legs and problems with balance. I was on Requip with some help to the symptoms but developed compulsive gambling problem. Is anyone else in a similar situation or have any advice for me as to what to expect. I ...

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I am very sleepy-feel like I can't wake up - feel like I can't remember the last few days since starting this med ## Hello, Jen! How are you? What dosage are you on? The FDA classifies Gabapentin as an anticonvulsant that is also used to treat certain types of nerve pain and some mood disorders. Drowsiness can be a side effect of it, along with dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and weight gain. Memory loss is also listed as a possibility. Have you consulted your doctor? This might not be the right medication for you.

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Does Gabapentin enhance sleep apnea? ## Hi Mare - By "enhance", are you asking whether Gabapentin increases sleep apnea, or whether it helps to treat it? ## I meant increases. Thanks ## I found a research study on PubMed titled "Gabapentin acutely increases the apnea-hypopnea index in older men: data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." You can read through what they say, but they ultimately concluded "gabapentin worsened sleep breathing acutely compared with placebo". Note that it was not a longer term clinical trial so more research is warranted. A longer version of the study is also published at: Hope this helps! ## Thanks Roy. I will check it out.

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What is this drug used for? ## Gabapentin is a generic for Neurontin. This is an anticonvulsant that has been proven to help with certain types of nerve pain. ## MY daughter and I have had restless leg syndrome for years and we were given gabapentin for it. It works great.My rheumatologist gave us the prescription for it.I will always be grateful to him. Thought I was losing my mind due to no sleeping untill this condition was recognized, and this treatment for it.

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Only side effect I'm having is crazy itching from head to toe. On gabapentin 300mg 2xs a day for 4 months due to nerve pain for carpal tunnel both hands. GABA did not help pain but helped me sleep. Had surgery last month, wanted to stop since sleeping better. But now I read here that some folks ARE having itching too! What can I take to help? ## Some antihistamines may help, if you're allowed to take them, or a hydrocortisone cream. But really, it's just going to take time for this withdrawal effect to wear off and go away on its own. You may also experience depression, anxiety and diarrhea. If you stopped abruptly, without tapering it, you should be aware that there can be a risk of seizures, so if you experience one seek immediate medical attention. Is there anything else ...

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I have taken Gabapentin for over seven years for pain. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I recently read how Gabapentin can cause brain lapses and cause Alzheimer's symptoms. I have been experiencing forgetfulness. I want to be off of this drug and decided to quit. I was taking 1800 mgs daily and am down to taking 300 mgs daily. My withdrawal symptoms have been feeling like I am dying, terrible sweating, intense itching, nausea, stomach pain and diahrrea. I can't sleep, nightmares and headaches. I am not giving in.... I want off of this. When will these symptoms ease up (I pray they do) I will cut my pills in half and take only 150 mgs daily.... until gradually I have stopped. My doctor, also over seven years ago, put me on Cymbalta for pain. I gradually stopped taking it a year ago....

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I don't understand how gabapentin is prescribed for my acute chronic fibromyalgia, when the consultant tells me they don't understand fibromyalgia should he be prescribing medication on a condition "no one fully understands"? after taking my very first pill this morning an hour later I feel drunk as a skunk! I'm a mother to two young children 7 & 5 yrs old, should they have to put up with sleeping mum or drunk mum? so far I dont like gabapentin! ## I have seen posts to gabapentin as the demonic drug. I have to agree whole heartedly with that. My dr put me on it for nerve damage over 4 years ago. He had me on 600 mg 2x a day. I stopped it in January of 2011 and suffered for 7-1/2 months severely with depression, sucidal thoughts, anxiety, every awful feeling a per...

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Is it ok to take Gabapentin and Paxil together at night? Does anyone have experience doing so? Can it affect your sleep cycle? ## According to FDA reports, this combination is most commonly known to increase the drowsiness you experience, as well as other side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and headache. (Gabapentin NDC for more details 0093-1039, Paxil NDC for more details 16590-514.) Are they causing problems with your sleep cycle?

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Recently was prescribed Gabapentin 300 mg three times a day I took one pill and ended up sleeping and woke with red face n swollen red lips is this normal ? Plus took me about 24 hours to really feel normal again ? ## No, that is definitely not normal. You need to inform your doctor and try a different medication, the swelling indicates that you may be allergic to this one. As listed by the FDA, such allergic reactions typically get worse with repeated exposure, so please do not take any more of this medication. Its typical side effects are listed as possibly including dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth and weight changes. Is there anything else I can help with?

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Hello. I'm very new to this drug, only 7 days.I am a diabetic with bi-polar/anxiety. I was recently put on Gabapentin 300mg. 1 pill for 4 days and then told to take 1 pill 2 times a day after. I have been experiencing some normal side effects such as sleepiness, a little anxiety (it hits me for about an hour and then goes away completely) and a little bit of a loopy feeling. I did not realize I was past the 4 days and had only been taking one pill (my memory has been terrible the past few days), so I was going to start taking the 2 pills yesterday (Feb 20th). I forgot the 2nd dosage on the 20th and did not realize it until the 21st after I started feeling a crazy rapid heartbeat, severe anxiety (i wrestled with it for about 4 hours before calming down), as well as dizziness and the ...

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Will gabapentin work for a severe toothache? I have gabapentin and it says it's for nerve pain but it doesn't list tooth pain. I know I have an exposed nerve. The pain is excruciating. Please help. ## Take Ibuprofen 800 mg every 4 hours non stop for 24 hours.. it will eventually stop the pain from being as bad also gel caps are better ## I have been taking Gabapentin 300mg for a while and decided to stop because of the side effects. I was having difficulties with breathing and sleeping. My blood pressure has also been higher than normal. I guess that everyone is different and it affects everyone differently. My wife also takes 300mg, two tablets 3x daily and she's been having great results. Like I said, everything affects everyone differently and as long as you pay attention...

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I have been taking Gabapentin 600mg. in a light green oval tablet for 6 mo. for neuro pain. Each morning with no side effects. My last prescription was a white oval tablet with APO on one side and Gab.600 on the other side. I quickly brought this to my pharmacists attention. He reassured me it was the same thing. Since Iv been taking it 1 week I feel bad. Im weak, poor balance,sleep around the clock, and cant remember common words. Any idea would really help.Thank you. ## Hello, Ann! How are you feeling? Sorry about the problem that you're having. There is a chance that it's due to side effects from the medication, or these symptoms could be entirely unrelated. Some of these anticonvulsants that affect brain chemicals can cause such issues with long-term use. Have you consulted ...

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Have been on Gabapentin for a year. Built up to 3200 a day for osteoarthritis in my feet. Decided to get off as it wasn't doing much for pain. My doctor brought me down to fast from 3200 to 1600 to 800 in 10 days. Now having stomach issues, anxiety, trouble sleeping, tightness in my chest. Been off of it for 8 days now. Does anyone know how long withdrawal lasts? Been told the higher the dose and time on it that it takes a while to feel better again. ## Hello, Sandy! How are you feeling? Have things improved, yet? There is really no precise time frame that can be given, because it can vary from person to person, it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to over a month. As listed by the FDA, other withdrawal effects may also include rebound pain, fever, chills, and diarrhea. ## No...

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I take 1200 mg of gabapetin a day, 1 mg klonapin for sleep. From my rheumatogist. My pcp put me on ibuprofen 800mg every 12 hrs. And also lidoderm 5% patches. Will there be any side effects from the ibuprofen 800mg. And will I have any problems getting the new presciptions filled by my pcp. Just got the new scripts. ## Hello, Lynnda! How are you doing? Neither the Ibuprofen, nor the Lidoderm are controlled substances, so there shouldn't be any issues, just make sure that both doctors are aware of all the medications that you're taking and the Mescape database doesn't list any problems or interactions between these medications. The Ibuprofen is list3d by the FDA as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, so it may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, increased r...

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I take 30 mgs of baclofen per day and was recently prescribed gabapentin 300mgs 3 x daily. The other day after taking my last dose of gabapentin, I became extremely lethargic and went to sleep. I awoke to my body slamming on the floor as I had rolled out of bed. This has never happened before. Is it the combination of the two meds that caused this? ## Hello, Zim! How are you? The lethargy may be due to the combination of the two. However, I've not heard reports of falling out of bed. It could've been due to very vivid dreaming, which the Gabapentin can sometimes cause. Other side effects, as listed by the FDA, may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, mood swings and weight changes. Has it happened, again, or just that once? ## Just the one time so far. Thanks...

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Hey everyone. I've been taking Gabapentin for about 2 months now at 300mg 3x a day. I was prescribed it after having a tumor removed from my neck which resulted in nerve damage. They help with the pain for sure as it is at least manageable now where it wasn't before. But holy the side effects! I feel like I could fall asleep anywhere, anytime of the day. I also feel off balance all the time, almost like I feel 'drunk' to an extent. I'm also finding I'm dealing with memory loss. I have a hard time remembering what I did 20 mins ago! I guess my big question is, has anyone else dealt with side effects like this? Did they ever diminish over time? I'm going to see my surgeon in a couple weeks and thinking I may have to look at a different route but wanting some in...

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I've been so strung out on Gabapentin and Flexaril, which severely affect your sleep. I found a little something which is a blessing. Chloral Hydrate. It comes from China. This drug will get you to sleep fast and you'll stay asleep. Just 2-3 grams a night and you're out like a light. I was able to get off Gabapentin and Flexeril, both drugs that ruin your sleep. The crystals dissolve in water. There is no hangover. It tastes like s*** but I just chase with water. Do not abuse this drug or you'll be sorry. ## Hi Tedster, Sorry to hear about your challenges with sleep. Chloral Hydrate is actually something I've never heard of up till this point, so I want to thank you for mentioning it! Upon researching Chloral Hydrate I also noticed that the US National Library of Med...

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I have been taking Gabapentin 600 mg, 4x per day for a total dosage of 2400 mg per day to help keep the nerve endings on my bladder calm for the past two years. I have IC [interstitial cystitis]. I'm noticing now that I'm having great difficulty with my memory and just simply recalling words to use in conversation. I'm also having right, low back pain extending into the hip, thigh and lower leg with leg pain when sleeping. This pain is making it difficult for me to walk or sit upright. I stay extremely fatigued. I'm 42 and my uro took me out of work in Oct of 2011 and I don't see myself returning to work. I just wonder if the Gabapentin is helping or worsening my condition [since IC can lead to the above complaints] and if anyone else is having any similar problems. ...

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Can someone tell me what the relationship between Gabapentin and Melatonin is? I’m slowly tapering up to taking 300 mg of Gabapentin 3 xs a day and am weaning off Ibuprofen this week. My Pain Management Specialist wants me to lower my pain level to make life more dueable as well as minimizing any variables at the same time. Currently I’m taking 5 mg of Melatonin and have been taking this for 5 years in order to sleep more than 3 hrs at a time (been on Gabapentin for 3.5 months and had no differences with sleep schedule afterwards). Do I need to wean off Melatonin while slowly increasing Gabapentin? I know that the pain will decrease. ## Melatonin is a supplement that is used to restore a normal sleep cycle, so there are no known warnings about taking it with a prescription m...

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