Overview
Restless Leg Syndrome is a particularly annoying condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your lower limbs. A patient with Restless Leg Syndrome might also feel abnormal sensations that are particularly annoying at night, disrupting a healthy sleep cycle. An abnormal sleep cycle can lead to further negative effects, including loss of productivity and brain fog.
But why do people suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome? RLS is a neurological condition that can be caused by an array of causes, from dopamine dysfunction to Iron deficiency.
There are treatment options available, but a doctor would need to assess the causes behind your condition to give you the appropriate treatment.
A noticeable number of people tend to use Gabapentin, an alternative form of treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome.
Gabapentin, is this the miracle drug for Restless Leg?
People still tend to debate: is Gabapentin good for restless legs? Gabapentin for restless legs isn’t usually prescribed as a first-line medication. However, since it is a medication to numb nerve-associated pain, abnormal sensations, seizures, and anxiety, plus it has been quite effective in treating Restless Legs so, a good number of physicians tend to prescribe it in certain situations.
However, it’s important to note that since Gabapentin isn’t the first line treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome, patients need to always consult an expert for proper guidance. While some might label it as a miracle drug, the truth is if not used properly, you can also face adverse effects, just as with any other neurological medication.
What does Gabapentin do to the legs?
Before using Gabapentin for restless legs, your doctor will explain how it actually functions. Generally, Gabapentin is somewhat similar to anxiolytics (anxiety-killer medications), although it is not actually an anxiolytic. Gabapentin tends to numb the nerves, reducing or eliminating those abnormal sensations that keep you awake at night. Overall, it stabilizes nerve activity.
Gabapentin vs. standard medications
There’s a reason why a lot of medical professionals tend to prescribe Gabapentin. First of all, the tendency to cause addiction is lower as compared to opioids. It’s usually well tolerated by patients with a lower risk of side effects if taken adequately. Also, it not only numbs the already existing feeling of restlessness but also prevents it from recurring in the future.
How much Gabapentin should I take for Restless Legs?
Dosage for Gabapentin for restless legs is decided by the doctor, why? Because each patient is different from the other and therefore requires thorough examination of his present condition before a suitable prescription can be provided. It is NOT recommended to take Gabapentin for restless legs without consulting a medical professional.
How long does Gabapentin take to work for restless legs?
Depending on the illness being treated, gabapentin may take several weeks to take full effect. Appropriate uses for gabapentin include:
- Nerve pain
- Certain categories of seizures
- Syndrome of restless legs (RLS)
It also depends on how the medication affects you specifically. There is variation in the duration of gabapentin’s action.
Additionally, the effective dosage of gabapentin varies greatly depending on the patient and the ailment being cured. The daily dose can range from 300 mg to 3,600 mg.
The fact that gabapentin is typically begun at a low dose and progressively increased to an adequate amount over time is another reason why it takes longer to start working. For instance, the first dose for treating nerve pain maybe 100-300 mg, which would then be increased by 300 mg every day for a few days until it reached a maximum of 600 mg three times daily. Research on treating nerve pain indicates that the most significant benefit can be obtained approximately four weeks after the pain starts to subside.
The drug gabapentin belongs to a group of drugs known as anticonvulsants. The exact mode of action of this medication is unknown. Gabapentin reduces the aberrant brain activity that results in seizures when used to treat a specific kind of seizure disease known as a partial-onset seizure. When gabapentin is used to treat neuralgia or nerve pain after shingles, it may lessen the body’s reaction to painful stimuli. The exact mechanism by which gabapentin reduces restless-legged syndrome symptoms is uncertain.
Although the full effects of gabapentin may not become apparent for up to 4 weeks, it’s crucial to continue taking it as prescribed. That could result in signs of withdrawal like:
- Uncertainty
- Lack of sleep
- Pain and Nausea
Stopping abruptly when using gabapentin to prevent seizures may make you more likely to experience one.
What is the most common side effect of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin use carries several possible adverse effects, just like any medication. While most adverse effects are not likely to occur in a person, and others may not even occur at all, some that are possible with gabapentin include:
- Lightheadedness
- Tiredness
- Walking challenges
- Your feet swell
- Jittery eye movements, or nystagmus
- Vomiting or feeling queasy
- Shakiness
- Hazy vision
- Absence of feeling
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Virus Infection
- Mouth dryness
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Stupid reasoning
- Slurred words
- Upset stomach
- Gaining weight
Potential Serious Reactions
Serious side effects of gabapentin occur rarely but can include:
- Abnormal blood counts (leukopenia or thrombocytopenia)
- Continuous seizures
- Withdrawal after stopping the drug abruptly
- Abnormal movements
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Fractures
- Severe rash
- Kidney failure
What to avoid when taking Gabapentin?
When you start a course of Gabapentin, your doctor should mention the things you need to avoid while on this medication.
- Alcohol: Alcohol while on Gabapentin can exacerbate drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. It can also interfere with Gabapentin’s working pathway.
- CNS depressants: Medications such as Bromezepam are benzodiazepines which depress the Central Nervous System. Gabapentin can enhance the drowsiness effect of these medications, which in severe conditions can even lead to coma.
- OTCs without a doctor’s advice: There are several medications that can interfere with the normal functioning of Gabapentin or exacerbate its effects; therefore, when you are on Gabapentin, it’s best to consult a doctor on which medication to take and which to avoid.
When do you need to consult a doctor before taking Gabapentin?
Certain people should use caution or abstain from taking gabapentin as it may not be appropriate for them. Here are some things to think about:
Allergic Reaction
You shouldn’t use gabapentin if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients. The symptoms of allergic responses can be minor, moderate, or severe or include breathing difficulties, rash, swelling, itching, or severe disorientation.
Kidney Problems
Individuals with kidney problems or on hemodialysis should use gabapentin with caution. Adjustments to the dosage may be necessary based on kidney function.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Before using gabapentin, women who are pregnant or nursing a child should consult their doctor. Considering the advantages and risks is essential because it may pass into breast milk.
Elderly Patients
Older adults may be more susceptible to gabapentin’s adverse effects, including sleepiness and dizziness. Depending on each person’s tolerance, the dosage might need to be changed.
Mental Health Concerns
When taking gabapentin, anyone with a history of depression, mental disorders, or suicide ideation should be continuously watched. Suicidal thoughts or actions may become more likely as a result of the medicine.
Substance Abuse
Individuals with a history of substance abuse should use gabapentin with caution, as there have been reports of misuse and dependence associated with the medication.
Other Medical Conditions
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as respiratory problems or myasthenia gravis, may need special consideration and monitoring while using gabapentin.
When to consult a doctor?
Consult a healthcare professional for questions or symptoms related to gabapentin. Only a doctor can provide personalized advice based on your health, medical history, and medications. Discuss any changes in dosage with your doctor for a safe and effective treatment plan. If you experience severe side effects or health changes, seek immediate medical attention.
FAQs about Gabapentin for restless legs
Within two to three hours of taking a dose, gabapentin begins to act on the body. Thus, taking 2 hours at least before you fall asleep is advised. But it might take up to two weeks for gabapentin’s full benefits to become apparent, and some people might need to wait longer to see a notable improvement in their level of pain.
According to experts, RLS may be brought on by low brain iron levels. Another thought is that dopamine imbalance plays a part. Certain drugs, sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol or caffeine usage, and certain medications can all cause flare-ups of restless legs syndrome (RLS). A low iron level and other illnesses may also aggravate the symptoms of RLS. Together with the proper medical care, recognizing and controlling these triggers can help reduce symptoms.
Although weight gain is not a common side effect of gabapentin, it is possible. According to studies, a tiny percentage of patients using the medication gabapentin, which is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy—saw an increase in weight. After six weeks of use, those who gain weight may gain approximately five pounds.
The initial effects of Gabapentin for restless legs can be observed within just a few hours of taking the medication. However a doctor will suggest a course of the medication which can be as long as one week to provide you full relief.
Usually a doctor will advise you to take the medication a few hours before your sleep because that is the best time to take Gabapentin for restless legs, the effects of the medication can be more profound allowing you to have a healthy sleep. However, in certain situations Gabapentin may be prescribed twice a day which means you will be taking it in the morning and evening.
The dosage of Gabapentin is usually once a day before sleep and sometimes twice a day, according to the condition. However, if you are required to take more than that, the doctor will be able to guide you professionally since this isn’t a normal dose form and is probably prescribed after assessing your present condition.
