Tapering off gabapentin

Posted by nicolette85 @nicolette85, 15 hours ago

I am new here. My question is, has anyone had any serious side effects to stopping gabapentin then have to start taking it again? I have fibromyalgia , but was recently started on another med that is helping my pain. I want to stop taking gabapentin and I have been on it long term. The cons outweigh the pros taking gabapentin I think.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | 14 hours ago

@nicolette85 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. There are several factors you and your medical team may want to consider as you go for a taper off Gabapentin.
-How long have you been on this?
-What is your dosage?
-Is your team in agreement to having you taper off Gabapentin? They may suggest a slow taper in light of your own personal medical history. I certainly would check in with them, and not try to do it on your own without their knowledge!

I took Gabapentin for only a short time. The therapeutic dose for me was much higher than was advisable for my comorbidities. The maximum dose I could safely handle, was of no benefit for my pain, so I stopped it.
Ginger