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Gabapentin it doesn’t relieve pain for me- can I stop cold turkey?

Posted by karynwendy @karynwendy, Aug 29, 2025

I have taken it for about 8 weeks for help to ease neuropathy in my feet. 300mg. initially did nothing so it was increased to 600mg. per day. Which I have taken for 3 1/2 weeks- No pain relief in fact the pain seems worse.
Severe heartburn,
Brainfog and balance issues,
Weight gain, irritability
and more difficulty sleeping are side effects. So I am stopping it- I am cutting down to 300mg. for 4 days then 200 for 3 days then 100 for 3 days. I took it for a short period so would prefer to go cold turkey as the heartburn is really bad. Input appreciated!

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Jake | @jakedduck1 | Aug 30, 2025
In reply to @gen55 "My doctor gave me a very low dose to try for the pain, and he said..." + (show)
Profile picture for gen55 @gen55

My doctor gave me a very low dose to try for the pain, and he said to take it as needed. Basically, my foot pain isn't terribly bad every day, but once in a while its excruciating. Hence, the reason he gave it to me to try and relieve the really bad pain on those nights. So, if I would only be taking it as needed, is there really a weaning off needed?

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@gen55
I would taper since now I believe in being safe rather than sorry but I have epilepsy. I would be concerned about the length of time you have been taking such a large dose.
I would definitely have a conversation with your doctor before stopping it cold turkey or tapering.
Take care,
Jake

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karynwendy | @karynwendy | Aug 30, 2025
In reply to @gus0557 "Hello, I’m so sorry about your situation. I would like to suggest you go back to..." + (show)
Profile picture for gus0557 @gus0557

Hello,
I’m so sorry about your situation.
I would like to suggest you go back to the doctor who prescribed the medication and ask about the best taper down way for you instead of doing it on your own. Some medications can cause issues if one doesn’t follow a proper taper down protocol.
I wish you the best.
Take care and have a serene rest of your weekend,
gus

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Thank-you Gus.

Karen Cox
“There are no problems... only solutions”. John
Lennon

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Chiaska | @bestseller2025 | Aug 31, 2025

I read an article recently that links the drug Gabapentin and increased risk of dementia. Something to think about.

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karynwendy | @karynwendy | Aug 31, 2025
In reply to @aileenredding "400 mgs, not 40" + (show)
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400 mgs, not 40

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I did - I am not epileptic!
Not on it long! 7 1/2 weeks 4 weeks at 300mg. Per day, 3 1/2 weeks at
600mg.
Horrid drug second day without and I feel so much better!

Karen Cox
“There are no problems... only solutions”. John
Lennon

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jfn | @jfn | Aug 31, 2025

@karynwendy

Always slowly taper gabapentin. I was just on it, and even though it was not a high dose, the doctor told me to taper it slowly. Talk to the prescribing doctor. Phone call not worth a visit.

JFN

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debbiejody | @debbiejody | Aug 31, 2025

Yes stop it is a bad drug can cause you to lose your legs my husband was on it and he stopped cold turkey good luck do your homework on it

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Jake | @jakedduck1 | Aug 31, 2025

@debbiejody
That's interesting since this drug has a good safety profile compared to other anticonvulsants. I have never heard that. Could you post a link to your research regarding losing legs from Gabapentin use?
Thank you,
Jake

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crossette | @crossette | Sep 1, 2025

Like any drug it is probably best to get off it if you can. Gabapentin is not good for you at all. I quit it cold turkey and had a few hours of uneasyness but no problems. Tapering off over a couple days is probably a good way to do it.

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jabrown0407 | @jabrown0407 | Sep 1, 2025

This is the type question that an AI engine can respond with a highly accurate answer. Nothing replaces asking your prescribing doctor, but you can ask a better formed question for your prescribing doctor and quality clarifying questions when you have more information on the subject. Knowledge is indeed power.

I often tell them I was talking to Dr Google, and just recently I have started telling them I'm BFF with my AI engine. Let them know you are open to their perspective because they know you and nothing beats that.

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arkansaslady | @arkansaslady | Sep 4, 2025
In reply to @jabrown0407 "This is the type question that an AI engine can respond with a highly accurate answer...." + (show)
Profile picture for jabrown0407 @jabrown0407

This is the type question that an AI engine can respond with a highly accurate answer. Nothing replaces asking your prescribing doctor, but you can ask a better formed question for your prescribing doctor and quality clarifying questions when you have more information on the subject. Knowledge is indeed power.

I often tell them I was talking to Dr Google, and just recently I have started telling them I'm BFF with my AI engine. Let them know you are open to their perspective because they know you and nothing beats that.

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Thanks for the chuckle ...

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