Withdrawal occurs when someone dependent on gabapentin abruptly stops or significantly reduces their dose. Since gabapentin interacts with the nervous system, discontinuing use can cause various physical and emotional symptoms. How Common is Withdrawal with Gabapentin? Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, sweating, and increased heart rate. In more severe cases, seizures are a known risk, particularly for individuals using gabapentin to manage epilepsy. What Causes Gabapentin Withdrawal? Gabapentin affects the gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) acid levels in the brain, which means that users will experience withdrawal symptoms from the drug when they discontinue use of it. In as few as 3 weeks of use, users will develop a physical dependence on it and stopping the drug will result in withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal. Knowing the symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal can help you or your loved one recognize when treatment is needed to safely overcome physical dependency. Withdrawal symptoms for gabapentin usually begin within 12 hours of last use, and can last up to seven days. Case reports have shown that gabapentin withdrawal often lasts for 5 to 10 days, but some people have taken as long as 18 weeks to completely taper off gabapentin while managing withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms may start within 12 hours to 7 days after stopping gabapentin and may be severe. Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, confusion, and rapid heart rate. Learn more about the symptoms, timeline, and treatment. Get help today 888-319-2606 Helpline Information or sign up for 24/7 text support. However, stopping suddenly might cause withdrawal symptoms. The physical symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal have been described in this article, with a focus on the necessity of careful weaning down under medical supervision and the possible use of over-the-counter drugs to ease some discomforts. Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms. Before diving into the gabapentin withdrawal timeline, it helps to understand what symptoms might arise. People often fear the return of their original pain or seizures, and they also worry about new or unexpected gabapentin withdrawal side effects. Common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms reported include: Yes, Gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if it’s been used regularly for a long period or at high doses. It’s one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs , not necessarily because it gives a ‘high,’ but because it’s widely prescribed and accessible. 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? Therefore, it may be extremely difficult to withdraw from if you have been on this medication for an extended period of time. 2. Dosage (300 mg to 3000 mg) Most doctors start younger people at 300 mg to take 3x per day. So the starting dose is typically around 900 mg per day. Depression is a significant concern during gabapentin withdrawal. The neurochemical changes that occur when stopping the medication can contribute to the development or exacerbation of depressive symptoms. Gabapentin affects the GABA neurotransmitter system, which plays a role in mood regulation. Gabapentin is a common drug that can cause withdrawal symptoms when a high dose is suddenly stopped. Although the drug is not a controlled substance at the federal level, some states have made it a controlled substance. Short-Term Side Effects and Risks: Gabapentin withdrawal can cause a variety of short-term symptoms, typically emerging within a few days of stopping the medication. Stopping gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms, highlighting the importance of tapering off the medication under medical supervision. These include: When discontinuing gabapentin (Neurontin), withdrawal symptoms can occur, so a gradual dose reduction is recommended. Read here for side effects, timeline, and treatment for gabapentin withdrawal. If physical dependence develops, stopping or dramatically cutting back on gabapentin use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Though the symptoms may vary, they can resemble the symptoms of alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal due to the ways these substances act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Does Gabapentin Cause Withdrawal? Gabapentin withdrawal happens when you are physically dependent on the drug, in that your body struggles to function normally without it. When a dependent person stops using gabapentin, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Among the cases reported, gabapentin withdrawal symptoms typically peaked three days after someone’s last dose. In almost all cases, healthcare providers eventually treated the symptoms by resuming the previous gabapentin dose. Once people resumed their dose, their symptoms disappeared within hours. Gabapentin can cause sedation and increase the effects of certain pain medications like opioids used before or after surgery. et al. (2010). Withdrawal symptoms after gabapentin Gabapentin withdrawal happens when a person stops taking the medication abruptly, which may lead to symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and seizures. The duration of these symptoms can vary, but preventive steps can limit the impact. It is important to discuss medication withdrawal risks with your prescriber. If you want to
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |