Gabapentin - Restless leg syndrome driving me up crazy!! Help please!?

I've been taking pramipexole (generic for Meripex) 0.25 mg for years at night. I take 2 tablets a few hours before bedtime or when my legs start dancing, say while reading or watching TV. When I had an MRI, I took just one and it kept my legs still. It works great!!! Get off the gabapentin. Have heard it's bad stuff. I've been on it for mild neuropathy and it's not helping. I need to get off it.

I've had RL for many years, was on Klonopin for 20 yrs, was wonderful. Now put on requip, neurontin and finally have gone to see neurologist. She upped my neurontin to 600 mg at night, 300 in a.m. and I am sleeping great. Going to have sleep study and a skin biopsy this month. There is help. Wish I had gone to neurologist yrs ago. Son also has RL, father had also. Being weaned off Klonopin.

I began to suffer rls a few years back. I managed to conquer it in a rather unusual way. First off, let me tell you that I believe in the body's ability to heal itself and I do not agree with taking medications unless it is necessary to save one's life. So, that being said, I got a hold of a used stationary bicycle and put it in my bedroom. I pedaled my tail end off while watching the nightly news before bedtime. I think it wore my legs out to the point of no rls, and I lost a few pounds as a side effect! I no longer need to do that, btw. So, in conclusion, might I suggest some exercise before bedtime? Can't hurt, might help. Happy ZZZZZ's to you all.

I am 40yrs old, found out i have Restless Leg after college (in 1995-1996). For RLS, I take Pramipexole (Mirapex). I use to take .75mg, now I take 1.5mg. Part of the reason I do this (I believe it's 1.5mg) is because you can cut the pill in 1/2. It has a score down the middle. If i do that, it saves me more money per pill. Just a thought.

I am 77 and have had rls for 25 yrs. Got so bad that finally went on meds about 5 yrs ago. Tried Gabapentin, mirapex, requip, etc. Only thing that works is norco (5-325 dose). Discovered this accidentally when I had dental work done. Had to beg dr for this and it is not supposed to work for rls but works for me. Have been taking it for over a year. I am not worried about becoming addicted because I only take one before bed. Only have rls at night.

My sister n law was given a patch that she wears for restless leg syndrome. Her's was awful. The patches have helped alot. She changes the patch every two days, I think. I don't know the name of the medicine patch, but, I will find out for you. Try and let ya know tomorrow. You need to get this taken care of so you can get some sleep. Till then, take care. I know it's hard. because before she got the patch, she was awake most of the night. My brother has started getting that restless syndrome in his arms. Use to be his legs. Anyone else had it in their arms. He said he shakes them, beats them against wall and whatever else he thinks might help. Usually it just takes most of the night for it to stop.

Hi BigWheat,
I agree with Kimstuff, Mirapex is supposedly the best for RLS.
See if you can get an RX. It's worth a try!
Lara

I have found very good relief using clonazepam/klonopin 1.0-1.5mg about half an hour before bedtime. About nine months ago I started having some nights where I would start waking up and my Dr. added Mirapex for me also. WOW! Taken two to three hours before bedtime, they have been an amazing combination for me. Clonazepam in also used for seizures and since the RLS is caused by the nerves firing, it has really worked well for a lot of folks. Let me know how things go for you. Oh, I also was just recently diagnosed (a month ago) with Fibromyalgia and they have me taking 600mg three times per day. Haven't noticed any conflict with my other meds and my Dr. thinks they are helpping each other for me. Good Luck!

Bigwheat,
Gabapentin usually takes 3-4 weeks to build up in your system. Plus they always start out patients on the 300mg units & work up to a higher dosage if the dosage you are on right now is not working.
The max. Dosage on this medication is 2700 mg a day so you Definitely have room for adjustments.
But since you have Just started taking this please be patient I believe you will see benefits.
Take care, kathy

I take Mirapex, only 0.75mg and it works 99.9% of the time. It's been a miracle drug for my severe RLS!!!

You need to take it as directed. Gabapentin doesn't work immediately, you have to give it some time to build up in your system before you begin feeling the full benefit from this medication, which can take anywhere from a week to a few weeks. I understand that it's frustrating at the moment, but you need to give it some time and a chance. Do you happen to have another medication for sleep? Have you tried anything over the counter for sleep? If you have Benadryl, you can try that, as it's the main ingredient of a few over the counter sleep medications, just take a couple capsules and see how that works if you have some on hand. I really hope you find some relief, both immediate and with time. And I also hope that you take the gabapentin as directed and give it some time to build up in your system and start working. Please give it a chance beyond just one night or just a few days or a week. I think once you get to about a month or so of taking it, you should definitely know for sure if it helps with your RLS.