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Gabapentin - feeling drowsy and spaced out.

Posted , 7 users are following.

david12168
david12168

Hello.

I've just started a low dose of Gabapentin - 300mgs at night, which may be increased to deal with my polyneuropothy. My problem is the next day I feel drowsy and spaced out and a little unsteady. My gp has told me to take this when I go to bed. Does anybody else have the same side effects and more importantly does anybody know if I took this at 6.pm.perhaps - would this help with these side effects the next day.

Many thanks to anybody who may have some suggestions

David

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • sandra07610
    sandra07610 david12168

    Posted

    Hi David, first of all you said it, you are new so it takes a little time to adjust. I take mine in the evening but I take 100 after supper about 6 pm because it prevents my restless leg from starting and then I take the other at bedtime around 11 pm. I sleep fine and yes feel a little tired in the am but coffee helps!
    • david12168
      david12168 sandra07610

      Posted

      Hello Sandra. Thanks for your comments - I also have restless leg syndrome aswell as the polyneuropathy. I was a little concerned as I know the dose will be increased.and this is now the 4th drug to i'm trying as others had side effects to bad to continue.

      You've given me some reassurance.

      David

  • gary92877
    gary92877 david12168

    Posted

    Hi David:

    You will find that your body will adjust. The only side affect of Gabapentin is being drowsy. Due to exposure to agent orange I started off with 300 mg 3x a day but have increased dosage to 800 mg 6-7 x per day. The only side affect that I have is being tired in the evenings. I work full time and have no issues during the day. So, your body will adjust to the dosage and if you have to take additional Gabapentin don't worry.

    • david12168
      david12168 gary92877

      Posted

      Hi Gary.

      Thanks for your comments - I was concerned as I know the dose will be increased, But it's early days for me on this drug and your assurance that my body will adjust is welcome.

      All the best - David

  • rachaelVOO15
    rachaelVOO15 david12168

    Posted

    Hi David. I started taking gabapentin 3 days ago. I've started 300mg at night with a plan to increase to 300mg tree times a day. Just like you I'm feelings bit spaced out and fuzzy. Also have stomach cramps,and a little nauseous. No relief in pain as yet. I'm hoping my body adjusts quickly!!

    • david12168
      david12168 rachaelVOO15

      Posted

      Hi Rachael. I will only be taking the Gabapentin at night - as that's when my symptoms are the worst - but the dose will be increased. I was told to take it when I go to bed but I have now brought that night dose forward to 8.pm - and I have found I'm not so dopey the next morning. I don't know if that's of any use to you as you have to take it 3 times a day and may it not be practical to change the timings.

      Best wishes - David

  • loraine121
    loraine121 david12168

    Posted

    Hi David, I have been taking 600mg 4 times a day for years without any problems, sometimes it can take time to get in to your system and taking them a bit earlier would do you any harm you can always try and if it helps then you will know just to take them a bit earlier. But give them time to get into your system before you give up as they are good ,

    Good luck

    Loraine x

    • brianthesnail
      brianthesnail loraine121

      Posted

      yes,i found problems when taking gabapentin but now after 8 months i take 900mg( 300mg 3 times a day ) without any problems .. it can take months for your body to adjust ... stick with it 
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