Gabapentin withdrawal

Posted by karalou70 @karalou70, Sep 17 11:59am

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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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 17 8:58pm

(@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

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 17 9:03pm

@karalou70
Although you're not on a high long-term dose, it is always best to consult your physician.
Jake

beebe | @beebe | Sep 18 7:30am

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.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Sep 18 8:48am

@karalou70
I would gradually taper off rather than go cold turkey. Maybe 500mg for several days, the. 400 mg, 300, 200, 100, 0.

blackersheep | @blackersheep | Sep 20 7:35am

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!