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How long do you take Gabapentin?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Jan 7 3:30am | Replies (121)Comment receiving replies
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.
Replies to "I have been on 600 mg of gabapentin 3x a day for peripheral neuropathy. My pain..."
@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.
My neurologist told me I could stop taking gabapentin cold turkey after taking 900mg three times per day for years. He said since I wasn’t taking it for epilepsy, but for neuropathy, that I would be ok. It took an entire month for me to realize the correlation between when I quit taking it and when I became so severely depressed that I couldn’t get out of bed, shower, or take care of myself. I was suicidal. Nothing else had changed and it finally dawned on me, that one medication change. Please taper off of gabapentin slowly.
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@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