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My cat, Tigger has been taking Gabapentin for 2 weeks. He was on .7ml twice a day for a few days before the dose had to be lowered to .35ml twice a day due to him being zombie-like. The vet said NOTHING about weaning him off, despite my questions and concerns. Potential Withdrawal Symptoms. While gabapentin is not known to cause severe withdrawal symptoms in cats, stopping it suddenly can sometimes lead to discomfort or a return of the original symptoms it was prescribed to manage. Here are some things to consider: Cats who have been prescribed Gabapentin for chronic pain or anxiety have shown minimal to no signs of addiction or withdrawal symptoms. It is also important to note that appropriate dosage and careful monitoring by veterinarians can help mitigate any potential risks. While studies on gabapentin withdrawal in cats are limited, human studies suggest that withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 hours to 7 days after quitting the medication. These symptoms can persist for up to 10 days, although some individuals may experience them for a longer period. Gabapentin and Withdrawal Gabapentin withdrawal can occur when someone who has been taking gabapentin for a long period of time suddenly stops taking the medication. Gabapentin withdrawal can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms‚ including⁚ Anxiety; Insomnia; Tremors; Seizures; Gabapentin withdrawal can be severe in some cases. Can gabapentin cause withdrawal in cats? Yes, gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms in cats, particularly if stopped abruptly after long-term use . These symptoms can include seizures, anxiety, and gastrointestinal distress. How to wean cat off Gabapentin? One should opt the following ways when planning to taper their beloved cat off Gabapentin: 1. Slowly weaning off Gabapentin: The weaning-off procedure must be slow and steady. At once tapering off would be harmful to your cat’s health physically as well as mentally. A study on gabapentin abuse from 1993 through 2015 showed that people who experienced withdrawal were taking an average of 3,000 mg (600 to 8,000 mg) of gabapentin per day, but some case reports mention withdrawal symptoms after taking dosages of 400 to 800 mg per day for at least 3 weeks. 4. Can cats taste gabapentin? Many cats find gabapentin palatable when mixed with food. Flavored liquid or compounded tablets are also available. 5. How long do cats stay sedated on gabapentin? The sedative effect typically lasts for around 12 hours, contributing to a woozy behavior and the risk of falls. Avoid stairs, jumping and driving. 6. Drowsiness and clumsiness (ataxia) are the primary side effects of gabapentin. The level of sleepiness varies, so veterinarians generally prescribe a starting dose and then adjust the dosage up or down. Diarrhea and vomiting are less common, but still possible. Gabapentin is a medication commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat various conditions in cats. It is an anticonvulsant drug that was initially developed to control seizures in humans. However, its use in cats has expanded due to its effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Never discontinue gabapentin suddenly without consulting your veterinarian. Abrupt cessation can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, increased anxiety, and rebound pain. The weaning process should be carefully planned and monitored to ensure your cat’s comfort and well-being. 4. What are the Withdrawal Symptoms from Gabapentin in Cats? Withdrawal symptoms might include agitation, anxiety, sweating/panting, body aches, confusion, tremors, gastrointestinal distress, and heart palpitations. These symptoms can be distressing for your cat, highlighting the importance of a controlled weaning process. 5. Withdrawal effects. And then the other thing to be aware of is that we can actually get withdrawal symptoms from gabapentin if we're giving high doses and long-term treatment to dogs and cats. And so it's going to be best if we then stop the gabapentin treatment to wean them off the drug slowly. Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding gabapentin use in cats: 1. How long does it take for gabapentin to start working in cats? Gabapentin typically starts working within 1-2 hours after administration. This is why it’s often given 1-2 hours before a stressful event like a vet visit or travel. 2. Yes, cats can experience withdrawal symptoms if gabapentin is stopped abruptly, although this is less commonly reported in veterinary medicine compared to humans. While it’s not always as pronounced as in humans, the potential for withdrawal is very real. Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms in cats may include agitation and anxiety, sweating/panting, body aches, confusion, tremors, gastrointestinal distress, and heart palpitations. Gradually decreasing the dose over two to three weeks is recommended to avoid these symptoms. 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. The symptoms and how long they last depend on how much of the drug you are taking and for how long you’ve been taking it. Identifying triggers for withdrawal symptoms in cats can be challenging, as cats cannot communicate their emotions in the same way humans can. However, paying attention to changes in behavior can help cat owners identify potential triggers. Separation anxiety is a common trigger for withdrawal symptoms in cats. Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include **agitation, anxiety, sweating/panting, body aches, confusion, tremors, gastrointestinal distress, and heart palpitations**. This is why it's critical to wean your cat off the medication slowly under veterinary guidance.
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