how to quit gabapentin cold turkey neurontin for herniated disc pain

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. Going “cold turkey” can lead to severe complications. One example of this stems from the fact that gabapentin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of seizures. If someone prone to seizures suddenly stops taking gabapentin, they may begin to have seizures that do not stop ( status epilepticus ). 2 This condition is life-threatening and Relapse of pain or restless leg syndrome: For people taking gabapentin for nerve pain or restless leg syndrome, quitting cold turkey means the original symptoms may quickly return in full force. Not recommended by doctors: Medical providers do not recommend quitting gabapentin cold turkey because of the health risks involved. 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. We'll walk you through the safest way to get off gabapentin with the help of a medical professional. Ask your doctor about a tapering off schedule. 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] 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. Stopping the drug abruptly can lead to seizures and other unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, sweating, fever, and hallucinations. While you haven't been on gabapentin for an extended period of time, 6 weeks of consistent dosing is long enough for blood levels to be at a steady state been, increasing the risk of withdrawal effects if you stop cold turkey. If withdrawal effects do happen, they typically occur one to two days after stopping. An older age, higher dosages, physical dependence, and a history of substance or alcohol misuse put you at a higher risk of gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, especially if you stop gabapentin suddenly. Your brain cells (neurons) become dependent on a high dose of the drug for normal functioning. Stopping gabapentin cold turkey can be uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms are a common reason people continue using drugs — they want to keep those symptoms at bay. Gabapentin should be tapered for at least seven days to avoid this. 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 How To Stop Gabapentin. Neurontin (gabapentin) is typically recommended to be tapered as opposed to stopping "cold turkey" to avoid withdrawal symptoms But when abused, gabapentin can cause physical dependency and increase the risk for an overdose. While patients may have good intentions when quitting the drug abruptly, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous and increase the risk for serious gabapentin withdrawal symptoms. Reducing the dose too quickly or stopping it cold turkey can lead to withdrawal or other serious symptoms like seizures. Always discuss reducing or stopping your gabapentin dose with your healthcare provider. Even if you’ve taken gabapentin for a short period, like two weeks, you might still experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. These symptoms may include bloating, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! The higher the dose you have become accustomed to taking, the more gradual you will need to stop taking this medication. If you quit this medication “cold turkey” it may trigger very dangerous symptoms including seizures. Never quit anything this powerful without slowly tapering off of it. Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities Gabapentin (Neurontin) withdrawal symptoms may occur in an individual who abruptly stops taking the drug. Learn how to safely taper off gabapentin. Supportive medical care and behavioural interventions are considered to be the main treatments for gabapentin withdrawal. Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help. When gabapentin is abused over a significant period of time, the drug can lead to physiological dependence. 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? The process of tapering off gabapentin generally varies, often extending beyond a week, tailored to the individual’s needs, dosage, and treatment duration. Never take it upon yourself to reduce your dose or stop gabapentin “cold turkey,” as this can make the withdrawal symptoms worse. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is approved to treat seizures and nerve pain. It’s also used off-label to treat withdrawal symptoms in alcohol use disorder. But, you shouldn’t stop taking gabapentin suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours after stopping it.

how to quit gabapentin cold turkey neurontin for herniated disc pain
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