Gabapentin has horrible withdrawal effects. When I tried to stop after about 5 years of use for nerve pain and RLS, I had to wean myself off very slowly. Otherwise , I had all of the withdrawal symptoms others have discussed. Unable to sleep or think or mentally focus; mood swings; GI upsets; return of nerve pain; return of restless leg. The withdrawal symptoms are intense and incapacitating but often not acknowledged. Luckily, I had a good doctor and a good pharmacist who worked with me so that I'm now gabapentin free. Don't let anyone tell you the withdrawal effects are minimal or "in your head." They're not. And they're dangerous.
its a schedule 5 drug which is way down on the list of addictive drugs. most opiates (pain killers) are schedule 2 the most addictive of all drugs. the really addictive drugs are schedule 2 or 3 (pain medications derived from opium). which means the withdrawal is the most intense. amphetamines (speed) are also schedule 2 (why i dont know) but the addiction is mental not physical
I’ve been on Gabapentin for 10 years following surgery I had to remove tumours from my spinal cord (2400mg/day). I’ve spent the past 2 months trying to wean off it and my withdrawals have been outrageous 😢 it’s everything you’ve described. The closer I’ve gotten to getting it completely out of my system, the worse I’ve felt. I don’t want to give up but there are some days I need a “fix” and take an extra dose. This shit is no joke. I was ready to give up until I found your video and the comments section. Thank you for sharing ❤🇨🇦
just go cold turkey put at least 3 or 4 days aside so you can lay in bed sleep get some strong pills saraquiill zanax clonodine clonopin u know what i mean use those for the first 3 days day 2 and 3 are the worst because it starts leaving ur system these thing effect are moods everything me and alot of people i know are hooked we rty to quit these things the key is having at least 3 days were u can lay in bed no work no outside commitments etc its not easy i feel ur pain sorry about spelling but having comfort meds for day 2 and 3 is key
@@lyndalippinpilates Thank you for posting this video. I have been trying to do some research on the withdrawals and how to taper before beginning my journey to get off gabapentin. How much were you on? Did you cold turkey off of it or did you taper? I am on 600mgs per day (200mg Morning/200mgs Afternoon/200mgs Evening) I tried to drop 100mg off my morning dose and by noon I was already experiencing withdrawals. The next morning, I took my regular 200mg again. I was thinking about doing the water taper but I'm just not sure what to do. How long was it before the anxiety settled down enough to function and get some sleep?
They had me on 2 600mg tablets, three times a day for a daily total of 4800mg a day. I was in that dosage for over 10 years but noticed trouble with word retrieval, I sounded like a babbling idiot! I couldn't get in to see my doctor so I just stopped taking it - cold turkey- other than a very sharp rise in pain, I had no other symptoms, but according to several vids I've watched on this subject, I am the exception- far from the rule, so don't do what I did. Let your doctor taper you off! Blessed Be!
OMG. Im on around day 5 off of 900mgs, 3-4 times per day for 10 years. My skin is on fire, and so crawly. Head is foggy, nauseous and dizzy, headaches, constipation turned into diarrhea. Restless legs and all I want to do is sleep. I don’t even really know why I want to stop them.
I recently was going through withdrawal on a plane and it was insane! I was sitting in my seat and I began to sweat out my palms and got incredibly hot and nauseated. My heartbeat was racing and I could feel my body getting mad. I took a 100mg tablet and within 30 minutes I was cold, not nauseated, and not sweating. It is real.and occurred when I only missed 1 dose because I was catching a flight.
I'm the exact same way I literally am a couple hours passed one dose that's it one dose and I feel like I'm coming off of opioids this is so stupid that they give this shit to people
Thank you for ACTUALLY stating how long it took to feel somewhat better. Fuck, that’s all I’ve been wanting to find out. Sure the Google search articles say 7-10 days, but that usually means nothing. You’re a badass for being real, these doctors are very ignorant.
@@eileendoherty2836 you’re making the best decision for your physical and mental health, this drug is NUTS lol the fact that they pumped this stuff out into the streets for years before realizing it literally prevents your brain from healing itself.
My doctor said nothing about this being addictive or hard to stop. I'm done with 400mg a day. Tapered down to 100mg a day but still done feel well. Stopped because of woozy head and forgetfulness. Scary. I'm happy for the people that are having success with it. But I will never take it again. Works great first then not so good and I never got rid of the "swimmy" feeling and some weird vision issues.
Third time trying to quit. I run out because you seem to be able to take more and more and more…now, through a tremendous amount of prayers, diligence…day 4…nauseous, sleepy, not sleepy, hungry, not hungry at the same time. Took sips of water throughout night. Anxiety through the roof. Sweating profusely, fan directly on me, fan off of me, noise irritating from fan when normally soothing. Every pore in my body aches. Uncontrollable shaking. Light on when sleeping, then off, then on, then off. IT IS INSANE! Digging through sofa to see if I can find even one. I don’t want this madness, but its grip is intense.
@@JasonBrown-dd7dj I wondered about that. I’ve never been on pregablin. I’m now in my 2nd week free. Most symptoms are gone now, thank God. Are you free of it? I do have some moments of anxiety, but it’s becoming less and less. The symptoms that are left are manageable. I’m managing my diabetes through diet and oral meds. I was on insulin, but my sugar got dangerously low one night where I was confused, unable to function, thank GOD for Jesus ! My husband prayed for me and sat with me…. So, I had to stop the insulin. Now, I am stabilized. Some say it took them years to get off, but I am done for good.
@@sharonhutchins5784 I'm at 2 weeks it's 335am UK time im ok just insomnia and reduced appetite first week was horrific .Crying , agitation,I weren't good getting there now.Wishing the days away time as stood still . People ending up in psych wards from barbiturates.
@@sharonhutchins5784 yeah I'm of I went more or less cold turkey 600mg weren't fun .The worse was over by the third week the first two were brutal.Sometimes I think the docs do more harm than good, loosing all faith In medicine.Withdrawel from the meds are worse than the condition they were prescribed for in my case sciatica.
Also important for people to know - when you’re going through intense detox, yes it’s the detox causing all of the issues, but you won’t feel better once the drug is out of your system. That’s really when you begin to heal much more. But the withdrawal itself is the process of your brain physically having to heal from having been relying on a drug for so long. In the case of Benzos, it’s because they bind to the receptors, which damages the receptors, and so if you quit, that’s why it can take a year or two to feel “normal” again - because yeah the drug came out of your system in a week or two, but your body is still healing from all the havoc induced by the drug damaging those receptors. In the case of gabapentinoids, it seems like a lot of the problems come from the inhibition of GABA production from GABAa receptors that are all throughout the body. They are GABA analogues, like a faux GABA. They are not binding to the receptors, so it’s not causing as much damage as a Benzo, but low GABA is still very dangerous, which is why a taper is still very important. You can have seizures coming off of both. Also Gabapentinoids literally halt the generation of new synapses in the brain - which is CRUCIAL to recovery from any addiction. I’m still in the middle of my taper, but I’m not looking forward to the rest of it, it’s been hell. Thanks again for your videos though, hardly anyone on TH-cam talking about their time coming off.
Thank you for sharing this !!! I was on this drug because the psychiatrist prescribed it off label for my anxiety and I only took it for 6 days because the side effects were bad so I quit cold turkey and now I know it’s bad to do it but I didn’t though it was going to affect me because I was only on the med for 6 days , I enter my 3 month withdrawal and yes it’s been hell :/ but hopefully I can recover from this soon and if I heal from this I will go on natural ways to cope with my anxiety (specially panic attacks)
@@reynagonzalez8983 from what I understand, you should have no problem stopping it abruptly after taking it for a week - or at least be able to taper over a couple days rather than an extended taper like one would after being on it for weeks or months or more. I certainly am not a doctor and am not giving medical advice, just saying it’s normally pretty safe to stop something after taking it for a few days, though I imagine your natural anxiety could rebound quite a bit if that’s what you were taking it for. That’s why I hate these drugs so much, they work short term, stop working, then the problem ends up much worse for a while. These doctors are extremely ignorant about this drug. How are you doing now, though? I certainly don’t mean to minimize any issues you might be having. I’ve been micro dosing psilocybin for the last couple months and I’ve been able to come from 3000 to 900 with relatively little issue. Now that I’m getting down to the smaller doses (smaller lol) it’s getting tougher so I’m currently re-strategizing my game plan to get off this stuff. Probably gonna go from 300mg drops to 100mg drops as best I can every week, less or more.
I have trigeminal neuralgia and my drs had me on gabapintin at a dose of 800mg 3x/day for several years and this medication like you said felt like it was changing my entire chemistry and the person I was. But I stopped cold turkey for the same reasons as you and I went through the WORST withdraws too! I refuse to take rx anything at this point bc of that experience. It was absolutely the WORST experience but after so much time has passed I am back to my old self mentally and I look back now and it even made me depressed and so sensitive and I look at my responses now compared to then and it’s like “WOW this medication is really a dangerous one that I will NEVER touch again. Ty so much for posting this video even though it’s a year old now.
I wanted off 25yrs of 40mg hydro’s. So I tapered and ended up in hospital for three days. Came home and went through hell. Doc ended up putting me on gabapentin 300mg. I’ve tapered myself down to 25mg and I’m still going through hell. All these years I have never abused any drug! I followed what my Doc told me and look where it got me. NO WHERE. I’m still dependent on this. It’s horrible but I will get off of this even if it kills me! Drug companies are to blame in my book. Asswholes!
25 years of using hydros is what’s making you go through bad withdrawals they should have tapered you off the hydros first it just put you into precipated withdrawals when you got off hydros I hope you feel better tho
Yeah, gaba withdrawl is nasty. Hope you're doing better. Edit: so, I am currently tapering down on my gaba and asked my dr. for a smaller dose. The reply I got had me shook. "There are no withdrawls from gabapentin."
I feel absolutely certain that people have died trying to get off Gabapentin. Patients NEED to be informed that Gabapentin can have extremely serious withdrawal symptoms.
Thank you. I was taking 2700mg a day, 900mg three times a day which is the the maximum dosage in the UK. i had to come off it because im getting a spinal cord stimulator fitted. Coming off this drug took 9 months, 1 tablet every three weeks, it was nine months of sheer hell. I have also had to reduce Fentanyl patches too, its been a shitty year. I hope you are feeling better and the hope the injectioms worked, i also had denervation done which worked for 6 months. Good luck for the future. ❤
Thank you for sharing. I've tried for 15 years to come off this poison. Still not. It's horrific. No one hardly believes me how hellish it is. You are brave and strong. 👍
@@pscarnivore6331 I'm on 600 mg 3xs a day monthly but honestly I do good if I can make that last two weeks. Anyway trying to wean off...omg, well first of all a never ending migraine that is absolutely debilitating...cold chills to the bone heat on 90 AND electric blanket on high...even in July and August. Then hot sweats so bad I about pass out. Diahrea, vomiting,but NO appetite and cannot eat...Nausea that dosent stop..insomnia to where I've gone 8 days with NO sleep and had a nervous breakdown. But WORST of it ALL...is anxiety and depression that words cannot explain that not only make me feel suicidal, but have me begging God to please take me asap anyway at all. Yea. This is the worst DRUG EVER made I truly believe. I have read and heard MANY ppl claim to have come off opiates, benzos,..even heroin..cold turkey, but NOTHING was as horrible as neurontin. That absolutely terrifys me. God help us!!!!🙏
@Desiree Laine Tapering is key. I've done the cold turkey when I'd run out of it and it was worse than opiate withdrawal for me. I was on 3600mg/day for 11 years and I've been off it now for nearly 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal at all! And I was completely traumatized from previous withdrawal episodes; the thought of withdrawal was enough to give me a low-key panic attack. Besides God, of course, I truly believe what allowed me to come out unscathed, was having about 5 neurontin in reserve when I jumped off at 300mg. Just knowing that I had those if it got too bad and that I could taper down more if I had to, allowed me to almost trick my brain into believing it was all gonna be fine. Because mind is a powerful thing and it can make withdrawal worse if you focus on it too much and panic. I know, because there were a couple of times before, when I knew I was about to run out of meds and panicked, and even though I'd taken my daily dose of Neurontin, my mind took over and I immediately began feeling aches, restless legs, nausea, bowel discomfort, the feeling of despair (because depression doesn't quite cover how it feels mentally), etc. Once, I calmed myself down, that all went away. But, anyways, having a few Neurontin left when you decide to leap, gives you a safety net and a piece of mind. I wholeheartedly believe that's why I was able to taper in 3 weeks from 3600mgs/day to 300mgs/day, and jumping to nothing from there, with absolutely no withdrawal. Good luck to anyone dealing with similar issues and if you need to talk, or encouragement, I'm here. You can reach me on here, or at sharnat41056@gmail.com
shar martin - dear Shar, I just tried to email you at the email address you give here. I got the undeliverable message as it bounced back. Is that address still correct?
I was just started on this for nerve pain and post op surgery. 100mg 4 x per day. Gotta say it has helped with pain and surprisingly for anxiety, but I’m stopping it after seeing this. Today is day 3 on it. Thank you for taking the time to make this video
I did the same thing before and after my back surgery.. it’s been 3 years. I take 900mg 3x a day! DONT DO IT! Irs not worth it.. I promise it. My nerve pain only got worse and I’m trying to ween off and the withdrawal is horrible. Whatever you can do… try not to
@@jessismallz I've been taking 300mg x 3 a day for about 2 years, I handled isopropyl alcohol on bare skin for about 22 years, it's been a miracle for my hands but Ive gone without it for a few days and the withdrawals are very real
Try to tough it thru the day. Only take it at night an hour or so before sleep. Im on gabapentin for post chemo neuropathy. Ive stuck to only using it for sleep. I understand the dangers of increasing dosages and of sudden withdrawl.
Yes!! Thank you so much for making this video. I am tapering and have HORRIBLE body pain. I was prescribed for nerve pain from a gym injury. I noticed that it helped my depression anxiety. My doctor said it was fine to keep taking it. Now I am having these horrible withdrawals. Thank you for making this video
@@Lian-ez8gx I am better, I'm down to only two doses and while the depression has returned a little, I am almost able to get back to the gym the way I once did
To withdraw from Gabapentin I asked my doctor for lower dose capsules so I could take a slightly lower dose each dosage then when I I go to use to that I dropped one of the day time doses. Yes, for three days I felt like I was coming down with the flu. Then it got better. A week later I dropped another dose. The last dose dropped was the nighttime one, the hardest to drop. But I got off of it and do not regret it.
I am 1800mg a day. For Fibromyalgia and neuropathy . It’s not working. Been on it since 2014. Saw pain clinic this week and was told the truth about it. I am day 3 into not taking it. Anxiety has already started. Headache this morning . Seeing my Doctor here in the UK this morning to tell her . Please send me good vibes for my withdrawal and hope. Many Thanks Sharon xx🙏🏻🕊💫 I am scared of this drug also.
Gabapentin withdrawal is absolutely AGONIZING! Opioid withdrawals aren't easy either, I've withdrawn from both at different times, but compared to Gaba, opioids wasn't nearly as bad. The insomnia and the generalized anxiety parts were unbearable in Gaba withdrawal. My Gaba dosage was much higher than the opioids though, and every person reacts differently during withdrawals, so those might've been factors. I'm not ready to go off of Benzos yet, but can imagine that'll be the WORST of the worst!
I am here to come back and tell you, I commented a year ago about how the symptoms weren't that bad. Well just recently, I ran out of my prescription and I went over 3 months without it, I have been feeling like I had to go on disability because the symptoms were so terrifying, but I did not put it together that it was the Gabapentin. When I tell you brain zaps, and so much more that I can't even explain in human terminology, the pain or the pain inside my mind, everything it has been terrifying, and yesterday I got my prescription back. So I took some last night as I only take it for really insomnia even though I do have sciatica from Thai boxing and getting kicked in the legs so much, this time last night I took my dose and this morning I woke up feeling like my life is back again. Now I don't know if the Gabapentin is something that actually works for me or if it's the withdrawal that's been killing me and me taking my dose again just brought me back to normal. But I am really thinking that it was from the gabapentin and it actually the withdrawals can last more than a month😮😢😢 and like you said changing brain chemistry I could not feel anything but sadness and the sadness was like a numb sadness I don't know it's so hard to describe in human terminology
Thanks for sharing your experience. Ive only taken the drug in 2 doses so far- 200 then 300 for my shingles pain in my arm. It leaves me so dizzy and frankly doesnt touch the pain. It seems more like a distractor than a blocker. Your testimony clinches my decision now-Im not taking it further. Id rather suffer with a clear head. Thank you
Came of it, had 300 mg twice a day, for shingles pain on my scalp. Came off it, guess what, I am back on it for the rest of my life. By the way, I am 83.
I'm now on day 6 off of Gabapentin and still having withdrawals symptoms. I was on a low dose for nerve pain after mastectomy. Both my Primary and my Plastic Surgeon say that I'm not having a reaction to stopping Gaba, but I seriously am. Tremors, hot skin, anxiety, severe nausea and can't sleep more than 2 hours at a time. I'm praying these side effects go away soon. I've read anywhere from 3 to 10 days.
Vonda, I had withdrawal symptoms for about 4-5 weeks. They change. After the gabapentin left my system, my muscles started spasming (it is a primary anti-seizure drug). That part lasted a few weeks. Now I am fine!
Vonda I too had a mastectomy 2004 was prescribed Gabapentin yesterday but makes me feel weird does help me from anxiety I take lunesta and mirtazpine to sleep
@@lyndalippinpilates Lynda after years of use and a cold turkey your withdrawals only lasted about 5 weeks? I'm asking because I will taper but first I have to finish my benzo taper. Thank you so much for sharing.
@@janny474 5 weeks for the initial symptoms - anxiety, feeling like things were crawling on me, no sleep, sweats. Another 6-9 for the muscle spasms/ cramping to fully go. So, about 3-4 months total.
I just found your video and felt the need to add my experience. In 2018 I had a hysterectomy that left me in major pain. They never figured out why but said I had sciatica with purifiers. I was place on Gabapentin (2400-3000mg) per day for close to 2 years. I did the same thing and quit cold turkey. For 6 weeks I went through hell. Every nerve, muscle, organ and bones was firing overtime. I had nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, and shaking. My husband picked up Kratom and it made the remaining 4 weeks tolerable. Without that I would have caved and gone back on the Gabapentin. I have tried explaining to family members that are taking it now and I get “well that won’t happen to me.” All I can do is share what I went through and possibly help someone to avoid the excruciating pain that I did. Thank you so much for sharing the video.
I quit cold turkey, not knowing anything about withdrawal. I had been on and off of it using it "as needed" for 4 or 5 months and within that time had scary things happen like not being able to breathe from chest pain that brought me to the ER even! None of my doctors warned me about the withdrawal. I had so much pain and GI issues. I was actually diagnosed (maybe misdiagnosed!) with Lupus because I tested positive twice for high inflammation on an ANA panel. That is a BIG DEAL. My 2nd rheumatologist says that she doesn't see any active lupus now. What a fiasco! Now I am just going back on the Gabapentin so that I can find a Functional Neurologist to help me then taper very slowly. Some of my symptoms are weird compared to others, I get terrible ceaseless burping, constipation AND diarrhea and trapped gas, upper back, shoulder and left arm pain (still don't know if it is my muscles or nerve pain), emotional distress, etc etc. Weird symptoms from my nervous system freaking out. One morning I shot up from sleep because my ankles were on FIRE. burning and felt really tight and they were swollen as well. It was terrifying! Then it went away so quickly I thought I was going crazy. I also tested positive for dysautonomia with autonomic peripheral neuropathy. I had never had nerve issues in my life. I also get heart palpitations and afib that are very scary and pain and pressure in my torso and diaphragm area. So: I started back on 1200 mg a day starting just yesterday and my burping stopped altogether. Thank god! BUT, my back, shoulder, and arm pain came back concurrently! I am very confused by this. Why would I have MORE pain when I went back ON it? I am only 41 years old and I am wearing an Icy/Hot patch. A knowledgeable friend told me that I should regulate in a few days. I am not sure. This drug has caused me hell and misery.
Just happened to me …. I had a toothache and had Gabapentin so took for pain , I noticed I felt different . I felt like I was a different person I’d in a different place , I stopped because pain subsided , I kept feeling like I was detoxing . I didn’t understand until just a while ago started looking up side effects and other issues . I know this was real , I didn’t imagine this . This is crazy.
I don't understand these huge doses. I have frontal lobe epilepsy and take 100 mg a night along with .5 mg of klonopin - keeping lowest doses possible that is effective enough to eliminate majority of seizures. My mother had temporary nerve pain and was prescribed 900 mg a day! My father died, and she got a higher dose though she won't tell me how high. I'm concerned. Very concerned. Plus, I don't understand getting "high" on gabapentin. I would not take it at all if I didn't need it. But I'm watching my mother pop them a few times a day.
I took only a few low-dose for damaged mouth nerve (failed molar extraction), gained 10 pounds in one week, feel dead inside, and suicidal. No more! Anxiety, irritable, pain no better on it or off it. You sound very intelligent and clear-headed. Good luck and bless you!
I forgot I was on it! I have tons of it left because he wrote me a 90-day. I felt better off it and had no withdrawal because it was low dose and not every day. I lost the weight in a month. However, I continue to have chronic nerve pain. The latest is severe whole body itching after a bad allergic reaction to flea bites. Once again, immediate weight gain even if I only take a few a week. I feel anxious now. Haven't felt good for nearly six months. I am eating cleaner and exercising. I really need detox off all psych meds! But medicare won't pay for that. Hope you and everyone else is doing WELL.
Thanks after 5years on 600mg pre gablin. Im 8 weeks off cold turkey. Om, it's hard been a roller coaster of symptoms, no sleep, sweaty, vomiting brain fog angry and more. Im not going back to taking it.
I was n am taking 3 900mg for a total of 2700mg. I have a psychiatrist, a pain doctor n a Physician. Well he has been saying I have to many medications, I had said if I was taking 100 pills n it worked, whz mess with it. I seen him in the morning or maybe afternoon. I left his office n I live in assisted living n they told me he took it all away. 2700mg, no weening n boy that sucked for a whole week. I seen him again n brought it up to him n he had this fake sorry, n again that night took away my hydroxyzine, just like that. Wow he sure was sorryi got some back after seeing my other doctors. I am still suffering from that. I am depressed, I told my mom that I wanted to go jump off the Golden Gate Bridge, n if I live then I'm suppose to be here... Thank You for sharing
OMG you just said it felt like organs hurt and I keep feeling pains and I’m like they’ve done all these tests on me and found nothing so why am I in pain?! I accidentally did CT off of 300 mg a day for an injury bc I wasn’t made aware that you had to taper. I think it’s been a little over a week and I even lost my appetite and am having acid reflux issues, this is horror. There’s even stuff I haven’t even named, I’m so ashamed of not knowing all this would happen
Most people don't know, including the doctors who prescribe it routinely. I didn't know until I had the withdrawal symptoms. Don't feel ashamed - it's not your job to know all of this!
My doctor just prescribed this to me trying to replace tramadol for fibromyalgia. This is scary. I’m going to be having withdrawals from coming off tramadol that was not supposed to be addictive, then 8 years after being on it, it was placed on the addictive narcotic list. Thanks for sharing this video.
That's exactly why I started taking gabapentin! I was taking tramadol for the fibro, and when it was changed to a narcotic, I switched to Neurontin. I don't know if you're still taking the Neurontin, but tapering is key when, or if, you decide to come off of it . I've done the cold turkey when I'd run out of it and it was worse than opiate withdrawal for me. I was on 3600mg/day for 11 years and I've been off it now for nearly 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal at all! And I was completely traumatized from previous withdrawal episodes; the thought of withdrawal was enough to give me a low-key panic attack. I even tried taking methadone before to see if that would help the withdrawal, but didn't help at all. I'm assuming it's because the gaba receptors that the gabapentin affects is separate from the receptors that opiates affect. And weed had zero effect on the withdrawal too. It was just basic weed though. Maybe some medical strength marijuana, or dabs and edibles would be more effective? But, besides God, of course, I truly believe what allowed me to come out unscathed, was having about 5 neurontin in reserve when I jumped off at 300mg. Just knowing that I had those if it got too bad and that I could taper down more if I had to, allowed me to almost trick my brain into believing it was all gonna be fine. Because the mind is a powerful thing and it can make withdrawal worse if you focus on it too much and panic. I know, because there were a couple of times before, when I knew I was about to run out of meds and panicked, and even though I'd taken my daily dose of Neurontin, my mind took over and I immediately began feeling aches, restless legs, nausea, bowel discomfort, the feeling of despair (because depression doesn't quite cover how it feels mentally), etc. Once, I calmed myself down, that all went away. But, anyways, having a few Neurontin left when you decide to leap, gives you a safety net and a piece of mind. I wholeheartedly believe that's why I was able to taper in 3 weeks from 3600mgs/day to 300mgs/day, and jumping to nothing from there, with absolutely no withdrawal. Good luck to anyone dealing with similar issues and if you need to talk, or encouragement, I'm here. You can reach me on here, or at sharnat41056@gmail.com
I took tramadol for a whole month :/ and honestly gaba scares me more than tramadol ..I don't know why they changed tramadol as well ..sometimes I think it's political stuff 🤔
I just got off Gabapentin after being on four 800 mg. Tablets per day for the past 15 years. It took almost 5 months cutting the dosage by 400 mg every couple of weeks. I had a few light symptoms but nothing close to what I experienced the last time I tried to go off it!
It’s been six months and I definitely feel better! I still have anxiety and depression; but the absence of the Gabapentin has not really made a difference in those issues....which proves I should never have been on it in the first place. I’m on Clonopin and Seroquel for sleep and Effexor in the morning. Plus I’m beginning talk therapy this week for a few weeks which should help. Ironically it probably helped that we were quarantined for as long as we were. It helped minimize any disruptions by not being around a lot of people while I was going thru withdrawals!
Gabapentin is an umbrella drug. I was prescribed 1200mg 3x from psychiatrist for anxiety. After 5 years, stopping is a nightmare. Tried to stop. cold turkey but body hurt . I am now going to taper.
I've been on so many drugs throughout the years. I don't think any of them have really helped me. They've all come with nasty side effects or withdrawal effects. That has sometimes lingered for years afterwards. Next time I'm put on some drugs, I will research it beforehand and first try a more natural way of getting help or relief. I'm really tired of all the shit I've gone through, and am going through right now because of drugs!
I will be doing the same things your doing, I feel everyone should know how dangerous this medicine is. If you feel like me and think their is medical negligence involved, ask about your patient rights. Thank you soooo much for justification on this. 💕
My husband has been taking 2700mg a day for about 2 years. He's noticed memory loss, shortness of breath and honestly it doesnt even fix the original problem which was restless leg syndrome. I've been trying to get his doctors to recommend something else and no one seems to want to try anything. Its so frustrating. He's been off of it for about a week now just because he ran out and insurance is giving us a hard time. I'm fairly certain he's going thru withdrawal right now but I had no idea that was a thing until your video. I'm hoping to find him something else asap.
Withdrawal is definitely a thing! And I was on 1/3 or less of his dose. Note that the other things out there are generally as bad. I manage my pain more through meditation and exercise now, as well as eating better. When it gets bad, I can manage now on 2 tylenol with 1 naproxyn.
I've been on gabapentin since Jan 2015. Prescribed for nerve pain. I was given 900mg per day, this was increased one year later to 1800mg per day... doctors never did further investigation. It heavily suppressed my appetite and was putting my mood up and down, advised specialist and doctor of this and they didn't do anything. So in September 2018 I decided to try slow wean, wasn't successful. May 2019 again tried to no avail. I waited until October 2019 for a pain doctor to tell me I had to go down by 100mg per week. Why my own doctor couldn't have suffered this. . I don't know.. anyways fast forward to today and I have 7 days left to go on Gabapentin. It has been the worst years of my life, I feel cheated by the doctors for not supporting me properly, lack of information and insight. If I hadn't decided to stop they would still have me take them. I've not had a nerve pain attack in a long time, I have aches and pains yes but my dosage was COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY. I'm in uk and we have the NHS so I didn't have to pay. Feel like I was just sucked into the big pharma circle of keeping people on meds. Please if anyone reads this, don't be stupid like I was and have faith in your doctor too much. It's a nasty drug with terrible withdrawal effects. Diarrhoea, vomiting, insomnia, soreness, sweats, irritability, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation. I also find it very hard to eat normally and I'm scared of the future but, I know it's the best thing I could do. Thanks for highlighting what you went through, it's invaluable information I wish I had done this years ago. Peace xx
This is the worst, I abused on the street to enhance my dope usage or curb the withdrawal when I couldn’t pick up. Went to treatment and tried to get clean off everything cold turkey. Gave in on day 5 and took my prescribed gaba then worked with the faculty to wean down. Jumping from 100mg 3 times a day is still not ideal. So aggravating when other patients in rehab told me gaba doesn’t cause WD. It 100% does.
I actually had someone say that my dose was inconsequential. Really? I agree, even coming off of a lower dose taken regularly is tough. It's a nasty drug.
I went down to 100mg, last night; high of 900mg, 11 years ago. I started taking it for fibromyalgia and insomnia, but I don't feel I have fibromyalgia. I've been wanting to get off of it for a few years, but I've been scared I won't sleep. Well, I did sleep last night, but it wasn't a very deep sleep. I only woke up once, for a few seconds, and back to sleep I went. I could tell my brain was overthinking and wanting another pill. I know if I make myself tired enough, I will eventually get a good nights sleep on the lower dose, and hope to get off of it in a week or two for good. I think Gabapentin has caused other health issues that I never had before I started it.
@@lyndalippinpilates Thank you. I have been off all medications for a little over a month. It took 3 days to fix my sleep, and I can fall asleep in a heartbeat. All I do now, is taking vitamins.
@Sonic light Years I started taking mineral salts (magnesium phosphates, sodium phosphates, calcium phosphate, ferrum phosphate, and potassium phosphate). Brand I used is Jackson' mineral salts. I started taking 10 pellets each, and now, take 5 pellets each. I, also, take magnesium glycinate and vitamin D at night. Make sure you don't have cortisol problems, because high cortisol can cause insomnia; saliva cortisol is the best test. Slow breathing and telling my brain to stop talking is another technic used. Got off all pharm meds in 18 days.
I took it for about 7 months. I thought I tapered off for 2 weeks, but then got classic withdrawal symptoms of terrible flu like symptoms for two days. Vomiting and the runs, as I recall. 2 very rough days. Low dose. 300 two times a day. I still have a bottle and a half.....2 years later!
In 5 days i began to feel better. But the secret to defeating paws, is when you feel better, take a low low dose once in a while not every day. Maybe twice a week and it will help your symptoms disappear dramatically
@@lyndalippinpilates oh yeah ive done it with opiates sheesh it was hell lol and Benzos simultaneously (. But the benzo was only short-term to try to get over the opioid withdrawal) but whoaaaaa. Talk about hell! I actually used gabapentin to ease the withdrawal lol that's when i ended up taking it daily for sleep.
i take 2x100 mg at night to help me sleep with some hips pain issues. tonight is night #1 of 1x100 mg. i'll be going to .5x100 in another week for a week. hopefully i get no real issues. i believe that tapering off is a better way to go for me. i also believe that stopping any meds needs to be under the supervision of your pcp.
I was prescribed Lyrica daily by a neurologist - it made me gain 30 lbs, made me unable to heal from sores and bug bites, and made the pain worse... I was on it for a year .. for migraines... getting off it was absolutely horrific and what I would imagine coming off Heroin to be like - weeks of jitters, sleepless, diarrhea, anxiety, nausea and not enough energy to get off the couch... it took weeks to feel normal. I am absolutely terrified of Lyrica too and would never recommend it as a first choice to anyone ....
I’m glad your off of it. I was on it for 12 years. 1800 mg every 4 hours. It was an horrible trap I am now out of. If you can get through the first 10 days you are home free.
@@JT-di3bl yes it was crazy. I had terrible muscle pain, cramping and shortness of breath from it. I walked like a 90 year old man. My memory was terrible and I forgot everything. I had swelling in my legs all the time and edema. There was always a rash on my legs and arms. Since I’ve been off it all those symptoms have subsided. People need to know how bad this drug really is.
@thequietearthgarden4790 Glad to hear you got off of it. I dont take it daily, but as needed, so stopping isnt too bad as far as withdrawals go so im pretty lucky there. After reading everyones experiences, ive realized I am experiencing side effects of blurred vision, weight gain, joint pain, and memory issues as well, and will be completely cutting it out.
I was on gabapentin for 3 months after lung cancer surgery. While I was on it, I never felt that it was doing anything which possibly meant it was working to reduce nerve pain??? When it was time to come off it, I weaned myself from it like the directions said and no problem.
I took the gabapentin for a few weeks this year. But I was having panic attacks and feeling whoozy and out of it so I stopped. And my family encouraged me to stop. but maybe based on what you said I guess I made the right decision?
Thank you for sharing. I have reduced a medication (Effector SSRI) I have been on for years with no side effects. I have reduced the dosage in half. The withdrawals are wicked! Effexor is not "addictive" in a technical sense. Doctors don't tell you how bad the withdrawals will be if/when you try to go off them.
it's a pretty similar to coming off opiates, bit less severe and intence. Pregablin withdrawal is way worse. A high dose benzodiazepine taper will really help with gabapentanoid withdrawal
Thanks for sharing. I'm currently taking 2700mg daily for my MS nerve pain but originally started taking it for restless legs syndrome. It's been maybe 10yrs now and am petrified to stop. Cheers. Matt
My dose is 100 mg gabapentin, and since I had a terrible experience with Lyrica, I am on the fence. It's for insomnia from chronic pain. Now, I'm thinking I should not start it. I've always had medication sensitivities. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have the same problem, I cannot stop taking this medication and I am a recovering addict from opioids and bento’s and the withdrawals of this medication were worse then coming off both of these
Yes, it's horrible for those of us to generally aren't addicts - I can't imagine how painful it is to be told a drug isn't addictive, and then go through a shitty withdrawal.
Thank you so much I really do appreciate it I have been on gabapentin to but I am weaning myself off and yes this is true you do go through a lot by the grace of God I will be off it totally thank you so much
Thanks linda. Ive been on it off label for years. About same amt as you were. 3 days off and feel edgy, distorted emotions, achey, after 7 years it time to be done. Its probably caused depression too.
Hi ☺️. I’ve been on Gabapentin for 10 years due to my Trigeminal Neuralgia. Where I mainly struggle with it is loss of concentration and forgetfulness. My husband or my kids may talk to me about something and 2 or 3 days down the road the conversation will come up again and I remember nothing. I’ll argue with them because I don’t remember ever talking to them about it. My script is 800mg 3 times a day. My body can’t handle 3 times a day cuz I feel like Alice in Wonderland so I only take it twice a day and it definitely helps with the pain but I’m 45 and feel I’ll be senial in the next 5 years. Have you had the same with Gabapentin by any chance? I’m really scared. God bless 🙏🏻and Good Luck. The hardest days are probably over and you are going to do GREAT! It takes strength and you’ve got it💪.
Yes indeed, I experience same exact thing. My family or husband will tell me about something or we will watch a movie and I will swear and know I didn’t hear the story or see the movie! I can sit through the entire movie like it’s the first time seeing it and we will fight because I swear I didn’t see it!
I actually thought I was dying , when i came off it 3 weeks ago , I'm back on it again just to regulate, then going to wean off slowly , bit I seriously didn't know what was wrong with me, worst feeling ever 😔
Same with me, lulee. I came off of it cold turkey recently, not knowing the danger of withdrawal. Just went back on it. Learning everything I know through FB groups. No one warned me. Read my comment above. How are you doing 1 year later? Did you manage to get off of it? Do you feel better yet?
I have been prescribed neurontin for my spinal chord injury pain.I stopped to take it (1800 mg/day) just to see what will happen. Im at day 5 and NOTHING happened, I mean ZERO withdrawal.I also did not stop drinking my 2 pints of quality beer every night.
I'm sure everybody has a different reactions than others on Gabapentin...I been on this medication for 4 years taking 100MG 1 time a day or as needed....I have Peripheral neuropathy and it has makes me feel a lot better taking this than anything else...I have had no side effects...It's a good thing I don't need more than that dose...Good luck in the future....
I take 100 mg at night for frontal lobe epilepsy and nerve pain, so I don't understand why all these people are being given such high dose prescriptions.
I wish you would have done a follow up video to let us know if you got through the withdrawal. I am assuming you did well because you look amazing in you current videos. I am no trying to slowly taper off and this week has been the worst. Feeling like I have the flu!
I totally did! I haven't taken any since. And, it turns out that my nerve pain wasn't as bad as I thought - I was having a lot of gabapentin rebound pain. Thanks for asking!
Im starting my 3rd week of cold turkey gabapentin withdrawals after being on it for only 3 months. Severe anxiety and insomnia, restless legs and hot flashes. Yesterday was the first day my body felt like it was changing for the better than the night came and it was the worst night I had. You feel like this is going to be never ending
I’ve been on neurontin since I’ve been 15 I’m 35 my dr pain dr has taken me off 800mg 3x day I’m having withdrawals lots of sweating, anxiety, trouble breathing, coughing .
Yes, it absolutely sucks. But after, you will have an actual idea of how you really feel. Much of my pain after a while was actually neurontin withdrawal. Now I can manage with literally one naproxyn and two extra strength tylenol.
Last year I was prescribed to take Gabapentin or Lyrica for my chronic pain from a movement disorder called cervical dystonia with some advice from a pharmacist. I still haven't gotten either of these med's. Did not like the side effects of them (one being suicide attempts!). I don't think I ever will take either one of them especially after hearing this story and others. Thanks for posting this. Hope all is well with you now.
when going through withdrawals do they come and go in waves? And does it make it hard to walk like you’re severely dizzy and wanting to throw up? My boyfriends body just dropped when he was trying to get into my car and I’m concerned
I stopped taking pregabalin (the newer gabapentin) 5 years ago in 2 weeks time and I am still suffering from withdrawals and akathisia, which is horrific but it is slowly improving. I hope you are all better now.
MY doctor want me to try this for pain in hopes to bring down my opiate medication. From what you saying it not a good idea .Thanks for the info . Hope you feel better soon
I'm 6 months late but still it should be noted gabapentin withdrawals dont come close to opioid withdrawals especially in the higher doses opioids are worse same for benzodiazepines
I’ve been on and off neurontin since 2006. The withdrawals from gabapentin are very difficult and nothing worked worked that well for withdrawing. Benzos helped with some symptoms but it’s still very hard getting off of it. It’s even worse if you’re abusing it and running out early. I stopped for a few weeks and still didn’t feel totally back to normal so I started again. The drug the eliminated all the withdrawals and the anxiety caused by not having it when I’d run out or take it enough is…….lamictal or Lamotrigine. I no longer need it unless I want it. Lamictal will eliminate the need to seek it out or take high doses. There may be some anxiety but if you’re trying to get off gabapentin, get prescribed Lamotrigine and wean off fast so your body doesn’t get used to taking both. If that happens it okay, it just means that your body will be more sensitive to feeling some of the gabapentin withdrawal as opposed to almost zero.
It's not that you are (where) getting Gabapentin out of your nervous system, it's your nervous system having to change itself back to normal. To make wiring and chemical adjustments. Gabapentin has a half life of 7 hours. So chemically it should be out of your system in 24 hours. I had a severe withdrawal off Lorazapam a benzo that took 6 months. Years later I'm still having major issues.
Thanks for the clarification. If physicians would just be clear that there are severe side effects to sudden stoppage of gabapentin, it would be easier to discuss. Instead, so many insist that there are absolutely no issues.
I... Well let's just say my doctor gives me 300, 600 and 800 mg at the same time. I am not sure if he even notices or just don't care. I get 90 of each and take all within 2 weeks. I am on day two and can not fucking stand it. I went into rehab for heroin and came out doing this.... I think about using dope to help with the withdrawls but dont and mainly cause I am on the vivatrol shot. In my opinion heroin wothdrawl never hurt me this much. I got a new job and my start day was 2 days ago and I never even went... Never even called. This really is hell. I do not smoke weed and I tried to smoke because I could not handle it but I just feel high and insanely sick.
If I were you, I would find a new doctor and try some supported way to taper off. You have to actually want to stop using, and using a physician who prescribes you that much gabapentin over such short periods is just not helpful.
Thanks for the reply, turns out I have the flu too so it is super bad. I really can not get a new doc cause transportation and trust me I wanna stop.... It is the worst withdrawl I've ever had and I am a recovering junkie. I pray you're doing so much better. I am thinking of calling my doctor today and seeing if he can call in the 100mg but idk cause I've already had 3 dif mgs within two and a half weeks.
I sucked it up and now am fine. It has been a few months now. And the flu will certainly make things worse! Have you asked your doctor if he can offer any more support through your taper? Like maybe only refilling a lower dose so you don't have them all? I hope you start feeling better soon. I think that is all advice I can give you.
@@nanashi7287 I don't know if you're still taking the Neurontin, but tapering is key. I've done the cold turkey when I'd run out of it and it was worse than opiate withdrawal for me. I was on 3600mg/day for 11 years and I've been off it now for nearly 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal at all! And I was completely traumatized from previous withdrawal episodes; the thought of withdrawal was enough to give me a low-key panic attack. I even tried taking methadone before to see if that would help the withdrawal, but didn't help at all. I'm assuming it's because the gaba receptors that the gabapentin affects is separate from the receptors that opiates affect. And weed had zero effect on the withdrawal too. It was just basic weed though. Maybe some medical strength marijuana, or dabs and edibles would be more effective? But, besides God, of course, I truly believe what allowed me to come out unscathed, was having about 5 neurontin in reserve when I jumped off at 300mg. Just knowing that I had those if it got too bad and that I could taper down more if I had to, allowed me to almost trick my brain into believing it was all gonna be fine. Because the mind is a powerful thing and it can make withdrawal worse if you focus on it too much and panic. I know, because there were a couple of times before, when I knew I was about to run out of meds and panicked, and even though I'd taken my daily dose of Neurontin, my mind took over and I immediately began feeling aches, restless legs, nausea, bowel discomfort, the feeling of despair (because depression doesn't quite cover how it feels mentally), etc. Once, I calmed myself down, that all went away. But, anyways, having a few Neurontin left when you decide to leap, gives you a safety net and a piece of mind. I wholeheartedly believe that's why I was able to taper in 3 weeks from 3600mgs/day to 300mgs/day, and jumping to nothing from there, with absolutely no withdrawal. Good luck to anyone dealing with similar issues and if you need to talk, or encouragement, I'm here. You can reach me on here, or at sharnat41056@gmail.com
I take Gabapentin for hot flashes and have been tapering off by 300mg every 8 to 10 weeks. My doctor told me to go very slow, and I haven't experienced any withdrawal symptoms. Only a slight increase in hot flashes, but it's manageable. I'm down to my last 300mg now, and it's taken me months to get here. It's worth the wait.
I went without for a week picked up script late due to none in stock but I could have transfered buts it's 18miles away so intook my chances and just hoped they were in the next day.holy crap I took it today and all the withdrawlswent away .I am so mad right now
That moment when you realize the physical addiction is real! I refuse to take it again. Some days, like today, the nerve pain is real. I just took an Epsom salt bath, and Tylenol with some naproxyn.
I took gabapentin for three years after my back surgery and and diabetic neuropathy. It did absolutely nothing except making me tired and it didn’t get rid of pain or my tingling and numbness in my feet.
Just done my detox, was very unpleasant to say the least! Couldn't sleep, bad tempered, skin itching, felt sick but on the upside its over now and I lost some weight 🤣
@Xox Xer Update time.. well I'm unsure on my above comment as since then I have been diagnosed with serious kidney disease which has alot of the symptoms mentioned above.
I got fed up with gabapentin because for such a high dose I felt little relief from the pain.. pain became widespread throughout my body .. dr switched me to lyrica and it’s working far better . With far less side effects.. on gabapentin I felt depressed and didn’t want to do anything.. my mind felt muddled… feeling less pain and my brain feels more aware, more energy, less need for naps.. hoping this continues to work .. cause the side effects of gabapentin were just too much
Hot flashes and cold hands. My skin feels like it's on fire. I gave in it's day 3. Jesus this withdrawal sucks. And I been taking it since 2008. Little late now 😃 but I got put on a higher dose to replace my Klonopin and I can't lie, it works very well for anxiety. And as a mood stabilizer. I am on 4 psyche pills, but now only take gabapentin for my psyche meds. But I started on it in 2008 after shingles and carpal tunnel syndrome.
So, if you're taking it to help with anything psychiatric, I wouldn't touch it without talking to your doctor. You need to be on something, and all of the meds involved will have issues. For you, gabapentin may be exactly what you need.
❤ thank you for this🙏 I'm doing a detox from being on this drug for about 8 yrs. It's extremely hellish. Basically was being given for the exact same condition you're having and I've noticed major changes in my general health that have made me decide to stop taking.. my dose was 1600mg 3x a day. The sleepiness is the worst. I think 😊 eventually I'll feel better and understand my body again if I just get completely off this drug and stay off. Thank you for your video
Off Gabapentin for almost 3 weeks. Still feel unease and anxiety/ depression. WHEN WILL I FEEL 100% AGAIN. I was on it for a short amount of time 2 weeks. 600-900MG daily total. Advice PLEASE... I had a shortness of breath after a couple weeks of 300mg x 3. Then i had a panic attack, which ive never had or ever had anxiety in my life. That led to heart palpitations, muscle spasm/ zaps, insomnia, fear, terrible thoughts. That subsided after 5 days and I began to feel a little better i can sleep etc. was taking CALM Magnesium to get thru it. But it has been a few weeks and things feels off. When i scratch my arm it feels lighter to the touch. To the point where i cant feel things as much. Neurologist tested my response to everything and it all worked. But i still feel some anxiety/ depression and bad thoughts that kind of haunt me and its been a few weeks. I don’t feel like myself and im scared. I really want my life back from before gabapentin. Any advice? Anything i should take? Or is my body at a deficit from anything? Im done with the med forever i just need help. Side effects/ withdrawal was absolutely the worst days of my life. Really just want to feel like myself and be happy again. -Thank you
@@lyndalippinpilates thank you, Everything will be fine right? I will eventually feel the same as i did before the medication? Just the uncertainty has haunted me.
@@lyndalippinpilates also i notched things spiked and crashed me once i took one 300mg gabapentin with a 5mg Cialis. Maybe because one is a stimulant and the other is the opposite...
@@lyndalippinpilates thats great. I appreciate the info.. did you have numbness all over your body? Not extremely numb just lighter feeling all over? That’s something that bothers me
I have been on it for 15 years. I am supposed to take 800 mg. 3 × per day, but I only let myself take 800 mg. 1 × per day. I used to take the 2,400 mg. per day, but I stopped on my own. They put me on it for nore than one reason: 1)Nerve Damage from Shingles, Frostbite, and in my back 2) Epilepsy 3) Mood Disorder 3 Previous Alcoholic (I have been Sober for 5 Years, 3 Months, 1 Week, and 5 Days). I ran out of Gabapentin 2 days ago, not thinking it woyld be a big deal. Today, beneath my left eye is swollen, I have had the worst headache, and I cannot stop sweating. I really hope I do not staet having Siezures, because I have Epilepsy, due to a Traumatic Brain Injury, that I sustained 10 years ago. I am on Keppra and Depakote for my Siezures as well, so I really hope this prevents that from happeneing until I can get in touch with my Doctor tomorrow. I think I have an extra bottle put up in a storage tote in an extra bedroom, but the tote is too heavy and too high up for me to lift with my spinal problems. I tried to tell my Husband to go look for me, but ge is mad at me for no reason. He is literally mad, because I have health problems and he does not...he works, and I am going to go back to college when I get a little better. Seriously, Dude, I would trade you any day of the week. Do you think I like being sick in bed everyday. He is acting like he is asleep, and he is not, when I am sitting here telling him that I could go into a Siezure. That is abuse. I just want to taper off of this stuff safely. If I get it refilled tomorrow, and I do not feel worse than what I do now, I am not even going to take it. I am just going to straight-up get this poison out of my system. I heard this stuff is really harsh on the Kidneys as well. Oh, and I have also been on Suboxone for 6 months. I am sure that is going to make this way worse. I am about to tell the Doctor that I want off of that as well. I only started taking it to help with withdrawals off of Oxycodone and Morphine, and Suboxone definately does not help my pain level, so there is no reason to take it. I am going to taper off of it though, because I hear that Suboxone withdrawal is worse than Opiate withdrawal. I can't win for losing. The people that invented these medicines should be ashamed. It is all about Big Pharma and their stupid money.
Thank you so much I have neuropathy, they put me on it... I've been on it for 2 years with the worst drug ever invented. I'm day 2 in my head is all over the place. Thanks for sharing
my dog is on gabapentin ( against my better judgement) because he is getting nerve zaps from metastatic anal gland cancer. he jumps up and looks at his back end and it is so awful -- he looks at me like i shocked him. not concerned about withdrawal at the moment as he will likely not survive to that point
Been on it for years for neuropathy, pain increased. now I have numbness increased tingling everything hurts an the doctors just look at you. My leg were swelling mood changes anxiety ad panicked increased. So after doing research this stuffs got to go! I asked my dr about this and not wanting to take statins . She prescribed me Something else not a statin. I asked if it would effect my liver due liver disease. She said no problem got home and first thing I’m seeing is warning don’t take if you have liver or kidney issues! They are out to kill us.
Gabapentin has destroyed my life. It killed my one and only true counselor. She wrote a book about Gabapentin. I miss her dearly My life has changed for the worse I could tell you what happened but I the story is very painful and a long story about what it has done to me.
It's a nightmare!!! I started using for nerve pain then because it's an umbrella drug and helps also with anxiety and panic attacks. I was then "prescribed " 1200mg 3x per day 3600mg . I tried to stop. Withdrawal is a nightmare. My body aches. Sweats. Now I am tapering off.
I was taking 300 mg 2 times a day for many weeks. Then I now take 300 mg before bed and have done that for about a month. I have stopped the bedtime capsule last night and I had a rough night. I could not sleep, seems I was all wound up and couldn't relax. I would sleep for a brief time then wake up again. My muscles hurt in my legs. I was prescribed Gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy, not related to diabetes. Now I am thinking of stopping it all together. Being on 300 mg once a day, my withdrawals shouldn't last long. What do you think Lynda?
As I am not a medical professional, I cannot give you a good answer. I still have nerve pain on occasion, but I am OK with that. Since you haven't been on it for years, like I was, your withdrawal may not be as bad.
I'm getting weaned off them next month. I've taken them for 23 years for epilepsy I believe they made me psychotic in 2012 I was having tactile hallucinations you get them from drug abuse the only drug I was taking was neurontin! Apart from smoking i was clean living!
I have been dropped off not tapered they reduced me by 400mg. I had massive panic attacks and was going cold shivering. I took 5mg of valium a day for 4 days the attacks have stopped still get cold and bead with sweat but not burning up. I been put on valium when needed and an ssri!
I had horrible dizziness. I was prescribed something (can't think of the name right now) and it really helped. I am very sensitive. I was on 100mg/day. Edit: I think it's Meclizine.
I ran out of my gabbapentin and after 4 days , I could not function. My bones n nerves were killing me. My doctor said it was a safe drug too. 600 mg a day.
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Gabapentin has horrible withdrawal effects. When I tried to stop after about 5 years of use for nerve pain and RLS, I had to wean myself off very slowly. Otherwise , I had all of the withdrawal symptoms others have discussed. Unable to sleep or think or mentally focus; mood swings; GI upsets; return of nerve pain; return of restless leg. The withdrawal symptoms are intense and incapacitating but often not acknowledged. Luckily, I had a good doctor and a good pharmacist who worked with me so that I'm now gabapentin free. Don't let anyone tell you the withdrawal effects are minimal or "in your head." They're not. And they're dangerous.
How many days did withdrawl stay with you ?and did you suffer from inability to think or focus?
please answer
Yay for you! It takes a while.
Glad you had professionals helping you. Seems rare.
its a schedule 5 drug which is way down on the list of addictive drugs. most opiates (pain killers) are schedule 2 the most addictive of all drugs. the really addictive drugs are schedule 2 or 3 (pain medications derived from opium). which means the withdrawal is the most intense. amphetamines (speed) are also schedule 2 (why i dont know) but the addiction is mental not physical
@@billbarney4937 opiate withdrawal, from my experience, is NOTHING compared to what pregabalin has done to me.
I’ve been on Gabapentin for 10 years following surgery I had to remove tumours from my spinal cord (2400mg/day). I’ve spent the past 2 months trying to wean off it and my withdrawals have been outrageous 😢 it’s everything you’ve described. The closer I’ve gotten to getting it completely out of my system, the worse I’ve felt. I don’t want to give up but there are some days I need a “fix” and take an extra dose. This shit is no joke. I was ready to give up until I found your video and the comments section. Thank you for sharing ❤🇨🇦
Sending you some strength - it took a solid 3 months before I felt "normal" on none.
just go cold turkey put at least 3 or 4 days aside so you can lay in bed sleep get some strong pills saraquiill zanax clonodine clonopin u know what i mean use those for the first 3 days day 2 and 3 are the worst because it starts leaving ur system these thing effect are moods everything me and alot of people i know are hooked we rty to quit these things the key is having at least 3 days were u can lay in bed no work no outside commitments etc its not easy i feel ur pain sorry about spelling but having comfort meds for day 2 and 3 is key
@@lyndalippinpilates Thank you for posting this video. I have been trying to do some research on the withdrawals and how to taper before beginning my journey to get off gabapentin. How much were you on? Did you cold turkey off of it or did you taper? I am on 600mgs per day (200mg Morning/200mgs Afternoon/200mgs Evening) I tried to drop 100mg off my morning dose and by noon I was already experiencing withdrawals. The next morning, I took my regular 200mg again. I was thinking about doing the water taper but I'm just not sure what to do. How long was it before the anxiety settled down enough to function and get some sleep?
😊@@living4truth
They had me on 2 600mg tablets, three times a day for a daily total of 4800mg a day. I was in that dosage for over 10 years but noticed trouble with word retrieval, I sounded like a babbling idiot! I couldn't get in to see my doctor so I just stopped taking it - cold turkey- other than a very sharp rise in pain, I had no other symptoms, but according to several vids I've watched on this subject, I am the exception- far from the rule, so don't do what I did. Let your doctor taper you off! Blessed Be!
I’m on day 5 and it is horrible, I never want to take anything like that again. I am thankful for you’re story.
I am on day 5 today and still feeling the withdrawal symptoms are you feeling better???!!!!
It takes a few weeks, so know that. I am fine now.
OMG. Im on around day 5 off of 900mgs, 3-4 times per day for 10 years. My skin is on fire, and so crawly. Head is foggy, nauseous and dizzy, headaches, constipation turned into diarrhea. Restless legs and all I want to do is sleep. I don’t even really know why I want to stop them.
@@moneyfornothing3264 The crawly skin was the worst.
Ween slowly
I recently was going through withdrawal on a plane and it was insane! I was sitting in my seat and I began to sweat out my palms and got incredibly hot and nauseated. My heartbeat was racing and I could feel my body getting mad. I took a 100mg tablet and within 30 minutes I was cold, not nauseated, and not sweating. It is real.and occurred when I only missed 1 dose because I was catching a flight.
Same here ..wtfff is up w this drug OMG
It's a thing!
I'm the exact same way I literally am a couple hours passed one dose that's it one dose and I feel like I'm coming off of opioids this is so stupid that they give this shit to people
@@hooliganswhitetailteam8557 Some people do legitimately need this drug. It's the off label uses that tend to me more of an issue.
No its not its any one that's been perscibed it for long time
Thank you for ACTUALLY stating how long it took to feel somewhat better. Fuck, that’s all I’ve been wanting to find out. Sure the Google search articles say 7-10 days, but that usually means nothing. You’re a badass for being real, these doctors are very ignorant.
I can’t believe they give them out like candy I have tons but don’t take after researching 🙏🙏😢🤗
@@eileendoherty2836 you’re making the best decision for your physical and mental health, this drug is NUTS lol the fact that they pumped this stuff out into the streets for years before realizing it literally prevents your brain from healing itself.
You're very welcome! People need to know.
7-10 days is rough estimate based on nothing really, no hard clinical studies to support that data.
My doctor said nothing about this being addictive or hard to stop. I'm done with 400mg a day. Tapered down to 100mg a day but still done feel well. Stopped because of woozy head and forgetfulness. Scary. I'm happy for the people that are having success with it. But I will never take it again. Works great first then not so good and I never got rid of the "swimmy" feeling and some weird vision issues.
I was wondering why I had such bad Anxiety, and found out it's due to Gabapentin.
Not surprising! Hope you feel better.
Third time trying to quit. I run out because you seem to be able to take more and more and more…now, through a tremendous amount of prayers, diligence…day 4…nauseous, sleepy, not sleepy, hungry, not hungry at the same time. Took sips of water throughout night. Anxiety through the roof. Sweating profusely, fan directly on me, fan off of me, noise irritating from fan when normally soothing. Every pore in my body aches. Uncontrollable shaking. Light on when sleeping, then off, then on, then off. IT IS INSANE! Digging through sofa to see if I can find even one. I don’t want this madness, but its grip is intense.
God bless you pregablin the same one off the worse withdrawal except benzos
@@JasonBrown-dd7dj I wondered about that. I’ve never been on pregablin. I’m now in my 2nd week free. Most symptoms are gone now, thank God. Are you free of it? I do have some moments of anxiety, but it’s becoming less and less. The symptoms that are left are manageable. I’m managing my diabetes through diet and oral meds. I was on insulin, but my sugar got dangerously low one night where I was confused, unable to function, thank GOD for Jesus ! My husband prayed for me and sat with me…. So, I had to stop the insulin. Now, I am stabilized. Some say it took them years to get off, but I am done for good.
@@sharonhutchins5784 I'm at 2 weeks it's 335am UK time im ok just insomnia and reduced appetite first week was horrific .Crying , agitation,I weren't good getting there now.Wishing the days away time as stood still . People ending up in psych wards from barbiturates.
It takes several weeks, so you're past the worst part.
@@sharonhutchins5784 yeah I'm of I went more or less cold turkey 600mg weren't fun .The worse was over by the third week the first two were brutal.Sometimes I think the docs do more harm than good, loosing all faith In medicine.Withdrawel from the meds are worse than the condition they were prescribed for in my case sciatica.
Shit yeah. I DT every time I run out. Fetal position and time stops moving. One day is 5 weeks.
That's why I stopped.
Also important for people to know - when you’re going through intense detox, yes it’s the detox causing all of the issues, but you won’t feel better once the drug is out of your system. That’s really when you begin to heal much more. But the withdrawal itself is the process of your brain physically having to heal from having been relying on a drug for so long. In the case of Benzos, it’s because they bind to the receptors, which damages the receptors, and so if you quit, that’s why it can take a year or two to feel “normal” again - because yeah the drug came out of your system in a week or two, but your body is still healing from all the havoc induced by the drug damaging those receptors.
In the case of gabapentinoids, it seems like a lot of the problems come from the inhibition of GABA production from GABAa receptors that are all throughout the body. They are GABA analogues, like a faux GABA. They are not binding to the receptors, so it’s not causing as much damage as a Benzo, but low GABA is still very dangerous, which is why a taper is still very important. You can have seizures coming off of both. Also Gabapentinoids literally halt the generation of new synapses in the brain - which is CRUCIAL to recovery from any addiction.
I’m still in the middle of my taper, but I’m not looking forward to the rest of it, it’s been hell.
Thanks again for your videos though, hardly anyone on TH-cam talking about their time coming off.
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge! I wish you well as you taper.
@Xox Xer It depends on your body and how it reacts.
Thank you for sharing this !!! I was on this drug because the psychiatrist prescribed it off label for my anxiety and I only took it for 6 days because the side effects were bad so I quit cold turkey and now I know it’s bad to do it but I didn’t though it was going to affect me because I was only on the med for 6 days , I enter my 3 month withdrawal and yes it’s been hell :/ but hopefully I can recover from this soon and if I heal from this I will go on natural ways to cope with my anxiety (specially panic attacks)
@@reynagonzalez8983 from what I understand, you should have no problem stopping it abruptly after taking it for a week - or at least be able to taper over a couple days rather than an extended taper like one would after being on it for weeks or months or more. I certainly am not a doctor and am not giving medical advice, just saying it’s normally pretty safe to stop something after taking it for a few days, though I imagine your natural anxiety could rebound quite a bit if that’s what you were taking it for. That’s why I hate these drugs so much, they work short term, stop working, then the problem ends up much worse for a while. These doctors are extremely ignorant about this drug.
How are you doing now, though? I certainly don’t mean to minimize any issues you might be having.
I’ve been micro dosing psilocybin for the last couple months and I’ve been able to come from 3000 to 900 with relatively little issue. Now that I’m getting down to the smaller doses (smaller lol) it’s getting tougher so I’m currently re-strategizing my game plan to get off this stuff. Probably gonna go from 300mg drops to 100mg drops as best I can every week, less or more.
How are you, I’m tapering from 800mg right now and it’s pretty bad.
I have trigeminal neuralgia and my drs had me on gabapintin at a dose of 800mg 3x/day for several years and this medication like you said felt like it was changing my entire chemistry and the person I was. But I stopped cold turkey for the same reasons as you and I went through the WORST withdraws too! I refuse to take rx anything at this point bc of that experience. It was absolutely the WORST experience but after so much time has passed I am back to my old self mentally and I look back now and it even made me depressed and so sensitive and I look at my responses now compared to then and it’s like “WOW this medication is really a dangerous one that I will NEVER touch again. Ty so much for posting this video even though it’s a year old now.
Were you able to quit cold turkey, and how long did it take to get back to normal?
It takes several weeks to feel normal - like 8-12.
I wanted off 25yrs of 40mg hydro’s. So I tapered and ended up in hospital for three days. Came home and went through hell. Doc ended up putting me on gabapentin 300mg. I’ve tapered myself down to 25mg and I’m still going through hell. All these years I have never abused any drug! I followed what my Doc told me and look where it got me. NO WHERE. I’m still dependent on this. It’s horrible but I will get off of this even if it kills me! Drug companies are to blame in my book. Asswholes!
Yes, it's about money! I wish you well on your taper.
25 years of using hydros is what’s making you go through bad withdrawals they should have tapered you off the hydros first it just put you into precipated withdrawals when you got off hydros I hope you feel better tho
How are you today?
Yeah, gaba withdrawl is nasty. Hope you're doing better.
Edit: so, I am currently tapering down on my gaba and asked my dr. for a smaller dose. The reply I got had me shook. "There are no withdrawls from gabapentin."
I am, thanks!
I would change doctors. Gabapentin is well known for bad withdrawals.
Brittany Perry shocking for these doctors to say that 🥺🥺🤬🤬
That doctor isnt too smart.
I feel absolutely certain that people have died trying to get off Gabapentin. Patients NEED to be informed that Gabapentin can have extremely serious withdrawal symptoms.
Thank you. I was taking 2700mg a day, 900mg three times a day which is the the maximum dosage in the UK. i had to come off it because im getting a spinal cord stimulator fitted. Coming off this drug took 9 months, 1 tablet every three weeks, it was nine months of sheer hell.
I have also had to reduce Fentanyl patches too, its been a shitty year.
I hope you are feeling better and the hope the injectioms worked, i also had denervation done which worked for 6 months.
Good luck for the future. ❤
You too! It's really an addictive drug.
Hello! Did you get the spinal cord stimulator done? How are your results? Any symptoms?
@@dipper888bp Physically addiction is often separate from feeling good.
Thank you for sharing. I've tried for 15 years to come off this poison. Still not. It's horrific. No one hardly believes me how hellish it is. You are brave and strong. 👍
Thank you! It was horrible. But, a few months later I am fine.
Hey. What happens when you try? What dosage you on? I've been trying for 11.
@@pscarnivore6331 I'm on 600 mg 3xs a day monthly but honestly I do good if I can make that last two weeks. Anyway trying to wean off...omg, well first of all a never ending migraine that is absolutely debilitating...cold chills to the bone heat on 90 AND electric blanket on high...even in July and August. Then hot sweats so bad I about pass out. Diahrea, vomiting,but NO appetite and cannot eat...Nausea that dosent stop..insomnia to where I've gone 8 days with NO sleep and had a nervous breakdown. But WORST of it ALL...is anxiety and depression that words cannot explain that not only make me feel suicidal, but have me begging God to please take me asap anyway at all. Yea. This is the worst DRUG EVER made I truly believe. I have read and heard MANY ppl claim to have come off opiates, benzos,..even heroin..cold turkey, but NOTHING was as horrible as neurontin. That absolutely terrifys me. God help us!!!!🙏
@Desiree Laine Tapering is key. I've done the cold turkey when I'd run out of it and it was worse than opiate withdrawal for me. I was on 3600mg/day for 11 years and I've been off it now for nearly 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal at all! And I was completely traumatized from previous withdrawal episodes; the thought of withdrawal was enough to give me a low-key panic attack. Besides God, of course, I truly believe what allowed me to come out unscathed, was having about 5 neurontin in reserve when I jumped off at 300mg. Just knowing that I had those if it got too bad and that I could taper down more if I had to, allowed me to almost trick my brain into believing it was all gonna be fine. Because mind is a powerful thing and it can make withdrawal worse if you focus on it too much and panic. I know, because there were a couple of times before, when I knew I was about to run out of meds and panicked, and even though I'd taken my daily dose of Neurontin, my mind took over and I immediately began feeling aches, restless legs, nausea, bowel discomfort, the feeling of despair (because depression doesn't quite cover how it feels mentally), etc. Once, I calmed myself down, that all went away. But, anyways, having a few Neurontin left when you decide to leap, gives you a safety net and a piece of mind. I wholeheartedly believe that's why I was able to taper in 3 weeks from 3600mgs/day to 300mgs/day, and jumping to nothing from there, with absolutely no withdrawal. Good luck to anyone dealing with similar issues and if you need to talk, or encouragement, I'm here. You can reach me on here, or at sharnat41056@gmail.com
shar martin - dear Shar, I just tried to email you at the email address you give here. I got the undeliverable message as it bounced back. Is that address still correct?
I have experienced this and it was horrible. Thank you for warning others.
Glad you're on the other side of it!
I was just started on this for nerve pain and post op surgery. 100mg 4 x per day. Gotta say it has helped with pain and surprisingly for anxiety, but I’m stopping it after seeing this. Today is day 3 on it.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
I did the same thing before and after my back surgery.. it’s been 3 years. I take 900mg 3x a day! DONT DO IT! Irs not worth it.. I promise it. My nerve pain only got worse and I’m trying to ween off and the withdrawal is horrible. Whatever you can do… try not to
It works very well, and you may be fine using it short-term. Just know the risks.
Exactly what happened to me with long term use. Sending you some healing.
@@jessismallz I've been taking 300mg x 3 a day for about 2 years, I handled isopropyl alcohol on bare skin for about 22 years, it's been a miracle for my hands but Ive gone without it for a few days and the withdrawals are very real
Try to tough it thru the day. Only take it at night an hour or so before sleep. Im on gabapentin for post chemo neuropathy. Ive stuck to only using it for sleep. I understand the dangers of increasing dosages and of sudden withdrawl.
Yes!! Thank you so much for making this video. I am tapering and have HORRIBLE body pain. I was prescribed for nerve pain from a gym injury. I noticed that it helped my depression anxiety. My doctor said it was fine to keep taking it. Now I am having these horrible withdrawals. Thank you for making this video
You're welcome!
How are you now ma'am? @nicole
@@Lian-ez8gx I am better, I'm down to only two doses and while the depression has returned a little, I am almost able to get back to the gym the way I once did
@@nicolegallagher4691 that's great ma'am. May i ask what are your withdrawal symptoms if you don't mind?..
@@nicolegallagher4691 that's great ma'am. May i ask what are your withdrawal symptoms ma'am?
To withdraw from Gabapentin I asked my doctor for lower dose capsules so I could take a slightly lower dose each dosage then when I I go to use to that I dropped one of the day time doses. Yes, for three days I felt like I was coming down with the flu. Then it got better. A week later I dropped another dose. The last dose dropped was the nighttime one, the hardest to drop. But I got off of it and do not regret it.
Great job!
I am 1800mg a day. For Fibromyalgia and neuropathy . It’s not working.
Been on it since 2014. Saw pain clinic this week and was told the truth about it.
I am day 3 into not taking it. Anxiety has already started. Headache this morning .
Seeing my Doctor here in the UK this morning to tell her .
Please send me good vibes for my withdrawal and hope.
Many Thanks Sharon xx🙏🏻🕊💫
I am scared of this drug also.
Sending all the good vibes! Can you try another med?
Hi Sharon
I understand its 6 months on but hoping you re OK. Its OK if you re not.🤗 sending you best wishes and praying you re alright.
Try Pregabalin
Gabapentin withdrawal is absolutely AGONIZING! Opioid withdrawals aren't easy either, I've withdrawn from both at different times, but compared to Gaba, opioids wasn't nearly as bad. The insomnia and the generalized anxiety parts were unbearable in Gaba withdrawal. My Gaba dosage was much higher than the opioids though, and every person reacts differently during withdrawals, so those might've been factors. I'm not ready to go off of Benzos yet, but can imagine that'll be the WORST of the worst!
Apparently benzo withdrawal is similar to gabapentin, but maybe more intense....
I am here to come back and tell you, I commented a year ago about how the symptoms weren't that bad. Well just recently, I ran out of my prescription and I went over 3 months without it, I have been feeling like I had to go on disability because the symptoms were so terrifying, but I did not put it together that it was the Gabapentin. When I tell you brain zaps, and so much more that I can't even explain in human terminology, the pain or the pain inside my mind, everything it has been terrifying, and yesterday I got my prescription back. So I took some last night as I only take it for really insomnia even though I do have sciatica from Thai boxing and getting kicked in the legs so much, this time last night I took my dose and this morning I woke up feeling like my life is back again. Now I don't know if the Gabapentin is something that actually works for me or if it's the withdrawal that's been killing me and me taking my dose again just brought me back to normal. But I am really thinking that it was from the gabapentin and it actually the withdrawals can last more than a month😮😢😢 and like you said changing brain chemistry I could not feel anything but sadness and the sadness was like a numb sadness I don't know it's so hard to describe in human terminology
The longer you take it, the worse it is to stop.
I’m living though this is exact same hell right this second. It makes you feel insane
It does, especially when people tell you that gabapentin dependency isn't a thing. Sending you lots of good energy to get through this.
Yes indeed. I am trying to come off of them and it's so hard. Cant stop shaking.
Same here! That plus bloating and nausea. Hate this
It sucks. But give it the time, and you will be OK.
@@lyndalippinpilates how much time 😔
@@taalibgrimes7834 Everyone is different.
I was doing so much... 😌Your video help me when I needed it. May our Lord reward you.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Ive only taken the drug in 2 doses so far- 200 then 300 for my shingles pain in my arm. It leaves me so dizzy and frankly doesnt touch the pain. It seems more like a distractor than a blocker. Your testimony clinches my decision now-Im not taking it further. Id rather suffer with a clear head. Thank you
For shingles it takes at least 300mg to even touch the pain. But yes, it will make you spacey, especially at first.
Sandra Studer yes agree
Came of it, had 300 mg twice a day, for shingles pain on my scalp. Came off it, guess what, I am back on it for the rest of my life. By the way, I am 83.
I'm now on day 6 off of Gabapentin and still having withdrawals symptoms. I was on a low dose for nerve pain after mastectomy. Both my Primary and my Plastic Surgeon say that I'm not having a reaction to stopping Gaba, but I seriously am. Tremors, hot skin, anxiety, severe nausea and can't sleep more than 2 hours at a time. I'm praying these side effects go away soon. I've read anywhere from 3 to 10 days.
Vonda, I had withdrawal symptoms for about 4-5 weeks. They change. After the gabapentin left my system, my muscles started spasming (it is a primary anti-seizure drug). That part lasted a few weeks. Now I am fine!
Vonda I too had a mastectomy 2004 was prescribed Gabapentin yesterday but makes me feel weird does help me from anxiety I take lunesta and mirtazpine to sleep
@@lyndalippinpilates Lynda after years of use and a cold turkey your withdrawals only lasted about 5 weeks? I'm asking because I will taper but first I have to finish my benzo taper. Thank you so much for sharing.
@@janny474 5 weeks for the initial symptoms - anxiety, feeling like things were crawling on me, no sleep, sweats. Another 6-9 for the muscle spasms/ cramping to fully go. So, about 3-4 months total.
@Matthew Sparks It's in the video - 300-1800mg per day.
I just found your video and felt the need to add my experience. In 2018 I had a hysterectomy that left me in major pain. They never figured out why but said I had sciatica with purifiers. I was place on Gabapentin (2400-3000mg) per day for close to 2 years. I did the same thing and quit cold turkey. For 6 weeks I went through hell. Every nerve, muscle, organ and bones was firing overtime. I had nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, and shaking. My husband picked up Kratom and it made the remaining 4 weeks tolerable. Without that I would have caved and gone back on the Gabapentin. I have tried explaining to family members that are taking it now and I get “well that won’t happen to me.” All I can do is share what I went through and possibly help someone to avoid the excruciating pain that I did. Thank you so much for sharing the video.
Thanks for sharing. Glad you made it through!
They don't understand. Just those who can relate that are suffering from this. They think that these symptoms are just on our minds.
I quit cold turkey, not knowing anything about withdrawal. I had been on and off of it using it "as needed" for 4 or 5 months and within that time had scary things happen like not being able to breathe from chest pain that brought me to the ER even! None of my doctors warned me about the withdrawal. I had so much pain and GI issues. I was actually diagnosed (maybe misdiagnosed!) with Lupus because I tested positive twice for high inflammation on an ANA panel. That is a BIG DEAL. My 2nd rheumatologist says that she doesn't see any active lupus now. What a fiasco! Now I am just going back on the Gabapentin so that I can find a Functional Neurologist to help me then taper very slowly. Some of my symptoms are weird compared to others, I get terrible ceaseless burping, constipation AND diarrhea and trapped gas, upper back, shoulder and left arm pain (still don't know if it is my muscles or nerve pain), emotional distress, etc etc. Weird symptoms from my nervous system freaking out. One morning I shot up from sleep because my ankles were on FIRE. burning and felt really tight and they were swollen as well. It was terrifying! Then it went away so quickly I thought I was going crazy. I also tested positive for dysautonomia with autonomic peripheral neuropathy. I had never had nerve issues in my life. I also get heart palpitations and afib that are very scary and pain and pressure in my torso and diaphragm area. So: I started back on 1200 mg a day starting just yesterday and my burping stopped altogether. Thank god! BUT, my back, shoulder, and arm pain came back concurrently! I am very confused by this. Why would I have MORE pain when I went back ON it? I am only 41 years old and I am wearing an Icy/Hot patch. A knowledgeable friend told me that I should regulate in a few days. I am not sure. This drug has caused me hell and misery.
You have a lot going on! I wish you well in your path forward.
What GI issues did you have? Did they subside?
Just happened to me …. I had a toothache and had Gabapentin so took for pain , I noticed I felt different . I felt like I was a different person I’d in a different place , I stopped because pain subsided , I kept feeling like I was detoxing . I didn’t understand until just a while ago started looking up side effects and other issues . I know this was real , I didn’t imagine this . This is crazy.
It is not fun at all. It's ridiculous
It was real. Thanks for sharing.
So not fun!
I don't understand these huge doses. I have frontal lobe epilepsy and take 100 mg a night along with .5 mg of klonopin - keeping lowest doses possible that is effective enough to eliminate majority of seizures. My mother had temporary nerve pain and was prescribed 900 mg a day! My father died, and she got a higher dose though she won't tell me how high. I'm concerned. Very concerned. Plus, I don't understand getting "high" on gabapentin. I would not take it at all if I didn't need it. But I'm watching my mother pop them a few times a day.
Oy. The doses that I'm seeing people take in these comments is concerning! And using it to mask depression or grieving is just not cool.
I took only a few low-dose for damaged mouth nerve (failed molar extraction), gained 10 pounds in one week, feel dead inside, and suicidal. No more! Anxiety, irritable, pain no better on it or off it. You sound very intelligent and clear-headed. Good luck and bless you!
Thank you. Stay well!
Hi can you update 💕
I forgot I was on it! I have tons of it left because he wrote me a 90-day. I felt better off it and had no withdrawal because it was low dose and not every day. I lost the weight in a month. However, I continue to have chronic nerve pain. The latest is severe whole body itching after a bad allergic reaction to flea bites. Once again, immediate weight gain even if I only take a few a week. I feel anxious now. Haven't felt good for nearly six months. I am eating cleaner and exercising. I really need detox off all psych meds! But medicare won't pay for that. Hope you and everyone else is doing WELL.
Thanks after 5years on 600mg pre gablin. Im 8 weeks off cold turkey. Om, it's hard been a roller coaster of symptoms, no sleep, sweaty, vomiting brain fog angry and more. Im not going back to taking it.
It will only get better from here!
you should have tapered off, not cold turkey.
I was n am taking 3 900mg for a total of 2700mg. I have a psychiatrist, a pain doctor n a Physician. Well he has been saying I have to many medications, I had said if I was taking 100 pills n it worked, whz mess with it. I seen him in the morning or maybe afternoon. I left his office n I live in assisted living n they told me he took it all away. 2700mg, no weening n boy that sucked for a whole week. I seen him again n brought it up to him n he had this fake sorry, n again that night took away my hydroxyzine, just like that. Wow he sure was sorryi got some back after seeing my other doctors. I am still suffering from that. I am depressed, I told my mom that I wanted to go jump off the Golden Gate Bridge, n if I live then I'm suppose to be here... Thank You for sharing
Good luck navigating this!
OMG you just said it felt like organs hurt and I keep feeling pains and I’m like they’ve done all these tests on me and found nothing so why am I in pain?! I accidentally did CT off of 300 mg a day for an injury bc I wasn’t made aware that you had to taper. I think it’s been a little over a week and I even lost my appetite and am having acid reflux issues, this is horror. There’s even stuff I haven’t even named, I’m so ashamed of not knowing all this would happen
Most people don't know, including the doctors who prescribe it routinely. I didn't know until I had the withdrawal symptoms. Don't feel ashamed - it's not your job to know all of this!
My doctor just prescribed this to me trying to replace tramadol for fibromyalgia. This is scary. I’m going to be having withdrawals from coming off tramadol that was not supposed to be addictive, then 8 years after being on it, it was placed on the addictive narcotic list. Thanks for sharing this video.
You are welcome! I wish you all the best.
That's exactly why I started taking gabapentin! I was taking tramadol for the fibro, and when it was changed to a narcotic, I switched to Neurontin. I don't know if you're still taking the Neurontin, but tapering is key when, or if, you decide to come off of it . I've done the cold turkey when I'd run out of it and it was worse than opiate withdrawal for me. I was on 3600mg/day for 11 years and I've been off it now for nearly 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal at all! And I was completely traumatized from previous withdrawal episodes; the thought of withdrawal was enough to give me a low-key panic attack. I even tried taking methadone before to see if that would help the withdrawal, but didn't help at all. I'm assuming it's because the gaba receptors that the gabapentin affects is separate from the receptors that opiates affect. And weed had zero effect on the withdrawal too. It was just basic weed though. Maybe some medical strength marijuana, or dabs and edibles would be more effective? But, besides God, of course, I truly believe what allowed me to come out unscathed, was having about 5 neurontin in reserve when I jumped off at 300mg. Just knowing that I had those if it got too bad and that I could taper down more if I had to, allowed me to almost trick my brain into believing it was all gonna be fine. Because the mind is a powerful thing and it can make withdrawal worse if you focus on it too much and panic. I know, because there were a couple of times before, when I knew I was about to run out of meds and panicked, and even though I'd taken my daily dose of Neurontin, my mind took over and I immediately began feeling aches, restless legs, nausea, bowel discomfort, the feeling of despair (because depression doesn't quite cover how it feels mentally), etc. Once, I calmed myself down, that all went away. But, anyways, having a few Neurontin left when you decide to leap, gives you a safety net and a piece of mind. I wholeheartedly believe that's why I was able to taper in 3 weeks from 3600mgs/day to 300mgs/day, and jumping to nothing from there, with absolutely no withdrawal. Good luck to anyone dealing with similar issues and if you need to talk, or encouragement, I'm here. You can reach me on here, or at sharnat41056@gmail.com
I stopped taking the neurontin a week ago. Was doing 300mg.
Still tapering off tramodol.25mg per month drops
I took tramadol for a whole month :/ and honestly gaba scares me more than tramadol ..I don't know why they changed tramadol as well ..sometimes I think it's political stuff 🤔
I just got off Gabapentin after being on four 800 mg. Tablets per day for the past 15 years. It took almost 5 months cutting the dosage by 400 mg every couple of weeks. I had a few light symptoms but nothing close to what I experienced the last time I tried to go off it!
Update?
It’s been six months and I definitely feel better! I still have anxiety and depression; but the absence of the Gabapentin has not really made a difference in those issues....which proves I should never have been on it in the first place. I’m on Clonopin and Seroquel for sleep and Effexor in the morning. Plus I’m beginning talk therapy this week for a few weeks which should help. Ironically it probably helped that we were quarantined for as long as we were. It helped minimize any disruptions by not being around a lot of people while I was going thru withdrawals!
I had the same experience! Pain was not worse.
@@kennakempton4029wow klonipin is even worst coming off of than gabapettin watch it’s definitely hard coming off benzos.
Gabapentin is an umbrella drug. I was prescribed 1200mg 3x from psychiatrist for anxiety. After 5 years, stopping is a nightmare. Tried to stop. cold turkey but body hurt . I am now going to taper.
Taper! Cold turkey doesn't work with this drug.
I've been on so many drugs throughout the years. I don't think any of them have really helped me. They've all come with nasty side effects or withdrawal effects. That has sometimes lingered for years afterwards. Next time I'm put on some drugs, I will research it beforehand and first try a more natural way of getting help or relief. I'm really tired of all the shit I've gone through, and am going through right now because of drugs!
Yes! And it's even worse when they tell you it's safe and everything's fine.
Ty...u are 100% right..they dont give us all the info. It is a terrible withdrawl. Ty for this vid!! Tytyty
Thanks for watching.
I will be doing the same things your doing, I feel everyone should know how dangerous this medicine is.
If you feel like me and think their is medical negligence involved, ask about your patient rights. Thank you soooo much for justification on this. 💕
Yes, people need to know. It's definitely useful for many things, but long-term use has a cost that few doctors are willing to discuss.
My husband has been taking 2700mg a day for about 2 years. He's noticed memory loss, shortness of breath and honestly it doesnt even fix the original problem which was restless leg syndrome. I've been trying to get his doctors to recommend something else and no one seems to want to try anything. Its so frustrating. He's been off of it for about a week now just because he ran out and insurance is giving us a hard time. I'm fairly certain he's going thru withdrawal right now but I had no idea that was a thing until your video. I'm hoping to find him something else asap.
Withdrawal is definitely a thing! And I was on 1/3 or less of his dose. Note that the other things out there are generally as bad. I manage my pain more through meditation and exercise now, as well as eating better. When it gets bad, I can manage now on 2 tylenol with 1 naproxyn.
I've been on gabapentin since Jan 2015. Prescribed for nerve pain. I was given 900mg per day, this was increased one year later to 1800mg per day... doctors never did further investigation. It heavily suppressed my appetite and was putting my mood up and down, advised specialist and doctor of this and they didn't do anything. So in September 2018 I decided to try slow wean, wasn't successful.
May 2019 again tried to no avail. I waited until October 2019 for a pain doctor to tell me I had to go down by 100mg per week. Why my own doctor couldn't have suffered this. . I don't know.. anyways fast forward to today and I have 7 days left to go on Gabapentin.
It has been the worst years of my life, I feel cheated by the doctors for not supporting me properly, lack of information and insight. If I hadn't decided to stop they would still have me take them. I've not had a nerve pain attack in a long time, I have aches and pains yes but my dosage was COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY.
I'm in uk and we have the NHS so I didn't have to pay. Feel like I was just sucked into the big pharma circle of keeping people on meds.
Please if anyone reads this, don't be stupid like I was and have faith in your doctor too much. It's a nasty drug with terrible withdrawal effects. Diarrhoea, vomiting, insomnia, soreness, sweats, irritability, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation. I also find it very hard to eat normally and I'm scared of the future but, I know it's the best thing I could do.
Thanks for highlighting what you went through, it's invaluable information I wish I had done this years ago. Peace xx
@@talesfromthescrypt Glad you are finally coming off. Just a nasty drug that is being used far too much.
Look up Dr Berg for RLS he's on TH-cam
old comment but...restless legs... high dose magnesium. mixed types. you get the runs if you take too much is all
This is the worst, I abused on the street to enhance my dope usage or curb the withdrawal when I couldn’t pick up. Went to treatment and tried to get clean off everything cold turkey. Gave in on day 5 and took my prescribed gaba then worked with the faculty to wean down. Jumping from 100mg 3 times a day is still not ideal. So aggravating when other patients in rehab told me gaba doesn’t cause WD. It 100% does.
I actually had someone say that my dose was inconsequential. Really? I agree, even coming off of a lower dose taken regularly is tough. It's a nasty drug.
IMO, it's worse than coming off Methadone, Suboxone, and Oxycodone!
I went down to 100mg, last night; high of 900mg, 11 years ago. I started taking it for fibromyalgia and insomnia, but I don't feel I have fibromyalgia. I've been wanting to get off of it for a few years, but I've been scared I won't sleep. Well, I did sleep last night, but it wasn't a very deep sleep. I only woke up once, for a few seconds, and back to sleep I went. I could tell my brain was overthinking and wanting another pill. I know if I make myself tired enough, I will eventually get a good nights sleep on the lower dose, and hope to get off of it in a week or two for good. I think Gabapentin has caused other health issues that I never had before I started it.
I wish you all the best in your continued tapering.
@@lyndalippinpilates Thank you. I have been off all medications for a little over a month. It took 3 days to fix my sleep, and I can fall asleep in a heartbeat. All I do now, is taking vitamins.
@Sonic light Years I started taking mineral salts (magnesium phosphates, sodium phosphates, calcium phosphate, ferrum phosphate, and potassium phosphate). Brand I used is Jackson' mineral salts. I started taking 10 pellets each, and now, take 5 pellets each. I, also, take magnesium glycinate and vitamin D at night. Make sure you don't have cortisol problems, because high cortisol can cause insomnia; saliva cortisol is the best test. Slow breathing and telling my brain to stop talking is another technic used. Got off all pharm meds in 18 days.
I took it for about 7 months. I thought I tapered off for 2 weeks, but then got classic withdrawal symptoms of terrible flu like symptoms for two days. Vomiting and the runs, as I recall. 2 very rough days. Low dose. 300 two times a day. I still have a bottle and a half.....2 years later!
I finally threw mine away!
In 5 days i began to feel better. But the secret to defeating paws, is when you feel better, take a low low dose once in a while not every day. Maybe twice a week and it will help your symptoms disappear dramatically
Makes sense, but I just decided to soldier through!
@@lyndalippinpilates oh yeah ive done it with opiates sheesh it was hell lol and Benzos simultaneously (. But the benzo was only short-term to try to get over the opioid withdrawal) but whoaaaaa. Talk about hell! I actually used gabapentin to ease the withdrawal lol that's when i ended up taking it daily for sleep.
Ty for this video ! I have experienced the exact same ! Bathroom issues and body bone aches still 7 days later : anxiety like crazy
How long did your withdrawal symptoms last?
@@ilovecats4208has yours gone away I’m having withdrawal symptoms too
2-3 months (8-12 weeks)
Rene, how u feeling now?
mine been 4 weeks
i take 2x100 mg at night to help me sleep with some hips pain issues. tonight is night #1 of 1x100 mg. i'll be going to .5x100 in another week for a week. hopefully i get no real issues. i believe that tapering off is a better way to go for me. i also believe that stopping any meds needs to be under the supervision of your pcp.
I agree, but note that most physicians say there's no withdrawal from gabapentin.
I was prescribed Lyrica daily by a neurologist - it made me gain 30 lbs, made me unable to heal from sores and bug bites, and made the pain worse... I was on it for a year .. for migraines... getting off it was absolutely horrific and what I would imagine coming off Heroin to be like - weeks of jitters, sleepless, diarrhea, anxiety, nausea and not enough energy to get off the couch... it took weeks to feel normal. I am absolutely terrified of Lyrica too and would never recommend it as a first choice to anyone ....
Same family of meds....
I’m glad your off of it. I was on it for 12 years. 1800 mg every 4 hours. It was an horrible trap I am now out of.
If you can get through the first 10 days you are home free.
Exactly! Glad you're OK.
7200mg a day? Thats a massive amount. I get hand tremors from 3-4g a day.
@@JT-di3bl yes it was crazy. I had terrible muscle pain, cramping and shortness of breath from it. I walked like a 90 year old man. My memory was terrible and I forgot everything. I had swelling in my legs all the time and edema. There was always a rash on my legs and arms.
Since I’ve been off it all those symptoms have subsided. People need to know how bad this drug really is.
@thequietearthgarden4790 Glad to hear you got off of it. I dont take it daily, but as needed, so stopping isnt too bad as far as withdrawals go so im pretty lucky there. After reading everyones experiences, ive realized I am experiencing side effects of blurred vision, weight gain, joint pain, and memory issues as well, and will be completely cutting it out.
I was on gabapentin for 3 months after lung cancer surgery. While I was on it, I never felt that it was doing anything which possibly meant it was working to reduce nerve pain??? When it was time to come off it, I weaned myself from it like the directions said and no problem.
Great!
I took the gabapentin for a few weeks this year. But I was having panic attacks and feeling whoozy and out of it so I stopped. And my family encouraged me to stop. but maybe based on what you said I guess I made the right decision?
Sounds like you did!
Thank you for sharing.
I have reduced a medication (Effector SSRI) I have been on for years with no side effects. I have reduced the dosage in half.
The withdrawals are wicked!
Effexor is not "addictive" in a technical sense. Doctors don't tell you how bad the withdrawals will be if/when you try to go off them.
Truth!
it's a pretty similar to coming off opiates, bit less severe and intence. Pregablin withdrawal is way worse. A high dose benzodiazepine taper will really help with gabapentanoid withdrawal
Now we know, but when I made this video they were still saying there was no problem.
I'd rather come off of fent again
Thanks for sharing. I'm currently taking 2700mg daily for my MS nerve pain but originally started taking it for restless legs syndrome.
It's been maybe 10yrs now and am petrified to stop.
Cheers.
Matt
If it's working for you, take it. MS is no joke and the symptoms are what gaba drugs can help.
I stopped a month ago and I still hurt all over. I will never take it again
I flushed mine!
My dose is 100 mg gabapentin, and since I had a terrible experience with Lyrica, I am on the fence. It's for insomnia from chronic pain. Now, I'm thinking I should not start it. I've always had medication sensitivities. Thank you for sharing your experience.
You're welcome! If it works for you and improves your sleep, take it. Just know that you will need to taper off.
I have the same problem, I cannot stop taking this medication and I am a recovering addict from opioids and bento’s and the withdrawals of this medication were worse then coming off both of these
Yes, it's horrible for those of us to generally aren't addicts - I can't imagine how painful it is to be told a drug isn't addictive, and then go through a shitty withdrawal.
I am going through it right now and It is pure hell
Me too
It's amazing that doctors generally still deny that there is any issue.
@@lyndalippinpilates I think they actually know there s a terrible issue Lynda but they re gaslighting people? Amazing how well you ve done.
Thank you so much I really do appreciate it I have been on gabapentin to but I am weaning myself off and yes this is true you do go through a lot by the grace of God I will be off it totally thank you so much
Weaning is definitely the way to go, especially if you are legitimately experiencing pain.
Thanks linda. Ive been on it off label for years. About same amt as you were. 3 days off and feel edgy, distorted emotions, achey, after 7 years it time to be done. Its probably caused depression too.
Just know that the full process takes about 3 months, so be patient with yourself.
Hi ☺️. I’ve been on Gabapentin for 10 years due to my Trigeminal Neuralgia. Where I mainly struggle with it is loss of concentration and forgetfulness. My husband or my kids may talk to me about something and 2 or 3 days down the road the conversation will come up again and I remember nothing. I’ll argue with them because I don’t remember ever talking to them about it. My script is 800mg 3 times a day. My body can’t handle 3 times a day cuz I feel like Alice in Wonderland so I only take it twice a day and it definitely helps with the pain but I’m 45 and feel I’ll be senial in the next 5 years. Have you had the same with Gabapentin by any chance? I’m really scared. God bless 🙏🏻and Good Luck. The hardest days are probably over and you are going to do GREAT! It takes strength and you’ve got it💪.
It does make many people loopy. A client of mine had surgery for trigeminal neuralgia and did well.
Yes indeed, I experience same exact thing. My family or husband will tell me about something or we will watch a movie and I will swear and know I didn’t hear the story or see the movie! I can sit through the entire movie like it’s the first time seeing it and we will fight because I swear I didn’t see it!
I actually thought I was dying , when i came off it 3 weeks ago , I'm back on it again just to regulate, then going to wean off slowly , bit I seriously didn't know what was wrong with me, worst feeling ever 😔
Yes, weaning is the way!
Did you successfully quit? I’m starting to
@@brandewynne3443 I did! Wondering about others who have commented.
Same with me, lulee. I came off of it cold turkey recently, not knowing the danger of withdrawal. Just went back on it. Learning everything I know through FB groups. No one warned me. Read my comment above. How are you doing 1 year later? Did you manage to get off of it? Do you feel better yet?
@@owlopal3378Update? How are you doing a year later? I quit Gabapentin 1600mg/day cold turkey a couple weeks ago and the past week has been hell!
I have been prescribed neurontin for my spinal chord injury pain.I stopped to take it (1800 mg/day) just to see what will happen. Im at day 5 and NOTHING happened, I mean ZERO withdrawal.I also did not stop drinking my 2 pints of quality beer every night.
Awesome! We all have different responses.
I'm sure everybody has a different reactions than others on Gabapentin...I been on this medication for 4 years taking 100MG 1 time a day or as needed....I have Peripheral neuropathy and it has makes me feel a lot better taking this than anything else...I have had no side effects...It's a good thing I don't need more than that dose...Good luck in the future....
I would still be careful if you decide to stop taking it completely.
I take 100 mg at night for frontal lobe epilepsy and nerve pain, so I don't understand why all these people are being given such high dose prescriptions.
I wish you would have done a follow up video to let us know if you got through the withdrawal. I am assuming you did well because you look amazing in you current videos. I am no trying to slowly taper off and this week has been the worst. Feeling like I have the flu!
I totally did! I haven't taken any since. And, it turns out that my nerve pain wasn't as bad as I thought - I was having a lot of gabapentin rebound pain. Thanks for asking!
Im starting my 3rd week of cold turkey gabapentin withdrawals after being on it for only 3 months. Severe anxiety and insomnia, restless legs and hot flashes. Yesterday was the first day my body felt like it was changing for the better than the night came and it was the worst night I had. You feel like this is going to be never ending
So not fun
I’ve been on neurontin since I’ve been 15 I’m 35 my dr pain dr has taken me off 800mg 3x day I’m having withdrawals lots of sweating, anxiety, trouble breathing, coughing .
Yes, it absolutely sucks. But after, you will have an actual idea of how you really feel. Much of my pain after a while was actually neurontin withdrawal. Now I can manage with literally one naproxyn and two extra strength tylenol.
Update?
Last year I was prescribed to take Gabapentin or Lyrica for my chronic pain from a movement disorder called cervical dystonia with some advice from a pharmacist. I still haven't gotten either of these med's. Did not like the side effects of them (one being suicide attempts!). I don't think I ever will take either one of them especially after hearing this story and others. Thanks for posting this. Hope all is well with you now.
Thank you!
when going through withdrawals do they come and go in waves? And does it make it hard to walk like you’re severely dizzy and wanting to throw up? My boyfriends body just dropped when he was trying to get into my car and I’m concerned
Everyone has a slightly different experience. Yes to the waves. I managed to go to work, because I needed to get paid.
I stopped taking pregabalin (the newer gabapentin) 5 years ago in 2 weeks time and I am still suffering from withdrawals and akathisia, which is horrific but it is slowly improving.
I hope you are all better now.
Hi. How long does your withdrawal last?
It takes so long....
@@lyndalippinpilates how long does it last ma'am?..
@@lyndalippinpilates have you experienced eye fatigue?..
MY doctor want me to try this for pain in hopes to bring down my opiate medication. From what you saying it not a good idea .Thanks for the info . Hope you feel better soon
There will be withdrawal either way.
I'm 6 months late but still it should be noted gabapentin withdrawals dont come close to opioid withdrawals especially in the higher doses opioids are worse same for benzodiazepines
I’ve been on and off neurontin since 2006. The withdrawals from gabapentin are very difficult and nothing worked worked that well for withdrawing. Benzos helped with some symptoms but it’s still very hard getting off of it.
It’s even worse if you’re abusing it and running out early. I stopped for a few weeks and still didn’t feel totally back to normal so I started again.
The drug the eliminated all the withdrawals and the anxiety caused by not having it when I’d run out or take it enough is…….lamictal or Lamotrigine.
I no longer need it unless I want it.
Lamictal will eliminate the need to seek it out or take high doses. There may be some anxiety but if you’re trying to get off gabapentin, get prescribed Lamotrigine and wean off fast so your body doesn’t get used to taking both. If that happens it okay, it just means that your body will be more sensitive to feeling some of the gabapentin withdrawal as opposed to almost zero.
Glad you found something that helped you!
Currently going through brain shocks from gabapentin rebound. Horrible feeling.
They are called brain zaps. I got those from antidepressants. They felt frightening to me and they happened 50 times per day. Just horrible.
Hope you are feeling better.
@@MICKEYISLOWD what are brain zaps? please describe.
It's not that you are (where) getting Gabapentin out of your nervous system, it's your nervous system having to change itself back to normal. To make wiring and chemical adjustments. Gabapentin has a half life of 7 hours. So chemically it should be out of your system in 24 hours. I had a severe withdrawal off Lorazapam a benzo that took 6 months. Years later I'm still having major issues.
Thanks for the clarification. If physicians would just be clear that there are severe side effects to sudden stoppage of gabapentin, it would be easier to discuss. Instead, so many insist that there are absolutely no issues.
I... Well let's just say my doctor gives me 300, 600 and 800 mg at the same time. I am not sure if he even notices or just don't care. I get 90 of each and take all within 2 weeks. I am on day two and can not fucking stand it. I went into rehab for heroin and came out doing this.... I think about using dope to help with the withdrawls but dont and mainly cause I am on the vivatrol shot. In my opinion heroin wothdrawl never hurt me this much. I got a new job and my start day was 2 days ago and I never even went... Never even called. This really is hell. I do not smoke weed and I tried to smoke because I could not handle it but I just feel high and insanely sick.
If I were you, I would find a new doctor and try some supported way to taper off. You have to actually want to stop using, and using a physician who prescribes you that much gabapentin over such short periods is just not helpful.
Thanks for the reply, turns out I have the flu too so it is super bad. I really can not get a new doc cause transportation and trust me I wanna stop.... It is the worst withdrawl I've ever had and I am a recovering junkie. I pray you're doing so much better. I am thinking of calling my doctor today and seeing if he can call in the 100mg but idk cause I've already had 3 dif mgs within two and a half weeks.
I sucked it up and now am fine. It has been a few months now. And the flu will certainly make things worse! Have you asked your doctor if he can offer any more support through your taper? Like maybe only refilling a lower dose so you don't have them all? I hope you start feeling better soon. I think that is all advice I can give you.
@@nanashi7287 I don't know if you're still taking the Neurontin, but tapering is key. I've done the cold turkey when I'd run out of it and it was worse than opiate withdrawal for me. I was on 3600mg/day for 11 years and I've been off it now for nearly 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal at all! And I was completely traumatized from previous withdrawal episodes; the thought of withdrawal was enough to give me a low-key panic attack. I even tried taking methadone before to see if that would help the withdrawal, but didn't help at all. I'm assuming it's because the gaba receptors that the gabapentin affects is separate from the receptors that opiates affect. And weed had zero effect on the withdrawal too. It was just basic weed though. Maybe some medical strength marijuana, or dabs and edibles would be more effective? But, besides God, of course, I truly believe what allowed me to come out unscathed, was having about 5 neurontin in reserve when I jumped off at 300mg. Just knowing that I had those if it got too bad and that I could taper down more if I had to, allowed me to almost trick my brain into believing it was all gonna be fine. Because the mind is a powerful thing and it can make withdrawal worse if you focus on it too much and panic. I know, because there were a couple of times before, when I knew I was about to run out of meds and panicked, and even though I'd taken my daily dose of Neurontin, my mind took over and I immediately began feeling aches, restless legs, nausea, bowel discomfort, the feeling of despair (because depression doesn't quite cover how it feels mentally), etc. Once, I calmed myself down, that all went away. But, anyways, having a few Neurontin left when you decide to leap, gives you a safety net and a piece of mind. I wholeheartedly believe that's why I was able to taper in 3 weeks from 3600mgs/day to 300mgs/day, and jumping to nothing from there, with absolutely no withdrawal. Good luck to anyone dealing with similar issues and if you need to talk, or encouragement, I'm here. You can reach me on here, or at sharnat41056@gmail.com
I’m gonna stick to ibuprofin
I use tylenol + aleve
I take Gabapentin for hot flashes and have been tapering off by 300mg every 8 to 10 weeks. My doctor told me to go very slow, and I haven't experienced any withdrawal symptoms. Only a slight increase in hot flashes, but it's manageable. I'm down to my last 300mg now, and it's taken me months to get here. It's worth the wait.
Good for you! Glad you have a doctor sensitive to this.
I went without for a week picked up script late due to none in stock but I could have transfered buts it's 18miles away so intook my chances and just hoped they were in the next day.holy crap I took it today and all the withdrawlswent away .I am so mad right now
That moment when you realize the physical addiction is real! I refuse to take it again. Some days, like today, the nerve pain is real. I just took an Epsom salt bath, and Tylenol with some naproxyn.
I took gabapentin for three years after my back surgery and and diabetic neuropathy. It did absolutely nothing except making me tired and it didn’t get rid of pain or my tingling and numbness in my feet.
Just done my detox, was very unpleasant to say the least! Couldn't sleep, bad tempered, skin itching, felt sick but on the upside its over now and I lost some weight 🤣
Congratulations!
@Xox Xer Update time.. well I'm unsure on my above comment as since then I have been diagnosed with serious kidney disease which has alot of the symptoms mentioned above.
I got fed up with gabapentin because for such a high dose I felt little relief from the pain.. pain became widespread throughout my body .. dr switched me to lyrica and it’s working far better . With far less side effects.. on gabapentin I felt depressed and didn’t want to do anything.. my mind felt muddled… feeling less pain and my brain feels more aware, more energy, less need for naps.. hoping this continues to work .. cause the side effects of gabapentin were just too much
Hot flashes and cold hands. My skin feels like it's on fire. I gave in it's day 3. Jesus this withdrawal sucks. And I been taking it since 2008. Little late now 😃 but I got put on a higher dose to replace my Klonopin and I can't lie, it works very well for anxiety. And as a mood stabilizer. I am on 4 psyche pills, but now only take gabapentin for my psyche meds. But I started on it in 2008 after shingles and carpal tunnel syndrome.
So, if you're taking it to help with anything psychiatric, I wouldn't touch it without talking to your doctor. You need to be on something, and all of the meds involved will have issues. For you, gabapentin may be exactly what you need.
@@lyndalippinpilates I been on it since 2008. For neuropathy. Originally.
❤ thank you for this🙏 I'm doing a detox from being on this drug for about 8 yrs. It's extremely hellish.
Basically was being given for the exact same condition you're having and I've noticed major changes in my general health that have made me decide to stop taking.. my dose was 1600mg 3x a day. The sleepiness is the worst. I think 😊 eventually I'll feel better and understand my body again if I just get completely off this drug and stay off. Thank you for your video
You're welcome! Be patient and carefully ween off.
Thank you for sharing. Are u doing better. 💖 I really pray your off of that SHIT
I am! Thanks
Thanks for sharing the experience. I m also suffering with the same where I lowered the dose and then withdrew and suffering for last one week.
I hope you're feeling better.
Off Gabapentin for almost 3 weeks. Still feel unease and anxiety/ depression. WHEN WILL I FEEL 100% AGAIN. I was on it for a short amount of time 2 weeks. 600-900MG daily total. Advice PLEASE...
I had a shortness of breath after a couple weeks of 300mg x 3. Then i had a panic attack, which ive never had or ever had anxiety in my life. That led to heart palpitations, muscle spasm/ zaps, insomnia, fear, terrible thoughts. That subsided after 5 days and I began to feel a little better i can sleep etc. was taking CALM Magnesium to get thru it. But it has been a few weeks and things feels off. When i scratch my arm it feels lighter to the touch. To the point where i cant feel things as much. Neurologist tested my response to everything and it all worked. But i still feel some anxiety/ depression and bad thoughts that kind of haunt me and its been a few weeks. I don’t feel like myself and im scared. I really want my life back from before gabapentin. Any advice? Anything i should take? Or is my body at a deficit from anything? Im done with the med forever i just need help. Side effects/ withdrawal was absolutely the worst days of my life. Really just want to feel like myself and be happy again. -Thank you
The withdrawal can take up to a few months, so just know that you aren't going to feel like yourself for a while. It will get better!
@@lyndalippinpilates thank you, Everything will be fine right? I will eventually feel the same as i did before the medication? Just the uncertainty has haunted me.
@@lyndalippinpilates also i notched things spiked and crashed me once i took one 300mg gabapentin with a 5mg Cialis. Maybe because one is a stimulant and the other is the opposite...
@@theSTEWiiiE Of course you will, but it will take a while. It took several months for me, but now I am fine.
@@lyndalippinpilates thats great. I appreciate the info.. did you have numbness all over your body? Not extremely numb just lighter feeling all over? That’s something that bothers me
Makes my eye scratchy as hell and skin crawls too when I stop. Mood goes down the tube too
The skin crawl is not fun! But it does go away.
I have been on it for 15 years. I am supposed to take 800 mg. 3 × per day, but I only let myself take 800 mg. 1 × per day. I used to take the 2,400 mg. per day, but I stopped on my own. They put me on it for nore than one reason: 1)Nerve Damage from Shingles, Frostbite, and in my back 2) Epilepsy 3) Mood Disorder 3 Previous Alcoholic (I have been Sober for 5 Years, 3 Months, 1 Week, and 5 Days). I ran out of Gabapentin 2 days ago, not thinking it woyld be a big deal. Today, beneath my left eye is swollen, I have had the worst headache, and I cannot stop sweating. I really hope I do not staet having Siezures, because I have Epilepsy, due to a Traumatic Brain Injury, that I sustained 10 years ago. I am on Keppra and Depakote for my Siezures as well, so I really hope this prevents that from happeneing until I can get in touch with my Doctor tomorrow. I think I have an extra bottle put up in a storage tote in an extra bedroom, but the tote is too heavy and too high up for me to lift with my spinal problems. I tried to tell my Husband to go look for me, but ge is mad at me for no reason. He is literally mad, because I have health problems and he does not...he works, and I am going to go back to college when I get a little better. Seriously, Dude, I would trade you any day of the week. Do you think I like being sick in bed everyday. He is acting like he is asleep, and he is not, when I am sitting here telling him that I could go into a Siezure. That is abuse. I just want to taper off of this stuff safely. If I get it refilled tomorrow, and I do not feel worse than what I do now, I am not even going to take it. I am just going to straight-up get this poison out of my system. I heard this stuff is really harsh on the Kidneys as well. Oh, and I have also been on Suboxone for 6 months. I am sure that is going to make this way worse. I am about to tell the Doctor that I want off of that as well. I only started taking it to help with withdrawals off of Oxycodone and Morphine, and Suboxone definately does not help my pain level, so there is no reason to take it. I am going to taper off of it though, because I hear that Suboxone withdrawal is worse than Opiate withdrawal. I can't win for losing. The people that invented these medicines should be ashamed. It is all about Big Pharma and their stupid money.
So many meds! I hope you're feeling better.
Thank you so much I have neuropathy, they put me on it... I've been on it for 2 years with the worst drug ever invented. I'm day 2 in my head is all over the place. Thanks for sharing
It will get better!
my dog is on gabapentin ( against my better judgement) because he is getting nerve zaps from metastatic anal gland cancer. he jumps up and looks at his back end and it is so awful -- he looks at me like i shocked him. not concerned about withdrawal at the moment as he will likely not survive to that point
My dog has also taken it for pain. It worked well!
Been on it for years for neuropathy, pain increased. now I have numbness increased tingling everything hurts an the doctors just look at you. My leg were swelling mood changes anxiety ad panicked increased. So after doing research this stuffs got to go! I asked my dr about this and not wanting to take statins . She prescribed me Something else not a statin. I asked if it would effect my liver due liver disease. She said no problem got home and first thing I’m seeing is warning don’t take if you have liver or kidney issues! They are out to kill us.
I have the same issues with statins and an enlarged liver, so I'm with you!
I have been labeled non compliant.
@@lyndalippinpilates forgot, I was on 2400 a day now for years. Symptoms getting worse, anxiety bad not sleeping and liver damage I don’t drink.
you are courgous lady. conratulation. and also thanks to send a message of courage
Thanks!
Gabapentin has destroyed my life. It killed my one and only true counselor. She wrote a book about Gabapentin. I miss her dearly
My life has changed for the worse I could tell you what happened but I the story is very painful and a long story about what it has done to me.
It's a shitty drug.
It's a nightmare!!! I started using for nerve pain then because it's an umbrella drug and helps also with anxiety and panic attacks. I was then "prescribed " 1200mg 3x per day 3600mg . I tried to stop. Withdrawal is a nightmare. My body aches. Sweats. Now I am tapering off.
It's so hard! Sending you lots of support.
I've been on Gabapentin for 5 years. Not one blood draw to check kidney/ liver function..
I was taking 300 mg 2 times a day for many weeks. Then I now take 300 mg before bed and have done that for about a month. I have stopped the bedtime capsule last night and I had a rough night. I could not sleep, seems I was all wound up and couldn't relax. I would sleep for a brief time then wake up again. My muscles hurt in my legs. I was prescribed Gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy, not related to diabetes. Now I am thinking of stopping it all together. Being on 300 mg once a day, my withdrawals shouldn't last long. What do you think Lynda?
As I am not a medical professional, I cannot give you a good answer. I still have nerve pain on occasion, but I am OK with that. Since you haven't been on it for years, like I was, your withdrawal may not be as bad.
The higher the dose you take regulary the more severe the withdrawal. Wean down at lower doses.
Indeed!
I'm getting weaned off them next month. I've taken them for 23 years for epilepsy I believe they made me psychotic in 2012 I was having tactile hallucinations you get them from drug abuse the only drug I was taking was neurontin! Apart from smoking i was clean living!
Were you able to stop?
@@lyndalippinpilates not completely they are reducing me as they have nothing to replace them
@@philuin9594 That's the problem.
I have been dropped off not tapered they reduced me by 400mg. I had massive panic attacks and was going cold shivering. I took 5mg of valium a day for 4 days the attacks have stopped still get cold and bead with sweat but not burning up. I been put on valium when needed and an ssri!
@@philuin9594 Slowly, but surely! Congratulations on your progress.
I had horrible dizziness. I was prescribed something (can't think of the name right now) and it really helped. I am very sensitive. I was on 100mg/day.
Edit: I think it's Meclizine.
Glad you made it through!
Thank you. This meant a lot to me.
You're welcome!
What I read said the dizziness would subside after a couple weeks. Mine never did.
Everyone reacts differently....
I ran out of my gabbapentin and after 4 days , I could not function. My bones n nerves were killing me. My doctor said it was a safe drug too. 600 mg a day.
That was my experience! I elected to not take it anymore, be miserable for a while, and come out the other side.