As you probably know by now I always lean towards molecules that can be found in nature vs taking synthetic drugs that damage your liver. What I like to do is look up the drug name on Wikipedia and do a control F for the words “method of action” or “Pathways”.

I want to see what metabolic pathway a drug works on. This will then help me to figure  out what natural compounds work on the same pathways.

Why does this work?

Because your doctor isn’t going to do it for you. In fact following his advice is dangerous at best and deadly at worst.

Your health is your responsibility, not the doctor’s. We control what we put in our mouth and if there are side effects, then that’s on you because your doctor didn’t pin you down and force you to take gabapentin for sleep.

If there’s a natural molecule that’s found in nature that your body recognizes, why not try that first (since most likely there will be no side effects) before trying a toxic drug?

No I’m not a medical doctor (thank God) but I don’t recommend anybody take gabapentin for sleep. I certainly wouldn’t do it but you have to make that decision for yourself by talking with your doctor about it.

Hopefully you’re also seeing a natural doctor as well as a medical doctor to get the full story.

Before we talk about gabapentin for sleep let’s talk about what gabapentin actually is.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and Nerve pain medication that can treat seizures and pain caused by shingles.

Gabapentin is a prescription drug approved by the FDA for treating specific types of seizures and nerve pain associated with shingles. It is often prescribed “off-label” for many health conditions like  anxiety, hot flashes, and sleep issues.

While some studies suggest gabapentin might be beneficial for sleep, it carries potential risks like dizziness, falls, and fluid retention, which is why I don’t recommend it. In certain states, gabapentin is classified as a controlled substance because of potential dependence and misuse. It is advisable to avoid combining gabapentin with other drowsiness-inducing medications, including opioids and benzodiazepines.

• Brands: Horizant, Gralise, Neuraptine, SmartRx Gaba-V Kit, Neurontin, and Gralise 30-Day Starter Pack
• Availability: Prescription needed
• Pregnancy: Consult a doctor
• Alcohol: Interactions can occur
• Drug class: GABA analogue

Gapapentin Dosage

This comes from Drugs.com

Applies to the following strengths: 800 mg; 600 mg; 100 mg; 300 mg; 400 mg; 250 mg/5 mL; enacarbil 600 mg; 300 mg/24 hours; 600 mg/24 hours; 300 mg/24 hours-600 mg/24 hours; 450 mg/24 hours; 750 mg/24 hours; 900 mg/24 hours; enacarbil 300 mg

Side Effects of Gabapentin

1. Drowsiness or Fatigue
   • Gabapentin can cause significant drowsiness or fatigue, which may affect daily activities.
2. Dizziness
   • Users may experience dizziness, which can increase the risk of falls.
3. Nausea or Vomiting
   • Some individuals may suffer from nausea or vomiting as a side effect.
4. Fluid Retention
   • Gabapentin can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in various parts of the body.
5. Hostility
   • There have been reports of increased hostility in some users.
6. Dry Mouth
   • A common side effect is dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and affect oral health.
7. Difficulty Sleeping
   • Paradoxically, gabapentin can sometimes cause difficulty sleeping.
8. Blurred or Double Vision
   • Visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision can occur.
9. Weight Gain
   • Some users may experience weight gain while taking gabapentin.
10. Blood Abnormalities
    • Gabapentin can affect blood cell production, leading to conditions like leukopenia and anemia.
11. Liver Toxicity
    • There is a risk of liver damage with gabapentin use.

Long Term Use Dangers

Whenever you take medications there are long term side effects and with gabapentin this also the case. We already know that gabapentin lowers folate and vitamin b12 levels and this is going to have a devastating effect on your body.

What are folate and vitamin b12 good for you ask?

Folate

• Cancer Risk Reduction
  • Increased folate intake may decrease the risk of many types of cancer, including colon, esophageal, and cervical cancer.
• Heart Health
  • Folate deficiency is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
• Mental Function
  • Adequate folate levels are linked to improved mental function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
• Birth Defects Prevention
  • Folate is crucial for preventing neural-tube defects such as spina bifida in newborns.
• Depression
  • A lack of folate raises the risk of depression.
• Blood Vessel Health
  • Folate helps in maintaining healthy blood vessels, reducing the risk of vascular diseases.

Vitamin B12

• Nervous System Health
  • Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal functioning of your nervous system and the production of myelin, which protects nerve fibers. Deficiency can lead to neurological problems such as numbness, tingling, and mental confusion. Not good.
• Red Blood Cell Formation
  • It is crucial for the production and upkeep of red blood cells, helping to prevent anemia and related symptoms like fatigue and paleness.
• Cardiovascular Health
  • B12 lowers levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to stroke and cardiovascular disease, thereby supporting your heart health.
• Energy and Stamina
  • It helps provide energy and stamina, making it beneficial for those of you experiencing chronic fatigue.
• Mood Regulation
  • B12 aids in the production of serotonin, a chemical in  your brain that regulates mood, potentially helping to alleviate depression.
• Therapeutic Uses
  • It has therapeutic purposes and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including psychiatric problems, dementia, and nerve pain.
• Disease Prevention
  • Supplementing with B12 can help ward off diseases and restore your energy levels, especially in older adults and those on medications like metformin that deplete B12 reserves.

Do you really want to take gabapentin for sleep when it lowers folate and vitamin b12? If taking gabapentin for sleep was the only option, it might be worth considering but the fact that there are other options available say to me, why not try them first?

Better Alternatives Available

As far as lifestyle changes go there are so many things you can do to improve your sleep like, wearing yellow (day), orange (after sunset) and red (two hours before bed) blue light blocking glasses. Watching the sunrise is something that I recommend every person dealing with insomnia do.

I would also install circadian lighting in your home in order to optimize melatonin levels.

As far as which supplements to take instead of gabapentin for sleep here’s what I would take (not medical advice)..

• Melatonin: Helps regulate your sleep-wake cycles and is a potent antioxidant.
• Valerian: Boosts GABA concentrations and has calming effects with no real side effects!
• Theanine: Promotes relaxation without sedation. This is my “go to” sleep supplement the past few weeks.

Conclusion

If you’re considering taking gabapentin for sleep, I would highly encourage you to do some research and talk with your doctor about some natural sleep medication alternatives. If they don’t work, you’ve lost nothing. If they do, you’ve saved yourself a ton of side effects and possibly organ damage.

Naturel medicine for the win!

Questions:

1. Have you ever tried gabapentin for sleep?
2. If so, did it work?
3. How effective was it for helping you to fall asleep?
4. Did you notice any side effects?

Comment below!