Side Effects Common side effects of gabapentin. Gabapentin can cause several common side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Other commonly reported side effects include headache, nausea, and blurred vision. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Gradually stopping gabapentin is important to avoid dangerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Don’t stop taking the medication on your own. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient Withdrawal Symptoms. Abruptly coming off gabapentin can have serious side effects. It is critical to consult with your doctor before stopping gabapentin. These symptoms include, but are not limited to,: Anxiety; Sensitivity to light; Dizziness; Irregular heartbeat; Trouble with sleep; Nausea; Pain and/or headaches; Vomiting; Sweating; Seizures 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. 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, so it's crucial to take preventive steps. 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 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. 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. Misusing gabapentin or stopping it abruptly can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms, sometimes severe. These symptoms, which may include seizures, nerve pain, and even a condition known as gabapentin withdrawal syndrome, highlight the importance of proper medical supervision when taking or discontinuing this medication. Individuals who stop taking gabapentin abruptly can experience severe discomfort and side effects that increase the risk for relapse and serious health complications. But individuals who go to addiction treatment centers can overcome dependency on gabapentin under close medical supervision to lower the risk for major health problems. 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. While generally considered safe, stopping gabapentin abruptly, especially after prolonged use, can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms. Understanding these signs and side effects is crucial for individuals considering discontinuing this medication. Don’t stop taking Gabapentin suddenly: This will increase your risk of withdrawal symptoms. If you’re experiencing any side effects, bring these up with your doctor. For more serious side effects, seek out emergency medical attention. Stay hydrated: If withdrawal symptoms like excessive sweating occur, hydration will be of critical importance. When someone relies on gabapentin for an extended period, their body adapts to its presence. Abruptly stopping the medication can disrupt this balance and lead to a series of withdrawal symptoms. Understanding these potential side effects is essential for anyone considering discontinuation. Mersfelder and Nichols (2016) emphasize that withdrawal side effects can vary widely, with some individuals experiencing mild discomfort and others reporting acute neurological challenges. How Gabapentin Withdrawal Feels Day to Day. Real-life experiences often highlight how quickly gabapentin withdrawal symptoms emerge when their doses change. There are postmarketing reports of withdrawal symptoms shortly after discontinuing this drug. The most frequently reported reactions with abrupt discontinuation have included anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating. Discontinuation at higher than recommended doses have been associated with agitation, disorientation and confusion. The most common gabapentin (Neurontin) side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. This may affect your ability to drive or perform other activities. Other gabapentin side effects include edema (fluid buildup), weight gain, and eye problems, but these aren’t as common. Rare but serious gabapentin side effects include mood changes in children. According to the 2001 case report titled “Gabapentin Withdrawal Syndrome in the Presence of a Taper” by Norton and Quarles, published in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, gabapentin withdrawal occurs because the body becomes adapted to the drug’s effects on GABA, a key neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve activity. Gabapentin, like Typically, a doctor will advise gradually tapering gabapentin to avoid dangerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms. This advice applies to both generic gabapentin and brand name versions of the
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