Gabapentin for sleep

Posted by Lorena Egas @lorena1egas, May 12, 2021

Is anyone on gabapentin for sleep? If so how much (dose) to start?

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@jakedduck1

@wilcy
I’ve taken anticonvulsant drugs for 55 years and only do so as a last result. I hope none of the side effects cause you any problems like memory, balance and cognition issues among many other potential side effects. I know studies are showing positive benefits for insomnia and wouldn’t be surprised if it’s eventually approved by the FDA as a treatment for insomnia.
Sweet dreams,
Jake

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This is sorta last resort for me! After taking gaba, atleast I can walk a short distance now! Tks for response!

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@wilcy
I’m glad it’s working for you. It didn’t help me.

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I take gabapentin one hour before going to bed. It reduces my leg and foot pain and helps me to go to sleep.

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@jakedduck1

@wilcy
I’ve taken anticonvulsant drugs for 55 years and only do so as a last result. I hope none of the side effects cause you any problems like memory, balance and cognition issues among many other potential side effects. I know studies are showing positive benefits for insomnia and wouldn’t be surprised if it’s eventually approved by the FDA as a treatment for insomnia.
Sweet dreams,
Jake

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I also have taken anticonvulsant drugs to control my seizures (I have epilepsy). They are strong drugs with many side-effects. I take CBD (medical cannabis) for almost 2 years and I know it is also good for sleep/insomnia.

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I have just tried gabapentin. Tried 100 mg per day for 3 days and it made my insomnia worse. then tried 200 mg and was awake all night. Now am trying horizant (an extended release gabapentin). First night (after having very little sleep for several nights) had the best sleep in years (300mg). second night, had trouble getting to sleep, got about 4 hours of very restless sleep. Night three, trouble getting to sleep. Got about 45 min. woke up suddenly...went back to sleep, with dreams for about one hour and was then very awake for the rest of the night. Finally gave up, and read for the rest of my time in bed. Tried napping that afternoon (today) to no avail. I believe it is making my insomnia much worse. Have maintance insom. and never have had trouble going to sleep.

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@cecp

I have just tried gabapentin. Tried 100 mg per day for 3 days and it made my insomnia worse. then tried 200 mg and was awake all night. Now am trying horizant (an extended release gabapentin). First night (after having very little sleep for several nights) had the best sleep in years (300mg). second night, had trouble getting to sleep, got about 4 hours of very restless sleep. Night three, trouble getting to sleep. Got about 45 min. woke up suddenly...went back to sleep, with dreams for about one hour and was then very awake for the rest of the night. Finally gave up, and read for the rest of my time in bed. Tried napping that afternoon (today) to no avail. I believe it is making my insomnia much worse. Have maintance insom. and never have had trouble going to sleep.

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I’m so sorry to hear your story. It is amazing how many people struggle with sleep. While most people take sleep for granted, it becomes a luxury to have any sleep for others. I take Klonopin and wake up with anxiety and feeling just awful. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I truly wish all of us could sleep. Have you tried sleep restriction technique?

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@cmd

I’m so sorry to hear your story. It is amazing how many people struggle with sleep. While most people take sleep for granted, it becomes a luxury to have any sleep for others. I take Klonopin and wake up with anxiety and feeling just awful. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. I truly wish all of us could sleep. Have you tried sleep restriction technique?

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Took horizant again last night. No sleep. Wide awake. Finally read from 3 till 4. Did sleep from sometime after 4 till 6. Have app. With doctor today. Have you tried doxepin? yes I tried sleep restriction twice. Did get up to 5 hours, but that doesn't do the trick. Have tried several drugs and find that I seem to be a drug resistant insomiac??

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@cecp

Took horizant again last night. No sleep. Wide awake. Finally read from 3 till 4. Did sleep from sometime after 4 till 6. Have app. With doctor today. Have you tried doxepin? yes I tried sleep restriction twice. Did get up to 5 hours, but that doesn't do the trick. Have tried several drugs and find that I seem to be a drug resistant insomiac??

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Have you tried Klonopin?

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In reply to @cecp "Yes" + (show)

How did it work for you? I use it for sleep but worried about long term use.

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