Chronic Cough Medication

[TimG]

I've had a chronic cough for many years, but it has gotten worse over the past few years. After ruling out other causes, i was sent to a Laryngologist who diagnosed irritable larynx and prescribed Gabapentin to reduce coughing. For RLS I've been taking 0.125 mg pramipexole for more than a decade without augmentation. Ferritin continues to stay above 100 with oral iron supplements. Anyone have any suggestions or opinions regarding adding gabapentin to the mix?

[Rustsmith]

It is very safe to take gabapentin at the same time as pramipexole. In fact, many of us have been taking both of them for years. Further, the experts prefer to use gabapentin to treat RLS over pramipexole or ropinerole these days. Yes, there can be some side effects of gabapentin, but it is used to treat large numbers of neurological disorders, including diabetic neuropathy. If huge numbers of diabetics are can safely take it for extended periods and your doctor has prescribed it, my suggestion is not to worry.

As for me, I started taking it 12 years ago for migraine prevention. I take 900mg/day at bedtime and in addition to doing a better job preventing my migraines, it is also the only med that helps me fall asleep "normally".

[TimG]

Thanks for your helpful information, Steve! I appreciate your sharing your experience with this drug. The laryngologist did tell me that it is a very safe drug and in many cases helps eliminate or reduce chronic cough. I'm also working with a speech therapist to strength the vocal cord muscles.

[Polar Bear]

I've been taking Pregabalin (which is a sister drug to Gabapentin) for many years without issue. it's prescribed for diabetic neuropathy.

[TimG]

It seems that this drug has been around for a long time and used for a wide variety of conditions. I've only been on Gabapentin for a week and it seems to have helped reduce the amount of coughing , which was affecting my speaking, and has had no noticeable side effects.

[Polar Bear]

I'm glad the Gabapentin is working for you and hope it continues.