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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does gabapentin work like a sleeping pill?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Antelope Valley, CA

Recovering from neck surgery. I developed shingles. Because I had gotten the shingle shot, the symptoms have not been severe. To deal with nerve pain, my dr gave me low dose gabapentin. The first day on gabapentin, I slept more than 7 hrs! It was great
I usually wake up A LOT and only 5-6 hrs a night. I can’t take naps because then I sleep even less at night.

Those that take gabapentin for seizures, do you have great sleep? What type of seizures do you have
I ake Zonisamide and am thinking… read more

September 18
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Answer Summary

Members shared their personal experiences with gabapentin and its effects on sleep, with many confirming that drowsiness and improved sleep... Read more

Members shared their personal experiences with gabapentin and its effects on sleep, with many confirming that drowsiness and improved sleep are common side effects, especially when starting the medication or taking higher doses. Several members described how dosage made a big difference, with lower doses around 100mg causing little to no drowsiness while higher doses led to sleeping up to 12 hours and daytime fatigue. A recurring theme was that individual responses to gabapentin vary widely depending on the dose and the condition being treated.

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Not 100% sure it could just be a very strong ASM and it has a side effect that causes sleepiness. A lot of people generally report sleepiness as a side effect when starting a new med.

September 19
MyEpilepsyTeam

What a great question — does gabapentin work like a sleeping pill for people with epilepsy?

Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) that can cause drowsiness as a side effect, which may explain that glorious 7-hour sleep! While it's not officially a sleeping pill, its sedating effects are well known.

That said Show Full Answer

What a great question — does gabapentin work like a sleeping pill for people with epilepsy?

Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) that can cause drowsiness as a side effect, which may explain that glorious 7-hour sleep! While it's not officially a sleeping pill, its sedating effects are well known.

That said, switching ASMs purely for better sleep is something to approach carefully. A few important things to keep in mind:

- Every ASM affects people differently — what works wonderfully for one person may not for another
- Zonisamide may be controlling your seizures effectively, and switching could disrupt that balance
- Stopping or switching medications abruptly can increase seizure risk The good news is there are other ways to improve sleep alongside your current medication. Some helpful tips include:

- Keeping a consistent sleep and wake schedule
- Limiting screen time an hour before bed
- Avoiding caffeine later in the day
- Trying gentle breathing exercises or meditation at bedtime
- Asking your neurologist about a referral to a sleep clinic

Bringing up your sleep concerns with your neurologist is absolutely the right move — they may be able to adjust the timing or dosage of your current medication rather than switching entirely.

September 18
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

No I was on it for my epilepsy

September 24
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Amputations? Does it cause poor circulation?

September 23
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It can make you sleep better even 1 to 2 hour naps in between. It use to cause me to be too sleepy I would sleep up to 12 hours sometimes and tired or fatigued during the day. Gabapentin is known to cause amputations. Be careful

September 23

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