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Gabapentin withdrawal
I have been using 600 mg Gabapentin every night for sleep for a few months. I didn’t take it last night. Can I stop suddenly or do I need to wean myself off?
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(@karalou70
I would wean off any seizure medication.
SEIZURE MEDICATIONS SHOULD NEVER BE STOPPED ABRUPTLY. Although the possibility of seizures is more common in people with a seizure disorder they may happen in non-epileptics also.
Jake
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2 Reactions@karalou70
Although you're not on a high long-term dose, it is always best to consult your physician.
Jake
You should taper off of your 600mg dose by reducing the amount of gaba you take daily, ask your Doctor for a schedule. As mentioned in a previous post you can cause a seizure with too rapid of a reduction in dose. Be kind to yourself and ask for help from your physician.
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1 Reaction@karalou70
I would gradually taper off rather than go cold turkey. Maybe 500mg for several days, the. 400 mg, 300, 200, 100, 0.
This a issue I was unaware of. I am on two anti-seizure meds, gabapentin 600 mg and lamotrigine ER 250mg. I did have to follow a gradual increase schedule to start the lamotrigine. I don't take these for seizures. Apparently it can potentially have fatal side effects (rarely, but..........) if you increase dose too fast. I bet that has a rigorous taper off, too. All this info so far is appreciated greatly. I will talk to my prescriber soon!
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1 Reaction@blackersheep
Yes, you need to taper seizure meds regardless of why they are being taken. Even if you don't have a seizure disorder.
Like a know it all teenager I stopped my seizure meds cold turkey and ended up in the hospital in an induced coma for 8 months. I was 14 years old and forgot every memory I had. I couldn't do or recognize the most basic things. Stopping them abruptly can cause status epilepticus which is what happened to me. It requires immediate medical intervention.
Take care,
Jake
Gabapentin comes in capsules (100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg), tablets (600 mg, 800 mg), and an oral liquid solution (250 mg per 5 mL). Brand names like Gralise may include extended-release versions (e.g., 300 mg and 600 mg).For exact dosing instructions regarding conditions like epilepsy or nerve pain, consult your prescribing healthcare provider or review authoritative medical resources like the Mayo Clinic.
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Figure an approriate schedule then ask for a prescription in 100mg capsules. 500 for 3 days; 400 for 3 days; 300 for 3 days; 200 for 3 days; 100 for 3 days would require 45 capsules.