How long do you take Gabapentin?

@ttibsen, this is really a question for your wife's doctor and/or pharmacist. Mayo Clinic's information states: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20064011
"Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. ... The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. ... Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine."

Some people take Gabpentin for epilepsy, neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and other conditions, so the frequency, dosage and length of time will be different for everyone. Are you able to contact your wife's doctor to clarify?

Yes we can - so we will do that - thanks !

I have been on 600 mg of gabapentin 3x a day for peripheral neuropathy. My pain is mostly in my feet, lower legs, and hands. I used to take tramadol for pain as needed. I asked my neurologist for an alternative to tramadol (neurotin). He wanted me to take 900 mg but it made me too dizzy. The gabapentin is fairly effective on the pain but I also have weakness in my legs and all over. My pain specialist recently gave me a Rx for Lyrica to try as an alternative to the gabapentin. My pain is such that I cannot live without drugs but I am interested in the 525 Protocol. I am afraid to go off the meds cold turkey and take just the 525 especially since it apparently takes time for the 525 to build up to easing pain. Has anyone tried tapering off gabapentin and simultaneously gradually changing to the 525. Has anyone switched from gabapentin to 525? If so how did it work out? Thanks to everyone for contributing to this website.

I just started Gabapintin last week, For chronic pain ( Headache I have had for 2 years now, nothing has helped yet,)
So my dose starts at 300mg -take one at Pm for 1 week
Keep a journal to see if you are feeling better or any side affects.
My first week has been fine, no changes
So my 2nd week I'm taking 600mg-twice a day.
And I believe it is helping a little on the pain.
I have chronic headaches 24 hours a day, and the best of best neurologist doctors can't not find out why?
So my 3rd week will be 900 mg, 3 times a day
I need to be aware of how I'm feeling, so the doctors will know how much gabapintin will be good for me.

God BLESS you. Will b saying a prayer for you. Are you not pretty groggy from 900mgm? I know many take far more than that, though.
Just asking..have u been to an excellent chiropractor ?? I am taking Gabapentin 600mgm & Hydrocodone 5/ 325 for Pudendal Neuralgia...it DOES help & I am QUITE...might we say, relaxed!
I know u must use icepacks on your head, putting one at base of skull helps or just wherever your head hurts worse. Hope u SOON find a solution, dear!!😍

we have tried chiropractic, massage, Botox, nerve blocks, sent me to Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles for 1 week of testing with a neurologist, My list is long of things we have tried. I take morphine if my pain is 8-10. My pain is a 6 always, and I do get migraines over the headaches, and I take migraine meds, and migraine gone within a hour. Headaches are a severe pressure, get worse with ANY activity now. Lost my job of 10 years-and now fighting severe depression ( which I am getting help for )

@catharbert Hello. I'm sorry for your struggles. My recommendation is to stay on all meds while you introduce the 525 Protocol. Speak to your Dr first about all of the products to be sure they are safe for your use before you begin use. It may take approximately up to 2 months for your system to fully acclimate and benefit to begin. Perhaps @johnbishop may offer another suggestion. Each of our bodies are different in response so there may be some trial and error. I personally have remained on Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Norco (Hydrocodone 5mg/Acetaminophen 325). The Protocol has brought benefit to me by reducing sensations however, does not manage every aspect of my pain. Best of luck to you in finding relief.
Rachel

Hello @amkhead. Welcome to Connect. I'm glad you've joined us to seek help, answers and support. You have come to a great place!

I am very sorry to hear of your headaches and migraines. I too am a sufferer. It sounds as though you have tried a plethora of approaches. It appears you have been recommended Gabapentin for daily maintenance in hopes of pain relief. I hope you feel relief in due time. Has your Neurologist ever recommended monthly migraine injections such as Ajovy, Emgality, or Aimovig? May I ask what migraine meds you currently take? Unfortunately, pain meds like Morphine can inflict headaches which is a challenge when we need them for other chronic pains.

I fully understand the depression that goes along with being a chronic headache/migraine person. I'm sorry you lost your job. I lost my job as well (27 years) due to chronic pain and migraine. I am happy to hear you are seeking help. That's huge. Good for you!

Wishing you a comfortable and pleasant day,
Rachel

@catharbert, I only took gabapentin for 2 weeks so I was able to just stop taking it. Other people in the Protocol 525 group have done the same while some tapered very slowly. I think each of us are different but I would recommend discussing a tapering schedule with your doctor. Some members have also tapered very slowly. There is a sheet you can print out for the Protocol 525 along with some information to use for talking with your doctor - https://theprotocol525.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Instructions_Introduction.pdf

Here is a post by a member of the group that tapered off very slowly. I found it by searching the Facebook group using "tapering off of gabapentin" - https://www.facebook.com/groups/SPNPD/permalink/1711172035614491

Good luck with the protocol and I hope you are able to give us an update.

Hi @rwinney , I do not get very many migraines, I just use a over the counter headache med. that works for me.
I can have a migraine with the pressure headache ( migraine is easy to fix)

The severe headache I have,is a ton of pressure and severe pain. The injections had no affect to this weird headache.The doctors are stumped, I tried diets, I tried a natural path,
I tried the gabapintin when it first hit me 2 years ago- but it did not help at that time,
So I wanted to try again.
The morphine is the only pain med that touches my pain, I hate taking it- but I need to when my pain is 8-10 and I'm throwing up from the pain.
I ended up in the Psch hospital for 6 months- The pain took over my life, and I did not want to live any longer . So I am struggling with this pain, we are trying everything.