After having a terrible reaction to Xanax & Ambien (was only on 5 weeks), I checked myself into a Mental Health Hospital to get off these terrible, terrible drugs. The hospital provided guidance so I could quit cold turkey. So, the Psych Dr. put on 75 mg of Effexor XR- & 300 mg 3x day Gabapentin. Then, within 2 weeks time, was move to to dosage of 150mg 1xday (in AM) for Effexor XR & Gabapentin 600mg 3x day for anxiety. I have been on these drugs for 7 weeks now. NOW, I have to meet with a NEW Psych DNP who I will begin working with to manage my medication. I have severe anxiety & depression due to TMJD. I really do not understand WHY a Psych Doctor would give someone Gabapentin for anxiety IF it is only FDA approved for nerve pain & epilepsy. I really want off Gapapentin because I don't believe I need this medication but at the same time, I'm worried that the Gabapentin is helping me with pain that I don't feel with the TMJD. I have never been on this meds and only had 2 other times in my life that I was on medication - one was Klonopin for 8 months in 2013/2014 (another awful drug to get off). Oh, and since I wasn't sleeping, I was given trazadone 75mg for sleep & 3 mg of melatonin. I'm sleeping now but of course, am worried that all these drugs are going to just be awful for me to get off of.

Any suggestions on what to start with tapering first? The Effexor XR? The Gabapentin? The Trazadone?

Thanks much!

@lindmissi

I'm surprised that Gabapentin is prescribed. I just started taking it a month ago, and the dosage went up last week. I'm starting to feel bad side effects, so I'm going to ease off it over the next couple of weeks. I'm trying it for neuropathy pain in my feet.

You need to talk with the doctor and pharmacist about why you were prescribed Gabapentin. No one here can help you with that information.

Good luck getting your medications straightened out.

Jim

Jim, what kind of side effects do you have on Gabapentin? (if you don't mind me asking) Thanks Much - Lindmissi

Thank you @lisalucier! Surprisingly my daughter has been support great for me! I say surprisingly because I never wanted my kids to know I was taking anti-depressants and have surprised myself that I even opened up to her. Anyway, she suggested I take Bonine motion sickness OTC to see if it helped with the dizziness & nausea. I was hesitant but figured it was worth the try! I must admit that it has helped somewhat with the dizziness and nausea for which I am thankful! I’m still struggling with the extreme emotions but hopefully that will get better in time. I see my primary care doctor next week so I’ll see what she says. I’m determined to see this through the withdrawals and hopefully be able to stay off these meds. I’m hoping to give it a few months and then decide if I need them.

@lindmissi

I was beginning to think less clearly, having a hard time finding words. I could feel it starting, and I didn't want it to get worse. The neurologist told me today to take 200mg at bedtime, none during the day, for a week or so, then I should be able to stop taking it.

Jim

Thanks for the reply: I didn’t reach a person at the doctors office yet. So I started by cutting my dose in half. I feel  okay so far. Thanks for the tip, I’m worried that I’ll feel disorganized and unable to make decisions. That happens with me. But. I really need to do this. I will replace it with Prozac- my plan so far.