Gabapentin/Neurontin

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
dutaplex
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2017 1:34 pm

Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by dutaplex » Tue Jun 19, 2018 5:28 pm

My Dr just prescribed me with Gabapentin to help me stay asleep at night, my AHI is below 1 but I'm still tired and I wake up probably 5 times at night that I can remember.

Does anybody have any experience with this?

User avatar
squid13
Posts: 2299
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:47 pm
Location: Pensacola, FL

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by squid13 » Tue Jun 19, 2018 5:55 pm

I tried it for nerve pain but I changed over to Lyrica which worked better for me. I didn't know they gave it for sleep.Read about it here https://www.google.com/search?q=Gabapen ... fox-b-1-ab

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV Machine with Heated Humidifier
Mask: Evora Full Face Mask - Fitpack
Additional Comments: AirCurve 10 ASV, Oscar V1.0.1-r-1
US Navy Retired 1973,AirCurve 10 ASV, Mode: ASV Auto, Min EPAP: 7.2, Max EPAP: 15.0, Min PS:4.0, Max PS: 15.0, Mask ResMed Airtouch F20, Backup: (2) AirCurve 10 ASV

User avatar
zonker
Posts: 11012
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2015 4:36 pm

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by zonker » Tue Jun 19, 2018 10:16 pm

i have no experience with this. but i await input from those who do.

just read up on the side effects from this. it's enough to scare me off. but i'm very easily frightened when it comes to prescription drugs and their side effects.

please come back and tell us what your experiences are with this drug. i, too, wake several times during the night. i'd like to read how gabapentin works for you.

not sure i'd want to try it myself. but i'd still like to hear how it effects you.
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
Oscar-Win
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1-Win64.exe
Oscar-Mac
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1.dmg

musculus
Posts: 221
Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:35 am

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by musculus » Wed Jun 20, 2018 4:20 pm

It will calm the brain down and help it rest, but not to the extent of making brain not responding to apnea or low spO2.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ Air Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: sleepyhead

User avatar
zonker
Posts: 11012
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2015 4:36 pm

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by zonker » Wed Jun 20, 2018 6:26 pm

musculus wrote:
Wed Jun 20, 2018 4:20 pm
It will calm the brain down and help it rest, but not to the extent of making brain not responding to apnea or low spO2.
not snarky, curious...is this from first hand experience or an opinion?
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
Oscar-Win
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1-Win64.exe
Oscar-Mac
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1.dmg

User avatar
jagzoo
Posts: 340
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 7:14 pm
Location: Nh

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by jagzoo » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:41 pm

There are a number studies that show that gabapentin increases slow wave sleep and decreases wakening. In a quick google I just found 2 but not the one that I originally have. However the effects are well documented. Here is a link to a short reference. : https://www.sinclairmethod.org/gabapentin-for-sleep/ but there are more involved ones if you look.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Heated Tubing; mask sometimes is TAP PAP mask; now P10 nasal pillows; use Sleepyhead software
APAP 9-12

User avatar
kteague
Posts: 7768
Joined: Tue May 16, 2006 8:30 pm
Location: West and Midwest

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by kteague » Thu Jun 21, 2018 2:16 am

Whether it helps one sleep better or not likely depends on why one is not sleeping well. I took Neurontin for a while (months or years?) for nerve pain in my neck and back. Unfortunately I couldn't increase it to a potentially more effective dose due to side effects. The lower dose did not help me sleep. However, that was during the same time frame when my Periodic Limb Movement Disorder was in full effect as well as augmentation on a dopamine agonist. Doubt anything could have helped me sleep. My non-professional thought is it probably won't hurt to try it as long as you're fairly sure it won't be covering up other issues that need addressed. Some things that come to mind are medication side effect, UARS, periodic limb movements, RLS, thyroid dysfunction, and some mood disorders. Have your docs looked for possible causes and are trying this since they can't find a cause?

_________________
Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Bleep/DreamPort for full nights, Tap Pap for shorter sessions

dutaplex
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2017 1:34 pm

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by dutaplex » Thu Jun 21, 2018 5:52 am

jagzoo wrote:
Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:41 pm
There are a number studies that show that gabapentin increases slow wave sleep and decreases wakening. In a quick google I just found 2 but not the one that I originally have. However the effects are well documented. Here is a link to a short reference. : https://www.sinclairmethod.org/gabapentin-for-sleep/ but there are more involved ones if you look.
Thanks! This is a good read and touches on my issue of sleep effiency, as I sleep find but have trouble staying asleep.

dutaplex
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2017 1:34 pm

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by dutaplex » Thu Jun 21, 2018 5:56 am

kteague wrote:
Thu Jun 21, 2018 2:16 am
Have your docs looked for possible causes and are trying this since they can't find a cause?
It seems like everything else is good, at first he thought it may be the leaks I was having, I have since fixed that, and have slept with no leaks and 100% compliance for a couple months and still no improvements so this was just the next step for me.

User avatar
zonker
Posts: 11012
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2015 4:36 pm

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by zonker » Thu Jun 21, 2018 11:02 am

jagzoo wrote:
Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:41 pm
There are a number studies that show that gabapentin increases slow wave sleep and decreases wakening. In a quick google I just found 2 but not the one that I originally have. However the effects are well documented. Here is a link to a short reference. : https://www.sinclairmethod.org/gabapentin-for-sleep/ but there are more involved ones if you look.
thanks for that link. i'm still uncertain as to whether i want to try gabapentin or not. my one google search of just gabapentin itself turned up-

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1420 ... al/details

in which it states in part-

"Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly."

and-

"Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased."

for all i know, these may be standard drug disclaimers. but i don't take a lot of drugs. i'm fortunate in that i haven't needed prescription drugs very often in my life.

so, i end up sounding like some old guy scared of "getting hooked on drugs"! :)

so i'm hoping the op will update us on how it goes for him. i'm not certain i'd want to take this medication myself. but i am curious about it.

again, thanks for the link.
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
Oscar-Win
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1-Win64.exe
Oscar-Mac
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1.dmg

User avatar
jagzoo
Posts: 340
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 7:14 pm
Location: Nh

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by jagzoo » Thu Jun 21, 2018 8:28 pm

I can only speak for my experience and my neurologist, but I have been on varying dosages of gabapentin (from very high dosages to no dose at all) for a disorder unrelated to sleep/ sleep apnea. I have never experienced any ill effects from discontinuing the med without titrating it down first. I am now at the point where I titrate the med according to my symptoms: looking for the best dose with the fewest side effects (side effect for me is mainly ataxia/ poor balance). This is with the complete approval of my neurologist who has said “ you can stop it at any time. And I have, but I find that a low dose helps both my Neuro symptoms and my sleep. Again - only my experience.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Heated Tubing; mask sometimes is TAP PAP mask; now P10 nasal pillows; use Sleepyhead software
APAP 9-12

User avatar
jagzoo
Posts: 340
Joined: Tue Jan 15, 2013 7:14 pm
Location: Nh

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by jagzoo » Sat Jun 23, 2018 9:51 pm

Here is a study that I located on in my files :

PubMed
Format: Abstract
J Clin Sleep Med. 2005 Jul 15;1(3):284-7.
Gabapentin improves sleep in the presence of alcohol.
Bazil CW1, Battista J, Basner RC. Author information
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of a single dose of gabapentin to improve sleep disruption caused by alcohol consumption.
METHODS: Double-blind, randomized, single-dose, crossover study of normal subjects (age 21-45 years) who were free of known sleep disorders or medical conditions that could interfere with sleep. Subjects first received baseline polysomnography and, upon awakening, subjective scales of drowsiness and functioning. One to 2 weeks later, they returned to the sleep lab. They consumed 4 ounces of 40% alcohol and gabapentin (300 or 600 mg) or placebo 1 hour prior to bedtime. Polysomnography and subjective scales were repeated. One to 2 weeks later, subjects returned and were given the same dose of alcohol and the other treatment, followed by repeat testing. Differences between baseline and placebo (alcohol) results were compared to the difference between baseline and gabapentin (alcohol) by paired t tests.
RESULTS: Thirteen subjects were enrolled; 12 completed the study. Mean age was 30.8 years (range 25-37 years). No difference in total sleep time was seen for any of the groups. Gabapentin (300 or 600 mg) showed a significant decrease in stage 1 (9.3% vs 5.5%) and number of awakenings (11 vs 6) with increased sleep efficiency (93% vs 96.2%). Subjects receiving 600 mg also showed increased slow wave sleep, decreased rapid eye movement sleep, and decreased arousals. No differences were seen in any of the subjective tests of drowsiness and performance.
CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose gabapentin at bedtime can improve sleep through decreased stage 1 sleep, increased slow-wave sleep, increased sleep efficiency, and decreased arousals. Gabapentin may be useful in the treatment of conditions in which frequent awakenings and decreased sleep efficiency are seen.
PMID: 17566190 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Heated Tubing; mask sometimes is TAP PAP mask; now P10 nasal pillows; use Sleepyhead software
APAP 9-12

herefishy
Posts: 1012
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:24 am

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by herefishy » Sun Jun 24, 2018 7:10 am

I started taking it for pain and it helps my sleep, but will probably discontinue it when pain resolves. Just taking 400 mg

_________________
Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: pressure 10-12

User avatar
zonker
Posts: 11012
Joined: Fri Jun 19, 2015 4:36 pm

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by zonker » Sun Jun 24, 2018 11:31 am

herefishy wrote:
Sun Jun 24, 2018 7:10 am
I started taking it for pain and it helps my sleep, but will probably discontinue it when pain resolves. Just taking 400 mg
to be clear; does it help you fall asleep or stay sleep?
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
Oscar-Win
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1-Win64.exe
Oscar-Mac
https://www.apneaboard.com/OSCAR/OSCAR-1.5.1.dmg

herefishy
Posts: 1012
Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:24 am

Re: Gabapentin/Neurontin

Post by herefishy » Sun Jun 24, 2018 4:50 pm

Both.

_________________
Mask: Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: pressure 10-12