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What Causes Insomnia While On Gabapentin?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2017
Question: I was diagnosis with cervical arthritis and protrusions y c4,c5,c6 and c7. My doctor put me in a 300mg daily dose of gabapentin at bedtime for 30 days. Everything was fine with gabapentin until about 8 days ago when a insomnia appears. Until day 20 the gabapentin at bedtime knocks out to sleep no more than 30 minutes after I was in bed but now I have a severe difficulty to get asleep. I still have 2 more days ahead to complete the 30 day treatment. I have always been a good sleeper and never before had problems with sleep
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Escalating dose of Gabapentin needed usually

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

Usually Gabapentin is sleep inducing.

It is possible that you may need dose adjustment because usually Gabapentin is given in escalating doses and not static dose like the one you are on.

Do consult with a Psychiatrist if you feel there are triggers to your insomnia.

Avoid caffeine, colas, smoking, alcohol and junk food after 6:00PM because these disturb the sleep cycle. Practice yoga for stress relief before bedtime.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (33 minutes later)
Dear Dr XXXXXXX

Thank you for your answer to my question

Does a 30 day, 300mg daily regime of gabapentin at the end needs a withdrawal protocol?

is such a case which will be?

Best
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Withdrawal protocol

Detailed Answer:
Yes There is a withdrawal protocol. It can be 300mg once a day followed by once every 2 days, followed by once every 3 days and then stop.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Aashish Raghu

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 5482 Questions

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What Causes Insomnia While On Gabapentin?

Brief Answer: Escalating dose of Gabapentin needed usually Detailed Answer: Hi there Thanks for the query Usually Gabapentin is sleep inducing. It is possible that you may need dose adjustment because usually Gabapentin is given in escalating doses and not static dose like the one you are on. Do consult with a Psychiatrist if you feel there are triggers to your insomnia. Avoid caffeine, colas, smoking, alcohol and junk food after 6:00PM because these disturb the sleep cycle. Practice yoga for stress relief before bedtime. I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries. Regards, Dr. Aashish Raghu