I started 300mg 1x day suppose to go up to 3x day. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have taken it for one week and I sleep at least 15 plus hours per day. How am I suppose to function?
Gabapentin makes me so sleepy. how can I work?
Question posted by jeannie goodmon on 7 May 2011
Last updated on 12 March 2022
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11 Answers
ansbible
12 March 2022
Jeannie.
I have just begun taking gabapentin 300 mg 3x / day. So far still don't get good sleep. But the sleep has been better until last night when I couldn't sleep.
In the morning I swim strenuously so it beats the sleepiness so far after I get up. So get out of bed and try swimming it is very healthy and it seems to keep me out of the drowsy mode so far. But when I go back home I take a short 20-30 minute nap after the strenuous swim. Use swim aids to keep you moving in the water. So far I am able to function. But I have only been doing gabapentin for 2 weeks. So pray for me.
adoptmeow
12 March 2022
Gabapentin may help you sleep, but there are safer herbs and drugs that can aid with that. Just want you to be aware that gabapentin does not treat the cause of fibromyalgia.
Cbenson1985
15 Jan 2020
I take 600 mg of gabapentin a night for anxiety and bipolar disorder. I am not allowed to have stimulants due to it possibly causing a manic episode and I have to limit my caffeine during the day as well. I am constantly sleepy and am not sure what to do. Any suggestions to battle the extreme sleepiness with these restrictions?
Stormygirl1
26 Nov 2017
I am prescribed Gabapentin 300 mg take one 3 times a day I can take one and we'll sleep for 20 hours I do not understand because I know people that take four or five or six a day and don't sleep
Shortbobo
2 March 2018
I am dealing with this same problem. I only take 1 300mg a day and it's only at bedtime. It does help with my back and leg pain. But the next day I run the risk of oversleeping and always feel hungover. My appetite has been ridiculous so i have gained weight which can't be good for my legs. I know this is an old post so if you have any other insight I would appreciate it. Thanks!
laurenashley027
25 April 2018
@Shortbobo and Stormygirl1:
I’m 30 yrs old, and have been on gabapentin 300 mg, 3x daily for the past 3.5 years for neuropathy pain due to herniated disc at L5-s1. I’ve had surgery (micro-discectomy) 2.5 years ago, but prior to that tried everything homeopathic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and even a series of 3 epidural steroid injections with very little to no relief. Recently upped my dosage of gabapentin to 400 mg, 3x daily since I’d been experiencing an increase in lower back and leg pain. New mri and turns out new problem with disc above the last problematic one... tried another epidural and nothing. So, my point I’m trying to get at is less pain is my ultimate goal, even if that comes with some weight gain or fatigue. I’ve been on the higher dose about a month now and the past couple weeks I’ve been so extremely fatigued every single day that I can hardly get out of bed. Some days I sleep about 15 hours which is mind blowing.
I had been prescribed Adderall (extended release and also immediate release) to help combat the fatigue and fogginess with the previous dose in the past year which had helped a lot actually. I never felt that energized that I was bouncing off the walls, but it did help me to stay awake and more alert during the day for work/school/etc. I’m going to talk to my doc about possibly increasing it to combat the extreme fatigue from the new higher dose of gabapentin. I feel an amazing difference since increasing the dose... huge reduction in pain, sleeping through the night every night, but the fatigue is a definite issue since it’s so drastic that it’s effecting my everyday life. I would look into adderall to help you feel more alert. It’s helped me a ton. I actually feel “normal” with the gaba + adderall, probably because they balance each other out at least for me and my body. Keeping you all in thoughts!
Jrvhoef
6 Sep 2017
I am currently taking 500 mg of Gabapentin 3 times a day for shingles and trigeminal nerve pain. I am lucky in the fact that I do not have to work because I could sleep the entire day.
BobsySue
9 May 2017
Oh my I almost wish I didn't read this - I'm on 400mg x 3 daily & could sleep 25 hours a day! gabapentin has helped my nerve ending pain & I think reduced my fibromyalgia attacks however I also am on 150mcg/hour of Fentanyl for chronic osteoporosis including a Broken hip & knee which are inoperable, sadly Gabapentin has not helped that pain. I want to get into wheelchair and 'do' things but am continually sleeping. I can fall asleep mid a coffee or meal so.need to be super careful.
Someone mentioned Adderall to reduce tiredness - does this help please? Another mentioned caffeine & I have 2 double shot espressos a day - HELP PLEASE? I am hating my sleeping & want to be active. Thank you anyone who can advise.
Joanie06
12 Sep 2017
I also have fibromyalgia. Diagnosed in 2003 and it has been a nightmare on top of everything else I have!
My doctor prescribed Adderall for me in 2012 and it's been a ifesaver, most of the time anyways! I feel like my old self once it kicks in. I experience way less pain and am able to stay awake during the day, finally. I'm able to do things again, in moderation, go out to family functions and participate, not just sit in the corner and attempt to stay awake!
I'd recommend it to anyone that had fibromyalgia or any other type of chronic pain that affects your daily life.
I do have days when my fibromyalgia is so flared up that the adderall just doesn't work. It's very frustrating in those days because all I feel like doing is sleeping or sitting back and watching tv. I want to be active but it's a lost cause sometimes regardless of how hard I try.
The best advice I can give for that is to take it one day at a time and hope for better days ahead.
Lrjacobs
31 Jan 2018
I have had lower back issues for 10 plus years. I'm 39 and I work as an security officer and personal protection officer for a corporate firm. I wear the same gear as a police officer and can barely make it through most days. Lately it has started to cause major depression because my degree is in criminal justice and cannot seem to move around. When I take gabapentin, tramadol, etc., all I want to do is sleep. I have a neurospinal stimulator implant and nothing is helping. Can anyone offer any kind of suggestion to function. I am normally active as I like to work out but this has taken a major toll on my day to day. Any advice will be appreciated.
Nickfic
4 Oct 2016
I suffer from severe nerve pain in my feet and legs. We found my "sweet spot" for relief is 3600mg daily. I start my day with two 600mg. I function pretty well. Then I take one at noon. That is when the eyelids start to get heavy. I have to nap and find it difficult to function until around 6:00 pm. I go to bed around 11:00 and take 3 more 600mg. So if I want to be comfortable, I live with fatigue and constant weight gain. Not good for a diabetic. Good luck Jeannie!
hscolnik
24 Sep 2016
Caffeine! I take between 200mg and 400mg of caffeine throughout my daily waking period and that seems to do the trick. I'm taking 300 mg of Gabapentin every eight hours for nerve pain and the caffeine is is the only way to stay functional and relatively pain free throughout the day. Remember, 400mg of caffeine is the equivalent to two strong cups of coffee or four smaller cups of coffee (but be sure to space them out properly). Four 100mg caffeine tablets taken (with any other non-caffeinated drink) at wake-up and every three to four hours throughout the day is really the ideal way to do it. Figure out how much you need by starting with 100mg in the morning and another 100mg six hours later. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others.
snooki2011
11 May 2011
I take 3600 mg of gabapentin @day. My doctor has placed me on adderall 10mg 1 1/2*2@day. To keep me from falling asleep. Oh Boy I feel asleep on nite with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream my hubby woke me up after he took a embarrassing picture. It makes me crave weird concoctions of food my hubby calls it my gabapentin high or gabapentin munchies I want pickles and olives and cheese . Oh I hope I help
jeannie goodmon
12 May 2011
Hi Snooki... I finally got used to 2 per day... I will try 3 per day next week. Boy I never thought I would ever overcome my sleepyness. I love your cravings, at least its nothing too weird like anchovies on graham crackers. Thank You for your help :)
reedeli
9 May 2011
Hi Jeannie, First of all let me say I know where you are coming from. Functionong on these Fibro meds isnt easy. Sometimes harder than functioning with the fibro itself.
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Boy was I in a lot of pain. I’ve always been very healthy, so when I started hurting so bad I was really worried at what the prognosis might be.
A year into it, I started seeing a personal trainer. She introduced me to a wonderful supplement. After one month my generalized pain went away. I do not have the aches, stiffness, pain, or tingling like I did before I started taking this. I now have more energy. I’m not exhausted by 7:00 every night. I’m back to working in my yard again. Don’t get me wrong, I do still have tender, painful muscles, but only when I push or rub my muscles. I know people that have been able to get off some of their meds after taking this supplement for awhile.
I myself was taking 2 thyroid pills, pain pill & sleeping pill. I no longer take any of these. I have suggested this supplement to many friends & strangers. All have had amazing results.
Now, I have never in my life discussed or suggested anything to anyone. But I am so excited about this product and feel so strongly in its positive effects I just want to get the news out and help as many people as I can. Since this product has made such a difference in my life, I want to “pay it forward” and hopefully help one of you. I know first hand what it’s like to be in pain 24/7 and think that your previous way of life is gone forever. Helping someone else in this way is my primary goal here.
I don’t think I’m aloud to say the name here on the forum. So if you are truly tired of this disease, please get in touch with me.
Lesleyflynn71
5 Oct 2016
Hi jeannie could u possibly disclose which supplement it was that was suggested to u as id be very interested... i understand this is an old post
Littledove77
8 Sep 2017
Hello I know this is an old post but I suffer from muscle pain and nerve pain because I have multiple sclerosis which I understand has very similar symptoms to fibromyalgia, I did not see a way to contact you I am very interested in this supplement that you were suppose is there any way that you could disclose this or give me a way to get in contact with you so I could use the supplement myself thank you so much for your time and I wish everyone the best.
Maddog6750
3 Jan 2018
I see this is an old post and someone asked about this supplement. How can i find out about it? I don't want to take neurontin but I am in horrible pain from nerves 24/7. Thank you.
sweetpea602
8 May 2011
Hello Jeannie,
I was told to take mine only at bedtime. Is there any way you could maybe take half earlier in the evening? You do eventually build up a resistence. It does work for pain, if you can eventually take it! Hope you find something... Sweetpea
ansbible
12 March 2022
Just figured it out - I think. Took one 300mg at 9 pm, then next one at 11pm then next one at 2pm Finally got to sleep. Great sleep. Much better rest than the last 3 days. Then I got up and swam 2600 yards like a maniac. Won't need (I hope) to take anymore my instructions by my who cares doctor what's her name was 3 x 300mg a day). So I decided to take the 3 at night spread out by hours and then it took over and caused me to sleep better. So my pain is beginning to subside - especially with the rest I get and the yards I swim - low impact and you can drink all the pool water you want. My poor advice for now: keep asking questions, submit your self to trial and error and then success - fortunately I can call for instant advice [no not my doctor what's her name] = I call my insurance company who has a hot line for medical advice Alignment Health Ins. who advised me to take the gabapentin at night - take all 3 to get you to sleep. The nurse practitioners are sooo helpful and patient. THEY ACTUALLY TALK TO AND WITH YOU.
LaurieShay
8 May 2011
Hey jeannie,
Drowsiness and tiredness are common side effects of the gabapentin which may decrease with continued use. If this becomes intolerable as in effecting your work please discuss with the prescribing doctor. You may need a dosage adjustment or to taper up the dosage at a slower rate.
Best wishes,
Laurie
jeannie goodmon
8 May 2011
Thank you Laurie,
I have called my Dr. And he said to take it at night. But I still sleepy all day, how will be able to talk to 20 customers per day and use the computer? I suppose I have to try.
MACE1010
8 May 2011
I had to drop down to 100mg. I never did adjust to the 300mg. I could not nothing but sleep on it.
jeannie goodmon
8 May 2011
Thank you, but in the mean time short term disability is making me go back to work even after telling them that I was trying to adjust to new meds. I have been off for months and they deemed me not sick enough to go into long term. Not only do I have anxiety, irratle bowel syndrome, vitamin D and calcium defieciency and now fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed with FM one week ago.
MACE1010
8 May 2011
I am sorry that you have to go back to work, but the things you say you have are not things that would get you long term disability. I have those problems along with many others.
jeannie goodmon
8 May 2011
Wow that is nuts... I suppose we have to be on death bed to get it. I don't mind working but when I feel like my body has been run over, its taken months to finally get diagnosed. You would think they would allow meds to adjust.
MACE1010
8 May 2011
It is a shame, but yes we do have to be about dead to get disability from a company or from social security. I was able to get on social security disability after I got cancer. All of the many other problems did not matter. I had to keep working anyway until the cancer. Now happy to say I am doing ok from the cancer and old enough to get regular social security. Plus that fact that so many still do not Fibro is real,most still think it is in our heads. Well, I say to those that I wish you could feel my pain for a week and you would become a believer.
jeannie goodmon
9 May 2011
My Sister also has fibromyalgia and did win her case for social security disability.
reedeli
12 May 2011
Jeanie, please see my lengthy response below and contact me. Best of luck, Reedeli
Related topics
fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, gabapentin, sleep
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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