Does Gabapentin make you sleepy? What does the research say?
Drowsiness is one of the most commonly reported Gabapentin side effects, which is why it is sometimes prescribed as a sleep aid. Research has explored its effects on sleep in people with primary insomnia and insomnia linked to other health conditions.
Gabapentin for primary insomnia
Primary insomnia refers to difficulty sleeping not associated with any underlying health condition. Research on Gabapentin for sleep in primary insomnia is limited but shows promising results:
- A study involving over 250 individuals with occasional insomnia found that taking 250 mg of Gabapentin before bed increased total sleep duration.
- Another study of 350 participants found that 250 mg and 500 mg of Gabapentin extended sleep duration, with the higher dose offering better results. However, neither dose reduced the time it took to fall asleep.
While these findings suggest that Gabapentin may help with sleep, more robust studies are needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness for primary insomnia.
Is Gabapentin the best option for sleep?
While Gabapentin can help with sleep, especially for those with co-existing conditions, it’s typically not the first choice for treating insomnia. Lifestyle changes, good sleep hygiene, and other FDA-approved sleep aids may be better alternatives.
In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) did not include Gabapentin in its 2017 guidelines for treating primary insomnia. Their decision was based on a small study of 18 people that they deemed poorly designed. This highlights the need for more comprehensive research.
What patients are saying about Gabapentin for sleep?
Many individuals who use gabapentin for sleep have shared their experiences, highlighting both its benefits and potential drawbacks as:
- It’s better at keeping me asleep than helping me fall asleep.
- I went from waking up 6–7 times to once or twice at night, experiencing deep sleep for 4–5 hours.
- I’ve been taking between 100–300 mg for about 4 months. At the higher end, I get 6–7 hours of sleep. It’s not as strong as a benzodiazepine, but it’s safer and non-habit-forming.
- No grogginess the next morning.
Users often prefer Gabapentin due to its non-addictive properties compared to other sleep medications. Unlike other sleep aids, Gabapentin is often praised for its lack of morning drowsiness.
However, abruptly stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms; one patient mentioned, “I regret stopping cold turkey”. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the importance of tapering under medical supervision.
How does Gabapentin improve your sleep?
Gabapentin (Neurontin) enhances sleep by calming overactive brain activity. It reduces neuronal activity and nerve transmission, helping to relax the brain and promote drowsiness. This process improves sleep quality, especially for those experiencing sleep disturbances. Gabapentin belongs to the anticonvulsant class of medications and is primarily prescribed for:
- Epileptic seizures
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by shingles)
By decreasing overstimulation in the brain, Gabapentin promotes a sense of relaxation. This calming effect makes it helpful for managing insomnia and other sleep-related issues. One of gabapentin’s common side effects is drowsiness, which can improve sleep patterns by:
- Helping you fall asleep faster
- Reducing nighttime awakenings
- Enhancing the depth and quality of sleep
- For individuals struggling with conditions like insomnia, restless sleep, or frequent awakenings, Gabapentin can support more tranquil and restorative rest.
Gabapentin improves sleep by calming the brain, reducing nerve overactivity, and inducing drowsiness. This combination helps promote a peaceful, uninterrupted night’s rest, particularly for those with sleep disruptions caused by medical conditions.
How much Gabapentin should I take to fall asleep?
For treating insomnia or sleep disturbances, Gabapentin doses typically range from 100 mg to 600 mg per day, with 300 mg being the most common daily dose. Depending on individual needs, this is usually taken once at bedtime or divided into 1–3 doses throughout the day.
However, it’s important to note that Gabapentin is not FDA-approved for treating insomnia. It is prescribed off-label by healthcare providers for this purpose and should only be used under medical supervision.
“Gabapentin can be an effective option for improving sleep quality, especially for patients struggling with insomnia linked to neuropathic pain or other conditions”.
- Dr. Asim Cheema, a board-certified doctor at Your Doctors Online.
What are the risks of taking Gabapentin for sleep?
While Gabapentin can improve sleep for some, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. Gabapentin is known to cause several side effects, with drowsiness being the most common. Other frequently reported side effects include:
If you take Gabapentin just before bedtime, you might not notice dizziness as much. However, caution is needed for those taking it multiple times a day. Start by avoiding tasks that require full alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how it affects you. To reduce dizziness, try standing up slowly after sitting or lying down.
Serious risks
Although rare, Gabapentin can also pose serious risks, including:
- Misuse or dependence
- Severe allergic reactions
- Breathing difficulties
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Interactions with other medications
Gabapentin can interact dangerously with medications or substances that also cause drowsiness including:
- Alcohol
- Opioid painkillers like hydrocodone
- Over-the-counter antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine found in allergy medications)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam/Xanax)
- Sleep aids (e.g., Zolpidem/Ambien)
While healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe Gabapentin alongside these medications, this is only done when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
What are alternatives to Gabapentin for sleep?
If you’re struggling with sleep, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider first. Prescription medications may be necessary in some cases, but they are typically considered a short-term solution.
For chronic insomnia (difficulty sleeping at least three times a week for three months), certain prescription medications are recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). These include:
- Z-drugs like Ambien (Zolpidem) and Sonata (Zaleplon): Help with falling and staying asleep.
- Ramelteon (Rozerem): Targets the sleep-wake cycle by mimicking Melatonin.
- Orexin receptor antagonists like Belsomra (suvorexant): Reduce wakefulness by blocking orexin, a chemical that keeps you alert.
- Benzodiazepines like Restoril (Temazepam): Provide sedative effects but have a higher risk of dependence and side effects.
- Silenor (Doxepin): A low-dose tricyclic antidepressant used for sleep maintenance.
These medications should only be used under medical supervision, as they come with potential side effects and risks, including dependence.
Who shouldn’t take Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is generally safe, but some individuals may be at higher risk for side effects, including:
- People over 65
- Those with kidney problems
- Those taking other sedatives
- Alcohol users
- Individuals with a history of substance misuse
Consult your healthcare provider to determine if gabapentin is suitable for you.
