Gabapentin Discontinuation: Risks and Recommendations Introduction to Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms. Gabapentin, a medication widely used for conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and bipolar disorder, has been associated with withdrawal symptoms when discontinued abruptly. What Is Gabapentin Withdrawal? Gabapentin withdrawal is when they stop taking the drug, 1,3,7 and people who have been abusing the drug are at risk for more severe symptoms. Is it ok to stop taking gabapentin cold turkey? People who want to get off neurontin should do so under the care of a doctor or medical professional. Tapering is the preferable means to quitting gabapentin, as opposed to cold turkey. However, whether an individual stops the medication and the method they use to do this, is ultimately up to the doctor. Gabapentin is a medication for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and restless leg syndrome. Learn why it is not advisable to stop gabapentin cold turkey and how to taper off safely under medical supervision. Often, your doctor will not want you to go off this medication cold turkey. Rather, they'll want you to slowly decrease your dose over time, which can lessen withdrawal symptoms. [1] If you stop this medication without tapering off, you may experience seizures. Reduce your dose gradually over at least a week. Gabapentin withdrawal can last from 5 to 18 weeks and cause severe symptoms such as seizures, anxiety, and confusion. Learn how to avoid withdrawal by tapering off gabapentin slowly under medical supervision. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, you should contact your doctor. Gabapentin will enhance the effect of alcohol and other CNS depressants, meaning medications that make you drowsy or less alert. This can include allergy medication, cold medication, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medication, prescription pain medication or narcotics Seizures, insomnia, anxiety, sweating, and irritability are some of the possible withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping gabapentin cold turkey. If you are considering stopping gabapentin, it is strongly recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate tapering plan tailored to your individual needs. Cold or flu symptoms; Seizures; People who were taking gabapentin for seizures may experience frequent or more frequent seizure activity upon stopping the medication. Due to the potential for relapse, suicidal ideation, and withdrawal seizures, you should never stop taking gabapentin cold turkey. Can You Stop Taking Gabapentin Cold Turkey? You should not stop gabapentin cold turkey. Suddenly stopping the drug can cause withdrawal symptoms and the underlying condition that gabapentin is treating may flare, which can be dangerous. Withdrawal is more likely to happen if you’ve been taking a high dose. They can also happen if you have been taking medication for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 2 to 5 days after stopping a benzodiazepine. Lowering your dose slowly with the help of your HCP can help you avoid serious withdrawal symptoms. 6. Topiramate Hi Lilcam. If you abruptly stop taking gabapentin; this may increase your risk for nervous system side effects. I've been taking Gabapentin for 5 years. I can increase and decrease dosage without any side affects. But, I haven't tried to stop cold turkey. The withdrawal could spin you right into a seizure. Tapering or slowly reducing your dose is recommended to stop taking gabapentin. Tapering off will help you avoid side effects. The timeline to reduce gabapentin depends on the individual You should not stop gabapentin cold turkey, as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Instead, you should taper (slowly decrease) your gabapentin dose over a period lasting at least a week . Depending on your dose of gabapentin, your taper may be longer. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 hours to 7 days after quitting the medication and last up to 10 days. Symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include nausea, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. The safest way to stop using gabapentin is to taper off the medication under the supervision of a doctor. Are You Covered For Treatment? Not recommended by doctors: Medical providers do not recommend quitting gabapentin cold turkey because of the health risks involved. While the prospect of getting off gabapentin may be appealing, doing it in an unsafe way can jeopardize your health. Learn more about stopping gabapentin cold turkey, including side effects, risks, and the safest way to get off gabapentin. Can You Stop Gabapentin Cold Turkey? After taking this medication for an extended period of time, your brain becomes used to it. Reducing the dose too quickly or stopping it cold turkey can lead to withdrawal or other serious symptoms like seizures. It is generally not advisable to stop gabapentin cold turkey. Some people can handle this, but it appears your son is having side effects from stopping. He should contact his doctor and request a refill to taper off the medication more slowly. Let me know if I can assist you further. Gabapentin is a medication that is prescribed for partial seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, and other neuropathic pain conditions. In more recent years, there has been a growing concern that the medication (which is marketed under several brand names, including Neurontin) has more abuse potential than previously believed and is sometimes mixed with illegal drugs for recreational consumption.
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