Gabapentin vs Side Effects

What dose are you on? Titrating off of gabapentin isn't anything severe like tapering off of benzodiazepines or opioids; you simply shouldn't abruptly discontinue. I went to college for Pharm.D, however since I'm 'disabled' and not working I'm not currently licensed thus cannot legally counsel you, nor should you D/c your meds without your doctor knowing. I can provide you with a tapering schedule based on your dose, which you can bring to your MD and/or pharmacist to discuss. Doctors throw gabapentin at just about any symptom these days, and it's simply too sedating for some people. Medication from a doctor is a decision YOU AND your MD make; if you aren't receiving any benefit, but in fact having bothersome side effects, your doctor has no valid reason to keep you on it. You have the right to say "No, I do not want this medication'', a doctor cannot force a mentally competent adult to take any medication against their wishes. It's all part of "Informed Consent". I'm sorry it hasn't been helping, has been bothering you, and that your doctor isn't respecting your opinion about your health. It's a troublesome problem that so many MDs don't collaborate with their patients or take into consideration their concerns and preferences. Many forget that often you know your body best, and above all, it's your decision to accept or decline a doctor's medication suggestion. You can't make them write you a prescription for whatever you want, but they also can't force you to take an ineffective medication against your will. I hope I can help you with a titration schedule and recommendations on how to navigate the discussion with your MD. Last resort, you can discuss it with your pharmacist if the MD refuses without a valid reason, and report the MD. I have dedicated my adult life to the health and safety of patients and I will help you in any way I can! Hang in there and I hope you feel better! (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and you should continue to follow your MD's directions [with the exception of a case where you discuss this with your pharmacist, and said pharmacist gives you alternative advice/directions in order to taper off safely while your doctor is aware you are making such a change; disobeying an MD's instructions can result in termination of treatment, but your pharmacist can better guide you in case your MD is acting negligently and should be reported]). Note: I'm not trying to sound scary, just making sure you understand I am not an MD, cannot counsel, and thus avoid any liability... always discuss your meds with your MD and pharmacist before making any changes!

Jump to this post

CD is s disc with all radiology pictures on it. No he has not given me directions on how to taper off the meds. You have no idea on how opinionated this doctor is. He believes it is helping my pain and I would be much worse off not being on it.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the advice. I do have valid concerns about the side effects. I hate feeling drowsy, my morning dose really hits hard. The dizziness is also a issue for me along with what I call brain fog. I am on 600mg 3x a day. To me that is a very high dose with no significant help for fibromyalgia pain.

Jump to this post

Gabapentin didn’t work form me. It gave me terrible tremors that made holding a glass impossible. I’ve had much better luck with Lyrica - no side effects. However, I am still also taking high dose pain meds for chronic neck pain following 5 neck surgeries over the 4 years. Your doctor should be open to finding the best combination of medications for you. Each of us responds to medications differently, so be persistent in finding what works for you.

Jump to this post

How long did the shaking continue?

Jump to this post

@wheelerma the tremors continued until I was fully off the medication. I dropped one 1 pill every 4 days and so was off gabapentin within several weeks. I was relieved that the tremors stopped when the medication stopped and they were not something I had to deal with long term. There’s no way I would ever try taking gabapentin again.

Jump to this post