Convulsions or fits can be of multiple kinds. There is a type called focal or partial seizures; these have an impact on one portion of your cerebral system. Stress building-up at the frontal-lobe of your brain may cause a wavy sensation. On the other hand, convulsions in your temporal-lobe brings-in a feeling of déjà vu. Meds known as anticonvulsants are widely administered to treat fits and convulsions. Gabapentin is one among them. But can you use gabapentin for sleep? It can be useful to know more.
Anti-epileptics are meds used for the treatment of epileptic fits, convulsions or seizures. Such drugs have the needful ingredients to block abnormal activities of neurons. These meds also help inhibit convulsions from progressing within your cerebral system. No two individuals living with fits may have the same kind of problems and associated discomforts.
Fortunately, anticonvulsant meds are available in multiple versions. Depending on severity of fits, your doctor prescribes drugs that best suit your condition. Commonly available generics are pregabalin, phenytoin, clonazepam, topiramate, gabapentin, etc.
During the start of medication plan, your doctor is more likely to prescribe anticonvulsants of the broad-spectrum genre. This is done as your caregiving team is yet to classify the type of convulsions you are living with. On the other hand, if your doctor has identified it has partial or focal seizure, a narrow-spectrum anticonvulsant is administered.
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a popular anti-seizure drug administered for focal seizure, restless legs syndrome and painful nerves. It mainly works by altering the availability of biochemicals / neuro-transmitters present in your nerves as well as brain. This drug has the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – this is a federal agency that clears use of drugs.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin dose for sleep and anxiety
Gabapentin is also used for other purposes such as treating sleeplessness and for calming your brain during anxieties. Its main function is to modulate activities of neuro-transmitters of your cerebral system. This drug works chiefly on gamma aminobutyric acid i.e., GABA. Research is still underway to understand how this drug kicks-in a calming sensation to your nerves and brain.
It is its calming property which helps gabapentin to treat sleeplessness, and also allay your anxieties. Gabapentin dose for sleep and anxiety hovers between 300 mg to 1200 mg within a 24-hour timeline. Maximum dose of gabapentin for sleep and anxiety is prescribed by your doctor based on your age and other ailments, if any.
When to take gabapentin for sleep?
Gabapentin works well when you swallow the pill with 7-ounces of water. You can consume the pill either before or after meal. Typical dosage plan has 3-4 doses each day; you can take the 1st dose during your breakfast; 2nd dose at noon-time and the last before going to bed.
In some cases, a suspended-form of gabapentin is prescribed. This liquid-form is best taken with a spoon provided along with the drug’s pack. It is unsafe to use a ladle from kitchen, or a spoon from your household. These devices seldom measure the right way.
Gabapentin dosage for sleep
Usual dosage of gabapentin is distributed as 3 doses each day. Adults can take a minimum dose of 300 mg to get a good night’s sleep. In case of anxieties, dosages can range from 600 mg to 900 mg – split into 3 or 4 distinctive doses each day. This is not an over the counter (OTC) drug. It is always taken as per instructions of medical professionals.
A few people have tried taking an excessive dosage of gabapentin. Their belief is excessive doses can make them sleep sooner and reduce their anxieties faster. This is a misconception. At excessive dosages, gabapentin can make you very dizzy and drowsy. If such spells persist for long, call 911 in the US. You can call Health Canada if you are a resident of a Canadian province.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Epidemiology from Harvard University. Experience: 10 years of writing experience, including articles on infectious diseases and public health for leading health publications and research blogs.
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