Tapering Off Gabapentin

A Short Experience with Gabapentin

Gabapentin, 300 mg tid was prescribed by the doctor that did my spinal fusion surgery. By the way, that’s a surgery I’d avoid if at all possible. Post-op, I quickly found myself in an unrelenting brain fog. Initially I blamed the pain med, but as the fog continued, it got to the point where it became frightening. I’d even forget names of old friends. Having come off the opioid pain medication, Gabapentin remained as the potential culprit. At 900 mg as a total daily dose for 6 weeks, my doctor had me cut back to 300 mg twice a day for a week, then 300 mg once a day for another week and quit. I experienced a little bit of insomnia as the Gabapentin was decreasing. While on it, I’d find myself sleeping 10-12 hours a night which was a unique experience for me, and not the worst way to deal with the post-operative experience. I’m grateful that the fog lifted; although it was a bit too gradual for my liking.

Try using a lower dose 3 times a day 300mgs? I have been taking this for years also but have steadily reduced the dosage and it's worked. This is currently what I'm taking and it works for me. Before doing any adjustment talk to your doctor and or pharmacist.

Re Veterinary prescribing: over the years, our cat became a ‘difficult’ patient; growling, scratching, biting, out of control. Our Veterinarian prescribed Gabapentin for the day prior or day of a visit. I don’t recall the dose. We hid it in her food, and she was calm for her next visit. I wish they could/would make meds more palatable for pets.

Re tapering for humans: I never had any bad effects from tapering off gabapentin, but I tapered anyway after reading stories about the difficulties people had when stopping the drug.

Where do I begin? Gabapentin is poison and I am now down to a taper of 162 mgs a day or 1.08 ml 3 times a day however you want to call it. I have had breathing, swallowing, abdominal, anxiety, and insomnia issues and was only on a max dose of 400 mgs a day . If you want more info on what others experience, go to fb to join gabapentin and Lyrica withdrawal group and you will see 11,000 members suffering from this stuff plus some info on tapering recommendations.

I'd keep it even if you struggle. Instead of the am or pm, slice off of both doses instead.

I'd like to invite @wedge58 to this discussion. @wedge58, you mentioned wanting to Connect with members who were weaning off of gabapentin. In this discussion, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-gabapentin/, members share how they have weaned off of this medication and their experiences may be helpful for you.