I was on 1200mg 3x/day plus opioid, muscle relaxers, & more. I decided I wanted off of it all. It took me 3 years. The last dose of 400mg at night was the hardest bc I like my sleep! I did it before I asked my dr for 100s. Yes, i had side effects for a couple weeks, but I dont regret it. I'd been on tons of meds for 23 years (degenerative disk disease + pain, neuropathy, numbness, and such that associated with it. My body has learned to adapt to not having the meds. I've been off for about 6mo now. My doctor kinda freaked out. After all these years my brain is finally starting to feel normal. It's been 5y since I quit antidepressants and that took 4 years for my brain to start feeling better. I dont think there are any good meds anymore. I'm 55. Yes, I still have pain, numbness, etc, but if it gets ridiculous i can take an aspirin (one to start with). Meds aren't controlling me anymore! Hubby has started stepping down his gbp recently. Good whole food & nutrients are better than big Pharma. God is a big help!
Incredible resiliency. I commend you. I’ve been taking Gabapentin for the past 4 years due to horrible neuropathy stemming from a spinal cord injury. It’s been a life-saver in terms of pain, but a month ago it stopped working suddenly. Looks like my body built up a tolerance to it after 4 years. Anyways I switched medications a week and a half ago and stopped taking Gabapentin cold Turkey. BIG mistake. After a week, I started feeling horrible withdrawal symptoms. Like fogginess, deep depression, sadness, existential dread, suicidal thoughts, etc. The past 3-4 days have been hell. Got back on Gabapentin yesterday and now hoping my brain starts to level out soon. What a nightmare this drug is! Feel like a prisoner trapped in my own body. Ugh.
@@bballer191 totally understand! My spine is a wreck on film. Taper down slowly. Get your pill dosage reduced (I finally reduced to 100mg pills) so you can control it. You can do it and be better off without it!
Many years ago I was put on this for pain. The side effects crept up so slowly, neither I nor my physician attributed certain symptoms to it, until weeks after discontinuation. Discontinuation was indeed absolutely horrible. Over the years I was on it, my insurance would randomly stop paying for it and we'd have to go through days even weeks of getting back on it, in which I was incredibly sick the whole time. The last time was the last time, I wasn't going to keep going through that! I'm glad tapering is being recognized as important, my hope is the insurance companies will get that message.
Gabapentin really works for me, and I cannot live without it. I have severe neuropathy that is only eased by Gabapentin (I have tried other medications). I have experienced no side effects from it and have never been tempted to add opioids to the mix. Gabapentin still works for me after several years of use. I thank God for this medication.
@@shatteredanis1592 I more than tried that drug and it did not help me . I cannot speak for others but it not only had bad side effects on my cognitive skills, personality, and sense of motivation; it actually did lead to my use of other drugs. Thank God I am free from all of that now and would never go back into what for me (i cannot speak for others), was a pleasurable but deceptive and life-destroying trap that did nothing for my neuropathy.
@@shatteredanis1592 Tried it extensively and not only did it not help, it caused side effects (cognitive and psychological) and did lead to my use of other drugs that I no longer use. For me this was a pleasurable trap that I would never go back to. My life is so much better without marijuana! That was my experience and I cannot speak for others.
@@shatteredanis1592 I did so at length. It was pleasurable but caused cognitive and psychological side effects. It also lead to other drugs I am now glad to be free from. My life is much better without it!
I was put on gabapentin to "take care of back pain". However, my memory became foggy, I had no relief from pain & the written material that came with the meds did not refer to the difficulties that appeared to start when I began the med. I'm a prof, so I began to review studies of gabapentin, and decided to taper off. The troubles that started with gabapentin faded away over time. Thanks for your presentations on this drug!!
Been taking this for years and have problems with my train of thought in the middle of sentences and know a word i want to use, but cant come up with it! Short term memory is horrible, also. Gabapentin!!! That's it. Im tapering starting tomorrow. Glad I stumbled on you. God brought me to you!!!
I weaned myself from ambien starting in May {went from 5 mg to 2.5 mg as needed} I started to wean off Gabapentin by skipping a dose at night {I took 100 mg at bedtime for R foot pain}. The last 2 weeks I have not taken either ambien or Gabapentin! I am over 65 and it was my goal to get off these meds. I think that stress played a huge factor in my sleep and pain. So the last 2 weeks I have started taking a 25 mg delta 8 gummy, but also cutting the gummy in half. I am sleeping and having no pain in the foot! I love it so far.
For 17 years, as a C4 quadriplegic, I maintained a daily dosage of 1700 mg of medication. This regimen consisted of 400 mg taken four times throughout the day, with an additional 100 mg at night. Over the course of four months, I gradually decreased my dosage by 100 mg each week, ultimately discontinuing the medication. Originally prescribed to alleviate neurological pain, I now observe that my pain remains unchanged, neither worsening nor improving, in its absence. Reflecting on this experience, I've come to recognize a tendency among doctors to readily prescribe medication without thorough consideration.
@@matchpoint14 I tapered off gabapentin very slowly. I don't think I felt any withdrawal. Reducing the dose by only 100 mg a week seemed to work for me. It has been nearly 8 months, and I feel fine without the medication.
@@TimSaundersC4I'm glad that you feel better. You're supposed to though reduce your dose by ten percent & hold it for a month each month that you are tapering.
Hello Dr. Sullivan and felliw viewers, I am a 66 yesr old woman diagnosed with Migraine in 2021. I just began listening to your videos, which I stumbled upon. First, I would like to say thank you! I find your information and opinions to be honest, factual and helpful. I am a migraine sufferer, so clearly Gabapentin was prescribed off label for me. I expressed my goal to eventually get off of it when it was prescribed as I do not like taking meds unless I absolutely have to. Almost 2 years later, I have begun the taper. I was taking a total of 1200 per day. I am now taking 900 per day which my Neurologist wants me to do for a month. I believe the plan after that will be 600 mgs per day for a month and then 300 mgs a day for a month. I pray I am successful with ghus taper and ultimately bring free from taking this drug. I wish everyone success and a state well being whether getting off or staying on. Be well everyone!
I’m 52 and have had migraines since I was about 10 years old. They became more severe and frequent as I aged. By my mid- 40s, I was having migraines nearly every day. I’d really only have a maximum of 3-4 days a month without them. I started on a high dose of multiple types of magnesium, and while things improved, the migraines were still terrible. I ended up on a dose of 800 mg of magnesium citrate and 100 mg of vitamin B-2. I’ve been on the same dose for around 5 years and I now only get migraines 3-4 times a year. When I get them, they usually only last for a day and they are so much less severe. Instead of frequent trips to the ER with sunglasses and a vomit bag, I just relax with my eyes closed and take a day of rest. I know this won’t work for everyone, but it totally changed my life and think every migraine sufferer should try the B-2/magnesium route for a good solid 6 months to see if they can improve their life and stop taking or decrease prescription migraine medications. Another route is to get tested to see if you have any vitamin/mineral deficiencies and go from there. Good luck to you. I hope you find something that helps.
I was put in Lyrica for neuropathy and almost committed suicide. After some time a specialist put me on Gabapentin and it only took a week to be in the same mindset. Thank you for warning people about the dangers of these over prescribed drugs
Please tell me what dosage you were on & what the side effects were. Dr has started me at 75 mgs 2x a day. No problems so far except inc appetite. But it is not helping my neuropathy. Thanks
@@laggerb4680 that's similar dose to what I was taking. It did not help my neuropathy either. The dose was raised to 150 twice a day after I had explained the effect it was having on my mood with no benifits to pain. I now use CBD oil and have had good results re: neuropathy, gastroparesis anxiety and mood. Gabapentin is not good. Best wishes
I'm on gabapintine and doxitine now I fall asleep all day and stay up all night this is the hardest thing I've ever in dured but I gotta be strong and hope my disability goes through fast I'm at my breaking point
@@durrellblackmon7254 oh no😔 both are prescribed even though both cause adverse problems and once in your system and stuffing your life, you can't just stop either. I suggest you try and source quality CBD oil and begin weaning off the medication. Talk to the dr who put you on the medication and be firm with them that you can't be using the medication. I wish for you the best outcome without stress and problems
I’ve been taking it for 10 years now, for bad arthritis and neuropathy. I don’t want to come off of it really because I don’t want to have any side effects. That’s what I’m afraid of. I take 900 mg. Also, it has really helped me. Just turned 70
I hope this will help somebody. For reference, I am 59 years old. I was on 1800 mg Gabapentin per day as prescribed by my neurologist for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy pain. I was at the maximum dose of 1800 mg for about one year. It did not seem to help with the pain for me and I decided to stop taking it due to side effects like fatigue, blurry eyesight, depression, and dizziness. Also one night I woke up and suddenly noticed I had tinnitus that was a both low frequency and a high pitched ringing which I have never had before. I was taking 2 x 300 mg pills 3 times a day, morning, mid day, and evening. I got my doctor to prescribe a bottle of 100 mg pills (400 in the bottle) along with my 300 mg pills and began to wean off. I reduced the amount by 100 mg per day every week, so the first week I took 1700 mg per day, the second week 1600 mg per day and so on. It took 18 weeks to fully wean off. I highly recommend getting the 100 mg pills and combining them with the 300 mg pills if you are on a high dose like I was. Also get a pill case that has 7 compartments for each day of the week and 3 compartments in each for morning, mid day, and night to keep track of the pills. I am particularly sensitive to drugs and usually require a lower dose than most people so I was very concerned about withdrawal symptoms coming off such a high dose. I didn't notice anything that was unbearable although I did have some anxiety and trouble sleeping. I have been completely off the Gabapentin now for only about 2 weeks and I don't experience the side effects any more as far as I can tell at this point. I still have some blurry vision and I am seeing the ophthalmologist in a couple weeks to see what's going on there. The tinnitus is still there and I do my best to ignore it but it is very loud at night when the room is quiet. As a side note I was on 10mg daily of Paroxetine (Paxil) for about 20 years when I was younger for anxiety. I tapered off that as well but started to get nerve zaps in my legs. It has been about 10 years since I was on Paxil and I have developed a progressive neuropathy that the doctors can't explain. I suspect the neuropathy was caused by the Paxil but can't be sure. If I don't respond to you its because RUclips doesn't always forward comments. I wish everybody luck.
Thanks for sharing. My PCP had me start weaning off but he doesn't know what he's doing. I have bipolar and PTSD and I've been weaned off numerous drugs so I know how's it's done. I take 800mg in morning and 1200mg at night. Been taking gabapentin for 20 years. This large amount for over 12 years. PCP said to stop 400 mg every other night for 2 weeks then stop the 400 mg completely at night for 2 weeks then go down another 400 mg the same way!! What!! After missing 1 dose I started nasty withdrawal!! I went back to full dose. Will contact him after holidays for 300mgs to taper off that way for now. I'm so happy for you girl!! I pray I'm next. They think I have dementia but I think 🤔 it's the gabapentin!!
@@judyhummel9889 Gabapentin also comes in a 100mg capsule. Get your doctor to prescribe the 100mg capsule along with your 300mg capsules so that you can reduce your dose by 100mg every week. You will have to combine the 100mg with the 300mg to get the correct dose each week as it gets lower. Go slowly and plateau for a while if you start to have withdrawal symptoms. That's how I did it from 1800mg per day to now completely free of Gabapentin. The doctors don't understand. I told my neurologist that I didn't think it was helping me and the side effects were intolerable and he just said stop taking it. I actually think he was pissed off that I said it wasn't working for me. He had to know that I couldn't just stop taking 1800mg a day cold turkey. Luckily I learned all about weaning off medication from my days back when I came off Paxil.
As a physician who is weaning off gabapentin (900 three times a day) due to intolerable side effects (spaciness, increase appetite, irritability, and frequent feelings of regret for no reason in particular). My doctor gave me 100 mg capsules in addition to the 300 mg capsules. I open the 100 mg capsules and pour some out each night. It usually takes 5-6 weeks to go down 100 mg. If I go too fast, I get insomnia.
I suffer the same side effects as you. Rage/crankiness, voracious appetite for junk food (all I ate before were salads & fish) When I taper I go through horrible muscle/nerve cramping. I've only been able to taper off 300 & now deal with the pain. It's insane how they titer up & don't mention what happens once we're there.
WoW, now I am scared. I am currently taking 300 @ 5 am; 400 @ 12 pm; and 500 @ 8 to 9 pm. Went up 100 on each dosages less than a month ago. Taking it for chronic pain. I can only take it from a specific Manufacturer, others have given me throbbing leg pain because the vains get inflamed/like varicose. It also seems that the Magna factor is stopping production. That means that I will have a very bad outcome. 😮😢, 😢😢😢
@@crybebebunny Look up what ingredients are in Magna Factor gabapentin. There are probably a number of different manufacturers of gabapentin. Talk to the different pharmacists in your area and find out which brand of gabapentin they carry, then look up the ingredient lists of that manufacturer’s gabapentin. (I am gluten sensitive, and many meds use starch as a binding agent). Good luck ♥.
I am currently down to 2700/day…I am trying to wean down because the withdrawal from it is so painful, and I have a little one, I can’t be down like that. And the stuff I’ve been going thru the last year-2 has been getting worse. I am now currently out of work because it’s too hard to get thru a full day, brain fog, slow thought process, tired during the day, insomnia at night, mood swings, no energy, no motivation…and my dr and I also didn’t attribute my issues to gabapentin until recently. She did all kinds of blood tests and she was like I don’t see anything else that could be the reason for these issues, but side effects from gabapentin could be what we’re seeing…sooo I’m trying to get off it. I’m sick of being on meds that r going to make me more sick of I suddenly run out, I don’t want to have to rely on meds…what if I can’t get them some day…no thanks.
I am 76 yr old female who has been on Gabapentin for at least 10 yrs. Prescribed to help with fibromyalgia pain. I take 3 100 mg pills per day. dosage has never changed. I also have complex partial seizures and am not on any other drug for that. Bad reactions from the 4 my Dr tried. I also am on around a dozen other prescriptions daily and 5 or 6 more as needed. I have most of the conditions you said would complicate withdrawal. I have lab work every 3 months as long as I feel fine. I have a primary care Dr who monitors everything and communicates with my 5 specialists as needed. I have surprised a number of Drs by still being alive, let alone living in my own home, doing yard work and driving across the country by myself every few years. (I now take two days to go 950 miles to see a football game instead of one). I missed your first video on Gabapentin and will go back and watch it. At present my drugs are doing what they are supposed to and I hope no changes will be needed for a long time. Most of them I have been on for over 25 yrs. Thank you for your information.
You sound a lot like me, in terms of health diagnosis and medications. However, I am 74, have FMS, and also have very bad nerve pain from sciatic nerve damage that required not particularly helpful back surgery about 30 years ago. The Gabapentin was prescribed for the nerve pain and symptoms which are extremely bad in my outer right thigh. At one point, about 20 yrs. ago, I was up to 2400 mg. a day. I tried back then to taper off and got down to just 100 mg. a day, but the symptoms in my thigh became so bad I had to up the dosage again. I can’t say that I recall any of the psychological side effects of tapering to such a low dosage, and I have a diagnosis of pretty severe general anxiety disorder, though I manage it well for the most part with minimal meds. I currently have myself down to a mere 400 mg. per day, taking 200 mg. in the a.m., and 200 mg. at bedtime. I should take a dosage in between, since the efficacy is apparently only 7 hours. I’d like to get it down even lower, because I do not like how air-headed I feel sometimes and how I have trouble with my memory at times. I have started exploring medical cannabis with some success.
My husband had been on it since 2015 and pretty well stopped with just cutting his dose down from 1800 MG 2x day to one 600 MG once a day for a couple weeks and is now off them completely.
Thank you so very much for your advice. I was at 1000mg every 8 hours for nerve pain. I weaned down to 50 mg every 4 hours. These capsules are compounded. I am going to start reducing it further today, pain or no pain. I’m done. Be well.
I’ve taken Gabapentin for over ten years now for headaches from brain surgery due to an aneurysm. I take 1800mg a day. I’ve ran out of medication before because I forgot to order. And yes, I did have withdrawals. I couldn’t sleep, had night sweats, and was very irritable. Once I got my dosage right again, everything went back to normal.
This type of information is invaluable to those attempting to get off their medication. We need much more information available like this to help folks get off the medications they don’t want or need to be on. I worked with a doctor who specializes in helping folks with dependency and/or addiction get off medications. I wound up in a four day panic attack due having it cut in half. The doctor assumed it was due to a different medication, however, it was quickly discovered it was caused by the severe reduction in gabapentin when the dose was increased by the original prescribing doctor. I’ve been saying they need doctors who specialize in nothing but medications, including how to get off of them without experiencing excruciating withdrawals.
I tried several times to detox from gabapentin. I’ve asked my doctors to help me stop. I tapered down to 50 mg a day and then stopped for four months and I couldn’t handle it anymore so I started taking it again. Two hours after being off for four months It was like I had never stopped taking it I felt normal again, no more fatigue to the point I couldn’t function, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t even stand the water from the shower touching me and the hot flashes were so intense , all that was gone. I am on 300mg once a day now and I explained to my doctor what happened when I tried to stop gabapentin in the past. I asked him if he would prescribe me 100 mg tablets so I could start weaning myself down again and he said your only on 300 mg just stop taking it, I just gave up I’m going to go to my new pcp and talk with her, I’m ready to come off. This stuff affects my memory so much and I’ve been taking it for 16 years now
I originally started taking it for neuropathy with no known cause at the time but now believe it was caused from taking Lipitor, my doctors had me up to 2400 mg a day at one point. Like I said I’ve been taking 300 mg a day for five years now and I just want off
I have withdrawn from Alprazolam (xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) 3 times and gabapentin 2 times. Xanax was the worst it took about a year to withdrawal from 2mg. I also felt really bad coming off gabapentin very nasty withdrawal but my advice would be cut down by 75mg a week till you’re done and don’t take it daily ever again unless you need it. Good luck
Same is with me. I have been taking the GBAPN for last 5 years due to severe neuropathy caused by an antibiotic drug adverse reaction. Now im 50% better after 5 years and can manage without gabapentin. I had many issues at same time. I had a dog bite few days ago so have taken 3 rabbies vaccine shots. Same time I had UTI issues. So had to take 7 days antibiotic at the same time I was trying to leave gabapentin completely at once. Right now I'm facing withdrawals which are VERY UNPLEASANT. 1) Having sudden shifts in mood and energy 2) Having night sweats and Getting wake up suddenly with heavy heart beats and nightmares. 3) sore throat 4) Insomnia
If you have not had a thyroid test or a thorough one maybe ask doc for that. Those symptoms also are part of thyroid problems. I experienced it,so did my grandma and mother in law. Now my husband is going through it. Hope you find answers soon
Yes, I'm on Gabapentin for severe neuropathy in my feet and legs (type 1 diabetic) and not only do I get severe nerve pain there when I run out or whatever, I get nerve pain in my whole body. Plus just DREADFUL anxiety. And worryingly, I'll start having absence seizures that can go on for several minutes at a time.
I was put on this because of facial neuralgia. The pain was like 10 on a scale of 10 being unbearable. I would love to get off but am terrified of being in great pain. Sometimes there’s a numbness of my lips. So it’s been difficult to think of getting off. I have a very rare disease,Stiff Person Syndrome, which requires diazepam. I’m like 1 of 8 people in Canada who has this. Celine Dion was just diagnosed with this.
My heart breaks for you. In my group there are physicians who specialize in pain management. If you have access to one of those, put yourself in their care. The thing with pain management is you cannot do it without supervision, or you risk addiction. That includes taking yourself off meds; you need careful supervision. You have a steep road ahead. God bless you, friend.
Suggest watching the RUclips videos of MD Dr. Terry Wahls who suffered from facial neuralgia and MS. She reversed her symptoms with dietary and lifestyle improvements and currently has no facial pain as long as she sticks to her protocol.
I tried to taper off 600mg every evening for insomnia. It was hell in the body aches and sleepless nights. I really appreciate your explanation. I’m seeing my neurologist tomorrow and will consult on the right prices for this month. Withdrawal has been terrible!!!
I have CRPD in my feet, was in a wheelchair due to the severe pain. I am 62 years old and have been on between 1,800 to 2,400 mg/day of Gabapentin for 13 years. Last year I was able to go from 2,400 to 2,100 mg/day but it took me six months to do it. I am currently working at reducing from 2,100 to 1,800 mg/day. I reduce 300 mg one dose a week, and if I tolerate that, I reduce 300 mg two doses the next week, etc. If my feet are giving me more pain, I do not continue to reduce but just maintain my reductions. It's really tough. Good luck to anyone trying to do this as well.
Hello. Do you have CRPS that used be called RSD? I do too. I had SCS surgery, changed my diet, prioritized sleep, stopped drinking alcohol and sugary things, reduced caffeine, and started pt and strength training. Disabled in the navy at 23, I used mobility devices until after 2 yrs of pt and stopped using a wheelchair completely around the age of 29. I took Gabapentin at the max dose and was a complete zombie. I hated it! I always turned down stronger addictive meds so they weren’t an option regardless of the pain. I did benefit from some MJ use but haven’t done that since being sober either. I’ll have 2 years sober this coming month. Pain and CRPS, doctors that just slap a bandage on it and leave ya, and combined ptsd, nearly killed me. There is hope. Good doctors too. Thank you for this one!
64/F, 2700 mg daily 2+ years. Six weeks now off gab & starting Cymbalta taper. Day 3 of my normal brain function returning, I had forgotten what it feels to be clear headed. Gab initially helped me with firework neuropathy in my leg. My greatest fear was that pain coming back, which it hasn't! My DOG is even on it now. Going to wean it off her too. You're spot on with what is the lesser of the two evils. To have my brain back is worth nerve pings here and there. Your gab video's have been helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I have neuropathy pain in my feet and legs due to spinal cord injury. I have been taking Gabapentin for 7 years. I don't use or choose to use additional analgesics or opioids. I have upcoming neurology appointment for diagnostic Evaluation. I have symptoms similar to MS. MY dad had Parkinson's. I have balance issues, dizziness, trouble speaking at times, and occasional brain fog. I am 68 years old male.
My pain MGMT Dr, (also a Palliative Care Dr), took 3 years to taper me off of three 60mg of sustained released morphine using 0.8mg/ three X's/day of Clonidine... My GP and psych agreed to increase my Gabapentin from 600mg/day to 1800mg/day after I was drugged and SA'd. I definitely experience severe withdrawal if I miss even one dose. I appreciate your informative video; thank you. I think its true in my case that this higher dose is no longer serving me. I'm going to talk to my PM Dr. Best, Christina.
Good results from tapering 5-10% of the usual dose every one to two weeks. This is consistent with Dr. Ashton's manual recommendation for decreasing benzos. It is a very slow pace, but withdrawal symptoms are minimal if any at all.
I was prescribed Gabapentin for chronic pain in low back, DDD and sciatica. I've been on it for 3+ years. It works fairly well, and side effects are minimal. I see no reason to get off of it. If I were to stop taking it, I would have to be taking opioids instead. I see no alternative at this point. NSAIDS are totally ineffective.
I developed Chronic Kidney disease. NO medical professional advised me of that side affect.I took 300 in morn and 600 before bedtime.MY Dr. had prescribed double that,but it made me so spacy,I could not function.
I was prescribed Gabapentin by VA Health, dose was 500mg it was increased to 2500mg for my back pain, I’ve been off the medication 0ver 2 years. I now have a more clear no fog memory, ringing in the ears is not as severe, blurry vision was caused by its replacement pregabalin. Stop using it a few months later and went back to opioid derivatives which I don’t have any issues
I just stopped,cold. My Dr never informed me that I should taper and he refused to lower my dosage when I complained that it made me so loopy, spaced out, that I couldn't function. He would tell me that I would get use to it. I began to see his PA and she reduced by half, then I could function with only a minor difference in my neuropathy pain. Within 5 years I was diagnosed with CKD.I was never told that it was a possible side affect. Physical therapy and massage were very helpful to me, still are.
I recently had an appointment with my podiatrist to ask her opinion about having a procedure on my legs due to veins as well as more difficulty with plantus fasciitis. She recommended using gabapentin. I reminded her that I had to stop the medication because of brain fog. I suggested an appointment after cancer related testing. I've decided to change to another podiatrist.
I'm pretty sure I'm witnessing withdrawal symptoms in MY CAT who's been on this for only a week to combat pain from urinary inflammation. He went from 0mg to 200mg a day and after a week when we were supposed to stop, he simply DID NOT want to move, eat, or even look at me. I was terrified. That is a MASSIVE dose for a cat. The vet argued with me that withdrawal symptoms in cats "don't exist" because there's "no studies" and it's not like I'm going to argue with a veterinarian, but at the same time... no one is studying that shit and I've heard plenty of people online say the same things. If it works by a similar mechanism in cat brains (although of course they are a different species)... why WOULDN'T there be withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped? Gabapentin is used off-label SO MUCH in veterinary medicine that it actually scares me now that I've been through it. Hope my boy feels better soon now that I'm stepping him down...
@jdm3075 I went through that with my kitten when they put her on it for a painful injury at 4mo old. I had to step her down from it slowly. She was on 100mg, as tiny as she was, but she had to have pain relief.
One vet prescribed it for one of my cats to have before next visit because the cat softly bit her. In 12 years the cat had never bit anyone. I gave her one dose of 100 mg before the next visit and she was completely crazy on it. I felt so bad. I would never give any animal that drug again. I outweigh my cat by about 120 lbs and 300 mg makes me drowsy. I have been on Gabapentin for about 2 years due to severe degeneration of my spine. I have had some problems with it and I am not impressed with its efficacy.
My cat could not take either. As for chronic urinary pain thats hard to detect in cats I was able to switch them to all wet food only diet, use Coseqin for cats which builds & repairs uterine wall, add Vibrant Companions, U.T. Health for Dogs and Cats or a different cranberry blended suppliment, give T-Relief a homeopathic pain med found at health food stores. Crush 1 tablet in a bowl add to wet food.
Taper off.?No. Just refuse to take gabapentin as l did every time it was offered. You will thank God that you did. Amen. My pain is a pleasure compared to the drugs l have been on for many many years. Hydromorphone for ten yrs before i stopped on my own without telling any dr that l was kicking it and it took me 4 months to kick the Drugs. Amen with the help of God all things are possible.
In January, I started at 100 mg 3 times a day; two months later my nurse was aghast that I stuck at that level and asked me to increase to 600. Then today the 300 mg 3 times a day script arrived on the mail. I'm not talking that hook. I'm not even clear why my physiatrist upped the dose.😲😬
@@kandimegahan7844 @ k. M7844. I would change drs. And stop taking any drugs the pain will cease to be as bad and God will help you overcome your Problems. Drugs prescribed or Not kill more than pain every organ gets weaker as Time goes on. Amen. I suffer a lot of pain (Neurological) also l have had Cirrhosis For 40yrs unmedicated And no dr.
I was put on this because of nerve pain from Guillain Barre that I had 10 years ago. I was prescribed 600 mg. 3 x day and then went down to 1,200/ day which has been a few years ago and now am taking 900/day. I have tried to go to 600/day. I feel like I need it to stabilize my mood at this point. I do often wonder just how much clarity I would have if completely off of it...brain fog is not fun. How I wish you were my doctor. Thank you soooo much for this video. Btw, I ordered the melatonin you had a link to on the video, Top 5 Sleep Product Picks.
Prescribed 900mg per day for nerve pain from SCI 4 years ago. I had icky side effects (dizzy, nausea, double vision, swollen legs, fatigue, nervousness) and wanted to go off it, but the pain is pretty bad, so I was going up and down on it for a while. I'm now down to 100 mg and looking forward to being off it in a month or so. I hate this drug so much. I have epilepsy so I also needed to find an alternate antiseizure med. I'm using a water taper method because of severe rebound pain in the past. This is working for me - slow and steady, 10% per week - even less, sometimes. Insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, muscle spasms, and nausea have been real withdrawal problems, but I am finally starting to feel human again as I get this out of my system. Lots of exercise helps. I am 66 and I have a history of being extremely sensitive to meds.
I'm trying to get off it now, but can't. I take 450 mgs at night, to help me sleep. My dosage hasn't changed. It works great, but I saw a video recently, where it was said, your brain stops growing new cells, because of gabapentin. I started taking it 13 years ago, to replace various types of pain killers, for spinal nerve damage. Now, my pain management Dr. prescribes it. The problem is, my pain has lessened, so I should be able to reduce the dose. I've mentioned this to my Dr., and he has no opinion, also my primary Dr. Next time I see the anathsiologist, I'll tell him to put me on a replacement, after reducing dosage. When I take only 300 mgs, and I can think clearer. I'm 68 years old, and am also worried about kidney problems.
Some of us would rather have quality of life, than quantity of life. Without Gabapentin, I would live in agony. Not long after being dx w/ MS, I developed peripheral neuropathy and seizures.
I'm trying to get off of Gabapentin, I'm having side effects like, swollen right ankle, and my feet are becoming numb and I especially in my left foot I have pain. I already take meds for seizures and I have a history of seizures depression and anxiety. I looked up the side effects and I have had many of the side effects.I have had more than once. Thanks for the information. I will talk to the doctor about it.
I hope this helps someone on here struggling to come off gab. The easiest way to come off with the least amount of sides is to smoke weed while coming off. Even if you don't smoke you probably should do it just until your off gabbie. I've heard of people not feeling any withdrawal doing this.
I’m being forced to taper off to half. I take 2400 mg a day. I’m terrified of the side effects now. I don’t think it will be easy or even uncomfortable, I think it will be brutal. I live in a State where it’s considered a controlled substance, schedule v medication. I have fibromyalgia and Gabapentin makes my life tolerable. I have no idea how this will turn out 😢
I'm sorry! That's terrible! If you can move to the closest state that allows your med that may be a solution. If not maybe you can see an out of state physician who can prescribe it and send it to you? Just a thought...
After two pulmonary embolism I suffered respiratory failure and resulting neuropathy. Mine was fast onset with no prior symptoms. I have been taking 3,200 mg daily in four divided doses. After three years I'm weaning off per my choice. I'm down to 2,000 mg one week later and no withdrawal symptoms but definitely worse neuropathic pain in my legs. I'm confident in my decision as I dislike taking medication but I do fear this neuropathy pain will get worse. From the knees up I feel just fine and for that I am thankful. I have no addiction issues. I don't drink and no mental health issues. I'm self cutting back 1000 mg weekly.
@@digigoose Yes, I did. I began having horrible insomnia and some sort of anxiety ? I've never had anxiety so not sure how to describe it. Very restless. Almost panic attack symptoms maybe ? So, I reduced by only 400 mg weekly. Still some of those same symptoms but tolerable. I think I've now been gabapentin free for about a month. I'm very happy about that . Still some mild anxiety in the evening nearing bedtime ? Not sure if that's just the remainder working it's way out. Overall I'm doing fine.
@@tiazadobbs7475that’s awesome! I get the restless/anxious feeling you’re talking about. It’s akathisia. Hopefully the remaining effects wear off over time!
I reduced from 800 mg 3x daily to 400mg x3 daily with no ill effects . I chose pain over being unmotivated and spaced out. I wanted a life. HoweverI am afraid of more pain than I can tolerate as I have constant nerve pain
Same is with me. I have been taking the GBAPN for last 5 years due to severe neuropathy caused by an antibiotic drug adverse reaction. Now im 50% better after 5 years and can manage without gabapentin. I had many issues at same time. I had a dog bite few days ago so have taken 3 rabbies vaccine shots. Same time I had UTI issues. So had to take 7 days antibiotic at the same time I was trying to leave gabapentin completely at once. Right now I'm facing withdrawals which are VERY UNPLEASANT. 1) Having sudden shifts in mood and energy 2) Having night sweats and Getting wake up suddenly with heavy heart beats and nightmares. 3) sore throat 4) Insomnia
Unfortunately I was not given the time to ease off my gababentin because I was kidnapped. 😮 even though I had alot of other feelings I didn't feel any other type of withdrawals from it. After the incident and the 2 weeks of "no pills" and I began to feel elated and happy again. All those years of taking the Gababentin I was never happy. I was miserable, never smiling ir laughing, good riddens.
It took me 4.5 months to taper. I started by taking one of my 3 daily doses and dumping out half of the capsule for 2 weeks. Then, I did my morning dose the same way. Then, my evening dose. Then I removed my afternoon dose for 4 weeks. Then I halved the half of my morning dose for 2 weeks. Then I halves the half of my evening dose for 2 weeks. Then cut out my morning dose for 2 weeks. Then was taking a 1/4 of the half of the evening dose for 2 weeks. Then took it every other day for 2 weeks. Then I stopped. You can see that you can taper faster on larger doses but when you get down to small doses, take your time. I started at 400 mg/3xday. It was manageable
Yep. Thats the same way I will taper off. Dumping out about 1/4 th the pill. I'm only on 100mg twice a day for chronic body anxiety trembling... I hope tapering that way will make it much easier.
I'm surprised it only works 15-20% of the time! But I'd imagine that's because it used for seemingly almost anything these days. I'm on it for severe nerve pain and it works VERY well for me. My pain level while on Gabapentin (obviously these vary) is anywhere from a 1 to a 4 while without the Gabapentin my pains levels tend to vary from 6 to 8
Thank you for your videos on this awful drug. It caused me to have chronic rhinitis last winter when I was on 1600mg and now permanent hearing loss from blowing my nose so much. My ENT was the one to figure it was the high dose and it was decreased to 600, then 300 and now I’m finally off of this medication after 20 awful months. Originally prescribed for moods and anxiety and all it did was contribute to my anhedonia and depression, all while leaving me overweight, cognitively compromised and now partially deaf in my right ear. By day 3, the worst was over for me in terms of withdrawals. It is possible to get off, but was truly as bad as coming off benzos for me!
Please don't tell me to cut back on my gabapentin dosage. My brain on gabapentin (three times 400mg daily) is doing just fine, thank you. If I cut back on this dosage I cannot sleep at night because of pain due to neuropathy. I do admit I experienced the tolerance effect when first put on gabapentin. Well, maybe I might very-slowly cut back to see what happens. I am 82 years old and see my primary physician regularly (at least three tines per year); we discuss my medication in depth. Anyway thanks for this video.
Ive been on Gabapentin for many Years for nerves of the legs,feet and arms. I have been diagnosed with a Heredity neuropathy HSP. Do you recomend another medicine to take? I should go up the dose but i dont i take 900mg daily. Thanks love your videos.
Thank you for this video. I was only on it for a couple of weeks following surgery for a broken leg. When I was discharged from the hospital the surgeon neglected to renew my prescription. Discovering this I decided not to call to have it re-filled and Oh Honey! The withdrawal was a bitch!! But I am glad I did it the way I did despite the discomfort.
I take Gabapentin as nerve warrants (300 mg) Sometimes twice a day. I live in Mexico and have questioned if doctors really understand this drug and how to prescribe it. I have not had dependable MD supervision. I do not know if Gabapentin is responsible for me having balance issues, difficulty walking (like I am drunk). I am in a no win situation. I have pain in my pelvic gut, hip, side, numbness in my leg and feet, and I am taking this Rx for that pain, which it does not stop. But it does bring on sleepiness in 3 hours that allows me to sleep through pain.
Similar experience. Got it for severe restless legs. 600 mg did nothing for my RLS, but knocked me out good enough to fall asleep at least a few nights per week. A couple years in came the side effects. Been tapering for two years now after a horrific experience of cutting 100 mgs per week. Withdrawals like a proper junkie.
I truly truly want to stop taking this, but the emotional side effects are crazy ! I'm only 300mg x 3 a day. I have slipped disc and CPTSD soooo? I dunno, wish me luck
In January, I started at 100 mg 3 times a day; two months later my nurse was aghast that I stuck at that level and asked me to increase to 600. Then today the 300 mg 3 times a day script arrived on the mail. I'm not talking that hook. I'm not even clear why my physiatrist increased my dose.😲 But stories like yours scare me.😬
After 3+ years of this medication I am weening off from 1200 mg per day to 0 over 4 months. The reason is I am having weird shortness of breath and heart pains - I also don’t want to depend on medication anymore. I was on this for sleep and also to assist addiction recovery. I am now on day 3 of 1000 per day and feeling fine… next will be 800 per day after 2 weeks. I remember that when I first started taking it made me dizzy and I felt like my memory was not as sharp. I’m excited to see the positive effects of being off of it fully and restoring my previous function naturally.
I was put on Gabapentin for nerve pain in my feet. (I'm not diabetic) I was started at 100mg am, 200mg pm for3 months. It was upped to 200mg am 400mg pm for 3 months. It was then upped to 300mg am, 600mg pm. Side effects got to be too much. So I went pack to 300mg am, 300mg pm for 15 days. Next, I'm going down to 300mg pm for another 15 days, and then quit. I have not told my VA primary care of my decision. My next appointment is in early February, and I will go over it with her then. I do take a Magnesium supplement. I just switch for 600mg Mag Oxide, to 400mg of Mag Glycinate. Taken at lunch. I feel better with that formulation.
I had to stop taking gabapentin as it started causing me shortness of breath…couldn’t get a deep breath. Didn’t notice it was doing anything for me anyway. (Took probably for about 6 mos)
I am on gaba pentin 100 mg per day for cytica pain for an year now .age 53 ..no other medications apart from this ..only amlodipin for high bp. How should I taper this off
Was only on it for a month 3x a day for a motorcycle accident. I refused pain meds so they said this drug was safe for me. It’s now 15+ days after stopping and my mind is making up horrible scenarios that don’t exist anxiety for no reason sweaty palms constant unexplainable fear. It wasn’t a long time to be on it. I can only imagine what others are going through. It seems to be taking way too long to stop affecting me. I will warn anyone of this drug.
I am being weened off the highest dose I am being weened off 100mg every two weeks at the halfway stage now and the pain is climbing no sleep walking hunched over now really struggling but the thought dying outweighs the pain, it was explained to me by Doctor I was high risk of heart attack /stroke /or sudden death . if that happened they would get into trouble for the high dose, would have laughed but did not seem so funny I have to be weened off until I can get a different pain med, pain is getting worse at the moment but if I feel pain I'm alive better than the alternative
Very thorough and informative!! Thank you for this video. I’ve been immersed in a brain fog for 11 years, unable to ferret out the cause due to some overlapping symptoms amongst the syndromes with which I was diagnosed. Now, I have something to consider embarking upon, medically, to push some of these brain clouds away. Best wishes.
Ugh, Brain clouds- perfect description. I can still do things (cook, play guitar, read books) but everything is so difficult, I don’t retain anything. I also need to have mental stimulation- music, podcasts, tv, white noise all the time now. It’s been 10 years of taking it, I’m up to 3000 mg daily.
@@winstonsmith8236 I feel ya. I’ve been on 2400 for 11yrs. Remembering names comes with difficulty only dispelled by repeating a name over a few times. Your post made me realize that I too see out constant stimulation through, podcasts, music and videos. I find it hard to concentrate on certain things like sitting and reading a book. I have to read things over and over to retain the information. After watching this, I’m going consider weaning myself off this massive dose. Best of luck to you. 💖
@@winstonsmith8236I just started taking gabapentin yesterday for chronic body nerve pain from head to toe😢 My doctor gave Me 3 bottles of pills. 600 Mg 3 times a day. I have face pain all over my face. I get shocks in my eye balls. I have to try this med🙌🏾
Thank you for this video and your others as well. You're doing a great service and pls keep it up. I was first prescribed gabapentin for essential tremor. Doesn't really help with it but I took in the evening before bed (300 mg). Now, my psychiatrist suggested taking more - 600 mg - to help with insomnia. It does help but your video makes me want to take less and try other ways to deal with not sleeping well. Thank you for all your cautions about the drug and dependency. Many thanks. Happy Holidays!
I have nerve damage in my back and had shoulder surgery. I started taking gabapentin where it’s over the counter. Full disclosure I am trying to get over a substance use problem after a very hard late teen years which I’ve since made massive progress on and did slightly abuse it at one point. Basically I was on a pretty high dose(~3000mg a day) and had almost no problem nearly halving that but went back up slightly on my taper cause of other issues. Personally the withdrawals are nothing compared to heroin or benzo wd but these comments are seriously starting to scare me. Maybe it’s cause I’m still in my mid 20s but it seems like some people either have very mild withdrawals from them or they’re in hell for weeks/months. It’s been a hell of a motivation to taper
I have small fiber peripheral polyneuropathy and my neurologist is strongly pushing gabapentin. I take 300 to 900 in a 24 hour period. He is pushing for far more than than that, which i wont do. It has helped the burning pain quite a bit. I take occasional Relafen. I wont take opioids, benzos or muscle relaxers. Im concerned after hearing this negative gabapentin info. Any thoughts?
I’ve been on 400 mg once a day of gabapentin from my doctor for some reason and I don’t even know why, but after watching this video, I just went through my pill tray that I make up weekly and removed that pill from my daily pills. I will no longer take gabapentin. I don’t even know why I was on it in the first place! But it’s a low amount it’s only 400 mg a day so I don’t expect any of these withdraw things that you’re talking about with those high high doses that some people were taking.
I was put on gabapentin back in 2016 for RSL, 1800 mg aday. I could'nt funtion. So I started going down 100 mg every few weeks. It has taken me 7 1/2 years, but now I take just 300 mg 1 hour befor bed. I don't take any other med's. I can funtion now, hope to go down another 100 mg soon.
I have been on Gabapentin (hereafter Gab) for 10-15+ years at a maximum dose of 3600 mg per day. The cause was diabetic neuropathy. I have with Dr. permission reduced this to 1800-2400mg per day because of concerns about longterm use, while still managing foot discomfort. Atter a 2021 heart attack and 4way bypass I have reduced other medications, again either at Dr. recommendation or my request.
I’ve taken gaba for 10 yrs for fibromyalgia and degenerative. Disc 800 mg at night I’ve been having memory problems and word search problems I will talk to my Dr about tapering down My brother was on higher doses 3x a day for years for severe back pain He couldn’t remember what he did or where he was anymore so his Dr slowly took him off GABA I’m 68
Thank you so much for all you videos! This one has me planning on talking with my Dr next week when I see him. I'm currently and have been for years on 800 mg 3 x a day. I'm also on a benzo and have COPD. I'm on A Lypoc acid now recommended by my Dr and it help helped more than anything. I'm think cutting back to 600 mg 3x a day.
I was without GAMA; my spinal bifida kept the enzyme from getting to my brain. I almost died from the lack, Xanax saved me, and now I am getting off Xanax and using Gabapentin.
Took it to get off my final 2mg of methadone. Im 28 year old man, diarrhea finished first few days, I’m shaking less and heart rate has gone down. Sweating a bit less but I’m at 26 days cold turkey gabapentin and I am still unable to sleep, constant weird dreams and waking up and sweating. Max a couple hours. I am really starting to think I’m permanently messed up. I don’t crave gabapentin anymore but my brain reverted to dreaming about opioids when they have been out of them for 2 months. I have already suffered for years trying to get off opioids and not sure I can mentally handle this anymore and won’t take any meds. Do you think I’ll get better?
Any updates? How are you feeling 6 months later? I've seen people say that Gabapentin withdrawals can last months if not years... crazy. Hope you're feeling better.
I came off Ativan 1986 it took 4 years to get off and years to learn how to live again .I’m appalled to here about gabapentin as I take it for nerve damage in my feet .I am fuming why didn’t the dr tell me about this drug I feel like suing him I’m starting to follow Barbara O’Neill the herb ways to hell with the drs 8:36
I started taking 100mg two times a day 3 weeks ago and developed severe side effects. Made me very dizzy, anxious and my legs got so weak i couldn't walk. I think they call it ataxia. It was horrible. How do u wean off such small doses of 100mg in the morning and at night?
I LOVE it, 1500 mg a day works better then anything else I've used for my nephropathy, restless leg syndrome, hip pain and right ankle severe pain. Worried though about kidney issues that might develop from it now, 66 years old.
My primary physician considers me a problem child. He doesn't take my sensitivity to medication seriously. I'm 76 and was on antidepressants many years and it was a very hard time getting off them. Gabapentin seems to be in the same class. I missed a dose at 300 mgs per night. Had a horrible night of foot pain and sleeplessness.
Wear the badge of "problem child" proudly. I am a retired RN so I have more knowledge than the average patient about conditions, meds, etc. My doctor hated when I did just accept what he said as if it was sent from on high. When the establishment decided elderly women with severe arthritis should be deprived of even very low dose opioid medicine because some people abused such drugs, he told me I should take 4000 mg of Gabapentin a day. At 800 mg a day I started having mental effects of derealization. When I told him the drug was not working for me he told me I have "always been a difficult patient." I finally terminated my relationship with him,
I take Pregabalin, have for almost 20 years now. Low dose, 200 mg per day. But I have worried about my likely physical addiction for years. I would, at a time where nothing else medical is going on, like to try to reduce my dose. Is Pregabalin similar to gabapentin?
I do have one question,i have a side effect of a numb tip of tongue. That side effect is not on gabapentin med or any other med or supplement im taking. My docs are not concerned but i didn have it before theCRPS. Its also not a symptom of that. Sometimes my lips are numb too. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I am an above knee amputee, I was put on gabapentin 800mg 3xs daily after my battler with stage 4 cancer and loss of my leg. It does help my phathom leg pain ( which is like an electric shock feeling) but not my back pain, sciatica or neuropathy pain. I have been on it for 4 years now and have tapered down to 1600mg per day. It definitely effects my brain and mood. I would like to find an herbal suppliment for phantom leg pains, as I hate taking any drugs.
What would you recommend for a patient that has Trigeminal Neuralgia AKA The Suicide Disease? I have a friend who has this and suffers in tremendous pain to the point they can’t eat, drink or speak.
I’m on a high dose 3000mg/day for about 2.5 months. Now that I see how habit forming it is, I want off asap. What is the most aggressive I can be keeping in mind that I have only been on it for about 10wks…? Thanks for all opinions!
Would love a video just like this on Topamax / Topiramate ... 🤞🤞 I know it has a risk of seizures if you stop it abruptly... bit I would like to know more about how it effects the brain and body... when taken and stopped and all the reasons to taper off if stopping it. Thank You VERY much in advance for considering a video of this medication 😊💗
I started to taper Gabapentin, and I got horrible body, muscle, nerve pain. My doctor knew nothing about how to help me, gave me Ibuprofen, and sent me on my way. 😢
I was on 1200mg 3x/day plus opioid, muscle relaxers, & more. I decided I wanted off of it all. It took me 3 years. The last dose of 400mg at night was the hardest bc I like my sleep! I did it before I asked my dr for 100s. Yes, i had side effects for a couple weeks, but I dont regret it. I'd been on tons of meds for 23 years (degenerative disk disease + pain, neuropathy, numbness, and such that associated with it. My body has learned to adapt to not having the meds. I've been off for about 6mo now. My doctor kinda freaked out. After all these years my brain is finally starting to feel normal. It's been 5y since I quit antidepressants and that took 4 years for my brain to start feeling better. I dont think there are any good meds anymore. I'm 55. Yes, I still have pain, numbness, etc, but if it gets ridiculous i can take an aspirin (one to start with). Meds aren't controlling me anymore! Hubby has started stepping down his gbp recently. Good whole food & nutrients are better than big Pharma. God is a big help!
Incredible resiliency. I commend you. I’ve been taking Gabapentin for the past 4 years due to horrible neuropathy stemming from a spinal cord injury. It’s been a life-saver in terms of pain, but a month ago it stopped working suddenly. Looks like my body built up a tolerance to it after 4 years. Anyways I switched medications a week and a half ago and stopped taking Gabapentin cold Turkey. BIG mistake. After a week, I started feeling horrible withdrawal symptoms. Like fogginess, deep depression, sadness, existential dread, suicidal thoughts, etc. The past 3-4 days have been hell. Got back on Gabapentin yesterday and now hoping my brain starts to level out soon. What a nightmare this drug is! Feel like a prisoner trapped in my own body. Ugh.
Yea you can just stop taking it cold turkey! You could also seize if i understand that right.
I agree 100%...trying to do the same...its a trap
@@traceydandrea9550 taper down slowly. Get your dosage per pill reduced so you can control it. You can do it!
@@bballer191 totally understand! My spine is a wreck on film. Taper down slowly. Get your pill dosage reduced (I finally reduced to 100mg pills) so you can control it. You can do it and be better off without it!
Many years ago I was put on this for pain. The side effects crept up so slowly, neither I nor my physician attributed certain symptoms to it, until weeks after discontinuation. Discontinuation was indeed absolutely horrible. Over the years I was on it, my insurance would randomly stop paying for it and we'd have to go through days even weeks of getting back on it, in which I was incredibly sick the whole time. The last time was the last time, I wasn't going to keep going through that! I'm glad tapering is being recognized as important, my hope is the insurance companies will get that message.
Gabapentin really works for me, and I cannot live without it. I have severe neuropathy that is only eased by Gabapentin (I have tried other medications). I have experienced no side effects from it and have never been tempted to add opioids to the mix. Gabapentin still works for me after several years of use. I thank God for this medication.
Try marijuana
@@shatteredanis1592 I more than tried that drug and it did not help me . I cannot speak for others but it not only had bad side effects on my cognitive skills, personality, and sense of motivation; it actually did lead to my use of other drugs. Thank God I am free from all of that now and would never go back into what for me (i cannot speak for others), was a pleasurable but deceptive and life-destroying trap that did nothing for my neuropathy.
@@shatteredanis1592 Tried it extensively and not only did it not help, it caused side effects (cognitive and psychological) and did lead to my use of other drugs that I no longer use. For me this was a pleasurable trap that I would never go back to. My life is so much better without marijuana! That was my experience and I cannot speak for others.
@@shatteredanis1592 I did so at length. It was pleasurable but caused cognitive and psychological side effects. It also lead to other drugs I am now glad to be free from. My life is much better without it!
@@shatteredanis1592 I did so and it had cognitive and psychological side effects. It also led to other drugs I no longer take.
I was put on gabapentin to "take care of back pain". However, my memory became foggy, I had no relief from pain & the written material that came with the meds did not refer to the difficulties that appeared to start when I began the med. I'm a prof, so I began to review studies of gabapentin, and decided to taper off. The troubles that started with gabapentin faded away over time. Thanks for your presentations on this drug!!
You don't have to be a prof to do your own research. 😂
Did you have any issues with withdrawals while tapering off?
Been taking this for years and have problems with my train of thought in the middle of sentences and know a word i want to use, but cant come up with it! Short term memory is horrible, also. Gabapentin!!! That's it. Im tapering starting tomorrow. Glad I stumbled on you. God brought me to you!!!
Did ya do it?
I weaned myself from ambien starting in May {went from 5 mg to 2.5 mg as needed} I started to wean off Gabapentin by skipping a dose at night {I took 100 mg at bedtime for R foot pain}. The last 2 weeks I have not taken either ambien or Gabapentin! I am over 65 and it was my goal to get off these meds. I think that stress played a huge factor in my sleep and pain. So the last 2 weeks I have started taking a 25 mg delta 8 gummy, but also cutting the gummy in half. I am sleeping and having no pain in the foot! I love it so far.
For 17 years, as a C4 quadriplegic, I maintained a daily dosage of 1700 mg of medication. This regimen consisted of 400 mg taken four times throughout the day, with an additional 100 mg at night. Over the course of four months, I gradually decreased my dosage by 100 mg each week, ultimately discontinuing the medication. Originally prescribed to alleviate neurological pain, I now observe that my pain remains unchanged, neither worsening nor improving, in its absence. Reflecting on this experience, I've come to recognize a tendency among doctors to readily prescribe medication without thorough consideration.
TimSauners, when you finally got off of it completely did you have withdrawals? If so how bad? Thanks.
@@matchpoint14 I tapered off gabapentin very slowly. I don't think I felt any withdrawal. Reducing the dose by only 100 mg a week seemed to work for me. It has been nearly 8 months, and I feel fine without the medication.
@@TimSaundersC4I'm glad that you feel better. You're supposed to though reduce your dose by ten percent & hold it for a month each month that you are tapering.
Hello Dr. Sullivan and felliw viewers, I am a 66 yesr old woman diagnosed with Migraine in 2021. I just began listening to your videos, which I stumbled upon. First, I would like to say thank you! I find your information and opinions to be honest, factual and helpful. I am a migraine sufferer, so clearly Gabapentin was prescribed off label for me. I expressed my goal to eventually get off of it when it was prescribed as I do not like taking meds unless I absolutely have to. Almost 2 years later, I have begun the taper. I was taking a total of 1200 per day. I am now taking 900 per day which my Neurologist wants me to do for a month. I believe the plan after that will be 600 mgs per day for a month and then 300 mgs a day for a month. I pray I am successful with ghus taper and ultimately bring free from taking this drug. I wish everyone success and a state well being whether getting off or staying on. Be well everyone!
I’m 52 and have had migraines since I was about 10 years old. They became more severe and frequent as I aged. By my mid- 40s, I was having migraines nearly every day. I’d really only have a maximum of 3-4 days a month without them. I started on a high dose of multiple types of magnesium, and while things improved, the migraines were still terrible. I ended up on a dose of 800 mg of magnesium citrate and 100 mg of vitamin B-2. I’ve been on the same dose for around 5 years and I now only get migraines 3-4 times a year. When I get them, they usually only last for a day and they are so much less severe. Instead of frequent trips to the ER with sunglasses and a vomit bag, I just relax with my eyes closed and take a day of rest. I know this won’t work for everyone, but it totally changed my life and think every migraine sufferer should try the B-2/magnesium route for a good solid 6 months to see if they can improve their life and stop taking or decrease prescription migraine medications. Another route is to get tested to see if you have any vitamin/mineral deficiencies and go from there. Good luck to you. I hope you find something that helps.
Not sure why a month. Im on 2 weeks tapering
I was put in Lyrica for neuropathy and almost committed suicide. After some time a specialist put me on Gabapentin and it only took a week to be in the same mindset. Thank you for warning people about the dangers of these over prescribed drugs
I had a doctor try to switch me to Lyrica. Three months later I was back to GBP bc the side effects of Lytica were horrible.
Please tell me what dosage you were on & what the side effects were. Dr has started me at 75 mgs 2x a day. No problems so far except inc appetite. But it is not helping my neuropathy. Thanks
@@laggerb4680 that's similar dose to what I was taking. It did not help my neuropathy either. The dose was raised to 150 twice a day after I had explained the effect it was having on my mood with no benifits to pain. I now use CBD oil and have had good results re: neuropathy, gastroparesis anxiety and mood. Gabapentin is not good. Best wishes
I'm on gabapintine and doxitine now I fall asleep all day and stay up all night this is the hardest thing I've ever in dured but I gotta be strong and hope my disability goes through fast I'm at my breaking point
@@durrellblackmon7254 oh no😔 both are prescribed even though both cause adverse problems and once in your system and stuffing your life, you can't just stop either. I suggest you try and source quality CBD oil and begin weaning off the medication. Talk to the dr who put you on the medication and be firm with them that you can't be using the medication. I wish for you the best outcome without stress and problems
I’ve been taking it for 10 years now, for bad arthritis and neuropathy. I don’t want to come off of it really because I don’t want to have any side effects. That’s what I’m afraid of. I take 900 mg. Also, it has really helped me. Just turned 70
I can't functioning on just 150mg . Once I've finished tapering off, im on 25mg daily. No more drugs like these
I hope this will help somebody. For reference, I am 59 years old. I was on 1800 mg Gabapentin per day as prescribed by my neurologist for idiopathic peripheral neuropathy pain. I was at the maximum dose of 1800 mg for about one year. It did not seem to help with the pain for me and I decided to stop taking it due to side effects like fatigue, blurry eyesight, depression, and dizziness. Also one night I woke up and suddenly noticed I had tinnitus that was a both low frequency and a high pitched ringing which I have never had before. I was taking 2 x 300 mg pills 3 times a day, morning, mid day, and evening. I got my doctor to prescribe a bottle of 100 mg pills (400 in the bottle) along with my 300 mg pills and began to wean off. I reduced the amount by 100 mg per day every week, so the first week I took 1700 mg per day, the second week 1600 mg per day and so on. It took 18 weeks to fully wean off. I highly recommend getting the 100 mg pills and combining them with the 300 mg pills if you are on a high dose like I was. Also get a pill case that has 7 compartments for each day of the week and 3 compartments in each for morning, mid day, and night to keep track of the pills. I am particularly sensitive to drugs and usually require a lower dose than most people so I was very concerned about withdrawal symptoms coming off such a high dose. I didn't notice anything that was unbearable although I did have some anxiety and trouble sleeping. I have been completely off the Gabapentin now for only about 2 weeks and I don't experience the side effects any more as far as I can tell at this point. I still have some blurry vision and I am seeing the ophthalmologist in a couple weeks to see what's going on there. The tinnitus is still there and I do my best to ignore it but it is very loud at night when the room is quiet. As a side note I was on 10mg daily of Paroxetine (Paxil) for about 20 years when I was younger for anxiety. I tapered off that as well but started to get nerve zaps in my legs. It has been about 10 years since I was on Paxil and I have developed a progressive neuropathy that the doctors can't explain. I suspect the neuropathy was caused by the Paxil but can't be sure.
If I don't respond to you its because RUclips doesn't always forward comments. I wish everybody luck.
Thanks for sharing. My PCP had me start weaning off but he doesn't know what he's doing. I have bipolar and PTSD and I've been weaned off numerous drugs so I know how's it's done. I take 800mg in morning and 1200mg at night. Been taking gabapentin for 20 years. This large amount for over 12 years. PCP said to stop 400 mg every other night for 2 weeks then stop the 400 mg completely at night for 2 weeks then go down another 400 mg the same way!! What!! After missing 1 dose I started nasty withdrawal!! I went back to full dose. Will contact him after holidays for 300mgs to taper off that way for now. I'm so happy for you girl!! I pray I'm next. They think I have dementia but I think 🤔 it's the gabapentin!!
@@judyhummel9889 Gabapentin also comes in a 100mg capsule. Get your doctor to prescribe the 100mg capsule along with your 300mg capsules so that you can reduce your dose by 100mg every week. You will have to combine the 100mg with the 300mg to get the correct dose each week as it gets lower. Go slowly and plateau for a while if you start to have withdrawal symptoms. That's how I did it from 1800mg per day to now completely free of Gabapentin. The doctors don't understand. I told my neurologist that I didn't think it was helping me and the side effects were intolerable and he just said stop taking it. I actually think he was pissed off that I said it wasn't working for me. He had to know that I couldn't just stop taking 1800mg a day cold turkey. Luckily I learned all about weaning off medication from my days back when I came off Paxil.
As a physician who is weaning off gabapentin (900 three times a day) due to intolerable side effects (spaciness, increase appetite, irritability, and frequent feelings of regret for no reason in particular). My doctor gave me 100 mg capsules in addition to the 300 mg capsules. I open the 100 mg capsules and pour some out each night. It usually takes 5-6 weeks to go down 100 mg. If I go too fast, I get insomnia.
I suffer the same side effects as you. Rage/crankiness, voracious appetite for junk food (all I ate before were salads & fish) When I taper I go through horrible muscle/nerve cramping. I've only been able to taper off 300 & now deal with the pain. It's insane how they titer up & don't mention what happens once we're there.
WoW, now I am scared. I am currently taking 300 @ 5 am; 400 @ 12 pm; and 500 @ 8 to 9 pm.
Went up 100 on each dosages less than a month ago. Taking it for chronic pain. I can only take it from a specific Manufacturer, others have given me throbbing leg pain because the vains get inflamed/like varicose. It also seems that the Magna factor is stopping production. That means that I will have a very bad outcome. 😮😢, 😢😢😢
@@crybebebunny Look up what ingredients are in Magna Factor gabapentin. There are probably a number of different manufacturers of gabapentin. Talk to the different pharmacists in your area and find out which brand of gabapentin they carry, then look up the ingredient lists of that manufacturer’s gabapentin. (I am gluten sensitive, and many meds use starch as a binding agent). Good luck ♥.
I am currently down to 2700/day…I am trying to wean down because the withdrawal from it is so painful, and I have a little one, I can’t be down like that. And the stuff I’ve been going thru the last year-2 has been getting worse. I am now currently out of work because it’s too hard to get thru a full day, brain fog, slow thought process, tired during the day, insomnia at night, mood swings, no energy, no motivation…and my dr and I also didn’t attribute my issues to gabapentin until recently. She did all kinds of blood tests and she was like I don’t see anything else that could be the reason for these issues, but side effects from gabapentin could be what we’re seeing…sooo I’m trying to get off it. I’m sick of being on meds that r going to make me more sick of I suddenly run out, I don’t want to have to rely on meds…what if I can’t get them some day…no thanks.
A liquid form is available, this is how I have been trying to ween off it, not much success though.
I am 76 yr old female who has been on Gabapentin for at least 10 yrs. Prescribed to help with fibromyalgia pain. I take 3 100 mg pills per day. dosage has never changed. I also have complex partial seizures and am not on any other drug for that. Bad reactions from the 4 my Dr tried. I also am on around a dozen other prescriptions daily and 5 or 6 more as needed. I have most of the conditions you said would complicate withdrawal. I have lab work every 3 months as long as I feel fine. I have a primary care Dr who monitors everything and communicates with my 5 specialists as needed. I have surprised a number of Drs by still being alive, let alone living in my own home, doing yard work and driving across the country by myself every few years. (I now take two days to go 950 miles to see a football game instead of one). I missed your first video on Gabapentin and will go back and watch it. At present my drugs are doing what they are supposed to and I hope no changes will be needed for a long time. Most of them I have been on for over 25 yrs. Thank you for your information.
You sound a lot like me, in terms of health diagnosis and medications. However, I am 74, have FMS, and also have very bad nerve pain from sciatic nerve damage that required not particularly helpful back surgery about 30 years ago. The Gabapentin was prescribed for the nerve pain and symptoms which are extremely bad in my outer right thigh. At one point, about 20 yrs. ago, I was up to 2400 mg. a day. I tried back then to taper off and got down to just 100 mg. a day, but the symptoms in my thigh became so bad I had to up the dosage again. I can’t say that I recall any of the psychological side effects of tapering to such a low dosage, and I have a diagnosis of pretty severe general anxiety disorder, though I manage it well for the most part with minimal meds. I currently have myself down to a mere 400 mg. per day, taking 200 mg. in the a.m., and 200 mg. at bedtime. I should take a dosage in between, since the efficacy is apparently only 7 hours. I’d like to get it down even lower, because I do not like how air-headed I feel sometimes and how I have trouble with my memory at times. I have started exploring medical cannabis with some success.
I was on Gabapentin for 6 years and quit cold turkey with no withdrawals.
My husband had been on it since 2015 and pretty well stopped with just cutting his dose down from 1800 MG 2x day to one 600 MG once a day for a couple weeks and is now off them completely.
Try that with Lyrica :p
Did he not have trouble sleeping?@@AndriaVincent
Thank you so very much for your advice. I was at 1000mg every 8 hours for nerve pain. I weaned down to 50 mg every 4 hours. These capsules are compounded. I am going to start reducing it further today, pain or no pain. I’m done. Be well.
I was on this for 10 years. It took me a month to get off it. All I experienced was nightmares and strange dreams. I was on the maximum dose.
Well done. 👍
I’ve taken Gabapentin for over ten years now for headaches from brain surgery due to an aneurysm. I take 1800mg a day. I’ve ran out of medication before because I forgot to order. And yes, I did have withdrawals. I couldn’t sleep, had night sweats, and was very irritable. Once I got my dosage right again, everything went back to normal.
This type of information is invaluable to those attempting to get off their medication. We need much more information available like this to help folks get off the medications they don’t want or need to be on. I worked with a doctor who specializes in helping folks with dependency and/or addiction get off medications. I wound up in a four day panic attack due having it cut in half. The doctor assumed it was due to a different medication, however, it was quickly discovered it was caused by the severe reduction in gabapentin when the dose was increased by the original prescribing doctor.
I’ve been saying they need doctors who specialize in nothing but medications, including how to get off of them without experiencing excruciating withdrawals.
Im sorry that happened to you.
Are you again attempting to taper?
Anyone who suffers from eye pain?
I tried several times to detox from gabapentin. I’ve asked my doctors to help me stop. I tapered down to 50 mg a day and then stopped for four months and I couldn’t handle it anymore so I started taking it again. Two hours after being off for four months It was like I had never stopped taking it I felt normal again, no more fatigue to the point I couldn’t function, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t even stand the water from the shower touching me and the hot flashes were so intense , all that was gone. I am on 300mg once a day now and I explained to my doctor what happened when I tried to stop gabapentin in the past. I asked him if he would prescribe me 100 mg tablets so I could start weaning myself down again and he said your only on 300 mg just stop taking it, I just gave up I’m going to go to my new pcp and talk with her, I’m ready to come off. This stuff affects my memory so much and I’ve been taking it for 16 years now
I originally started taking it for neuropathy with no known cause at the time but now believe it was caused from taking Lipitor, my doctors had me up to 2400 mg a day at one point. Like I said I’ve been taking 300 mg a day for five years now and I just want off
I have withdrawn from Alprazolam (xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) 3 times and gabapentin 2 times. Xanax was the worst it took about a year to withdrawal from 2mg. I also felt really bad coming off gabapentin very nasty withdrawal but my advice would be cut down by 75mg a week till you’re done and don’t take it daily ever again unless you need it. Good luck
What are we supposed to do for pain? Just suffer forever?
@CandaceWilliams-no5jl I think you missed the entire point of the video.
Same is with me. I have been taking the GBAPN for last 5 years due to severe neuropathy caused by an antibiotic drug adverse reaction. Now im 50% better after 5 years and can manage without gabapentin.
I had many issues at same time. I had a dog bite few days ago so have taken 3 rabbies vaccine shots. Same time I had UTI issues. So had to take 7 days antibiotic at the same time I was trying to leave gabapentin completely at once. Right now I'm facing withdrawals which are VERY UNPLEASANT.
1) Having sudden shifts in mood and energy
2) Having night sweats and Getting wake up suddenly with heavy heart beats and nightmares.
3) sore throat
4) Insomnia
If you have not had a thyroid test or a thorough one maybe ask doc for that. Those symptoms also are part of thyroid problems. I experienced it,so did my grandma and mother in law. Now my husband is going through it. Hope you find answers soon
Yes, I'm on Gabapentin for severe neuropathy in my feet and legs (type 1 diabetic) and not only do I get severe nerve pain there when I run out or whatever, I get nerve pain in my whole body. Plus just DREADFUL anxiety. And worryingly, I'll start having absence seizures that can go on for several minutes at a time.
I was put on this because of facial neuralgia. The pain was like 10 on a scale of 10 being unbearable. I would love to get off but am terrified of being in great pain. Sometimes there’s a numbness of my lips. So it’s been difficult to think of getting off.
I have a very rare disease,Stiff Person Syndrome, which requires diazepam. I’m like 1 of 8 people in Canada who has this. Celine Dion was just diagnosed with this.
My heart breaks for you. In my group there are physicians who specialize in pain management. If you have access to one of those, put yourself in their care. The thing with pain management is you cannot do it without supervision, or you risk addiction. That includes taking yourself off meds; you need careful supervision. You have a steep road ahead. God bless you, friend.
Sending prayers from NJ. It’s a horrible feeling to have a “rare” condition.
Suggest watching the RUclips videos of MD Dr. Terry Wahls who suffered from facial neuralgia and MS. She reversed her symptoms with dietary and lifestyle improvements and currently has no facial pain as long as she sticks to her protocol.
Today I’m starting. I’ll check back in when I’m free from this. It’s been 7 years daily. Your video was very helpful.
Just remember to go slow and check in with your medical provider!
I tried to taper off 600mg every evening for insomnia. It was hell in the body aches and sleepless nights. I really appreciate your explanation. I’m seeing my neurologist tomorrow and will consult on the right prices for this month. Withdrawal has been terrible!!!
Thanks so much for information. This is a drug that should not be taken without this full knowledge.
Cannabis helps with withdrawal from a lot of substances and need not be smoked. In other words, there are so many options to imbibe.
I have CRPD in my feet, was in a wheelchair due to the severe pain. I am 62 years old and have been on between 1,800 to 2,400 mg/day of Gabapentin for 13 years. Last year I was able to go from 2,400 to 2,100 mg/day but it took me six months to do it. I am currently working at reducing from 2,100 to 1,800 mg/day. I reduce 300 mg one dose a week, and if I tolerate that, I reduce 300 mg two doses the next week, etc. If my feet are giving me more pain, I do not continue to reduce but just maintain my reductions. It's really tough. Good luck to anyone trying to do this as well.
Hello. Do you have CRPS that used be called RSD? I do too. I had SCS surgery, changed my diet, prioritized sleep, stopped drinking alcohol and sugary things, reduced caffeine, and started pt and strength training. Disabled in the navy at 23, I used mobility devices until after 2 yrs of pt and stopped using a wheelchair completely around the age of 29. I took Gabapentin at the max dose and was a complete zombie. I hated it! I always turned down stronger addictive meds so they weren’t an option regardless of the pain. I did benefit from some MJ use but haven’t done that since being sober either. I’ll have 2 years sober this coming month. Pain and CRPS, doctors that just slap a bandage on it and leave ya, and combined ptsd, nearly killed me. There is hope. Good doctors too. Thank you for this one!
64/F, 2700 mg daily 2+ years. Six weeks now off gab & starting Cymbalta taper. Day 3 of my normal brain function returning, I had forgotten what it feels to be clear headed. Gab initially helped me with firework neuropathy in my leg. My greatest fear was that pain coming back, which it hasn't! My DOG is even on it now. Going to wean it off her too. You're spot on with what is the lesser of the two evils. To have my brain back is worth nerve pings here and there. Your gab video's have been helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
How long did it take to taper? Very helpful and hopeful comment.
I have neuropathy pain in my feet and legs due to spinal cord injury. I have been taking Gabapentin for 7 years. I don't use or choose to use additional analgesics or opioids. I have upcoming neurology appointment for diagnostic Evaluation. I have symptoms similar to MS. MY dad had Parkinson's. I have balance issues, dizziness, trouble speaking at times, and occasional brain fog. I am 68 years old male.
My pain MGMT Dr, (also a Palliative Care Dr), took 3 years to taper me off of three 60mg of sustained released morphine using 0.8mg/ three X's/day of Clonidine... My GP and psych agreed to increase my Gabapentin from 600mg/day to 1800mg/day after I was drugged and SA'd. I definitely experience severe withdrawal if I miss even one dose. I appreciate your informative video; thank you. I think its true in my case that this higher dose is no longer serving me. I'm going to talk to my PM Dr. Best, Christina.
great video and channel. thank you
Good results from tapering 5-10% of the usual dose every one to two weeks. This is consistent with Dr. Ashton's manual recommendation for decreasing benzos. It is a very slow pace, but withdrawal symptoms are minimal if any at all.
I was prescribed Gabapentin for chronic pain in low back, DDD and sciatica. I've been on it for 3+ years. It works fairly well, and side effects are minimal. I see no reason to get off of it. If I were to stop taking it, I would have to be taking opioids instead. I see no alternative at this point. NSAIDS are totally ineffective.
I developed Chronic Kidney disease. NO medical professional advised me of that side affect.I took 300 in morn and 600 before bedtime.MY Dr. had prescribed double that,but it made me so spacy,I could not function.
@@judywhittlesey4010 how long were you on it? thanks
I was prescribed Gabapentin by VA Health, dose was 500mg it was increased to 2500mg for my back pain, I’ve been off the medication 0ver 2 years. I now have a more clear no fog memory, ringing in the ears is not as severe, blurry vision was caused by its replacement pregabalin. Stop using it a few months later and went back to opioid derivatives which I don’t have any issues
I just stopped,cold. My Dr never informed me that I should taper and he refused to lower my dosage when I complained that it made me so loopy, spaced out, that I couldn't function. He would tell me that I would get use to it. I began to see his PA and she reduced by half, then I could function with only a minor difference in my neuropathy pain. Within 5 years I was diagnosed with CKD.I was never told that it was a possible side affect. Physical therapy and massage were very helpful to me, still are.
I recently had an appointment with my podiatrist to ask her opinion about having a procedure on my legs due to veins as well as more difficulty with plantus fasciitis. She recommended using gabapentin. I reminded her that I had to stop the medication because of brain fog. I suggested an appointment after cancer related testing. I've decided to change to another podiatrist.
I'm pretty sure I'm witnessing withdrawal symptoms in MY CAT who's been on this for only a week to combat pain from urinary inflammation. He went from 0mg to 200mg a day and after a week when we were supposed to stop, he simply DID NOT want to move, eat, or even look at me. I was terrified. That is a MASSIVE dose for a cat. The vet argued with me that withdrawal symptoms in cats "don't exist" because there's "no studies" and it's not like I'm going to argue with a veterinarian, but at the same time... no one is studying that shit and I've heard plenty of people online say the same things. If it works by a similar mechanism in cat brains (although of course they are a different species)... why WOULDN'T there be withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped? Gabapentin is used off-label SO MUCH in veterinary medicine that it actually scares me now that I've been through it. Hope my boy feels better soon now that I'm stepping him down...
@jdm3075 I went through that with my kitten when they put her on it for a painful injury at 4mo old. I had to step her down from it slowly. She was on 100mg, as tiny as she was, but she had to have pain relief.
One vet prescribed it for one of my cats to have before next visit because the cat softly bit her. In 12 years the cat had never bit anyone. I gave her one dose of 100 mg before the next visit and she was completely crazy on it. I felt so bad. I would never give any animal that drug again. I outweigh my cat by about 120 lbs and 300 mg makes me drowsy. I have been on Gabapentin for about 2 years due to severe degeneration of my spine. I have had some problems with it and I am not impressed with its efficacy.
My cat could not take either. As for chronic urinary pain thats hard to detect in cats I was able to switch them to all wet food only diet, use Coseqin for cats which builds & repairs uterine wall, add Vibrant Companions, U.T. Health for Dogs and Cats
or a different cranberry blended suppliment, give T-Relief a homeopathic pain med found at health food stores. Crush 1 tablet in a bowl add to wet food.
My dog was put on gabapentin for pain when he was 12. He made it to 14. 🤷♀️
I hope you wean him off. You're supposed to reduce the dose by ten percent & remain on that same dosage for an entire month.
I just love you, Dr. Sullivan! I needed this info today.
Taper off.?No. Just refuse to take gabapentin as l did every time it was offered. You will thank God that you did. Amen. My pain is a pleasure compared to the drugs l have been on for many many years. Hydromorphone for ten yrs before i stopped on my own without telling any dr that l was kicking it and it took me 4 months to kick the Drugs. Amen with the help of God all things are possible.
In January, I started at 100 mg 3 times a day; two months later my nurse was aghast that I stuck at that level and asked me to increase to 600. Then today the 300 mg 3 times a day script arrived on the mail. I'm not talking that hook. I'm not even clear why my physiatrist upped the dose.😲😬
@@kandimegahan7844
@ k. M7844. I would change drs. And stop taking any drugs the pain will cease to be as bad and God will help you overcome your Problems. Drugs prescribed or Not kill more than pain every organ gets weaker as
Time goes on. Amen.
I suffer a lot of pain
(Neurological) also l have had Cirrhosis
For 40yrs unmedicated
And no dr.
I was put on this because of nerve pain from Guillain Barre that I had 10 years ago. I was prescribed 600 mg. 3 x day and then went down to 1,200/ day which has been a few years ago and now am taking 900/day. I have tried to go to 600/day. I feel like I need it to stabilize my mood at this point. I do often wonder just how much clarity I would have if completely off of it...brain fog is not fun. How I wish you were my doctor. Thank you soooo much for this video. Btw, I ordered the melatonin you had a link to on the video, Top 5 Sleep Product Picks.
Prescribed 900mg per day for nerve pain from SCI 4 years ago. I had icky side effects (dizzy, nausea, double vision, swollen legs, fatigue, nervousness) and wanted to go off it, but the pain is pretty bad, so I was going up and down on it for a while. I'm now down to 100 mg and looking forward to being off it in a month or so. I hate this drug so much. I have epilepsy so I also needed to find an alternate antiseizure med. I'm using a water taper method because of severe rebound pain in the past. This is working for me - slow and steady, 10% per week - even less, sometimes. Insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, muscle spasms, and nausea have been real withdrawal problems, but I am finally starting to feel human again as I get this out of my system. Lots of exercise helps.
I am 66 and I have a history of being extremely sensitive to meds.
I'm trying to get off it now, but can't. I take 450 mgs at night, to help me sleep. My dosage hasn't changed. It works great, but I saw a video recently, where it was said, your brain stops growing new cells, because of gabapentin. I started taking it 13 years ago, to replace various types of pain killers, for spinal nerve damage. Now, my pain management Dr. prescribes it. The problem is, my pain has lessened, so I should be able to reduce the dose. I've mentioned this to my Dr., and he has no opinion, also my primary Dr. Next time I see the anathsiologist, I'll tell him to put me on a replacement, after reducing dosage. When I take only 300 mgs, and I can think clearer. I'm 68 years old, and am also worried about kidney problems.
Would you recommend getting 100 mg capsules to taper down with??
Some of us would rather have quality of life, than quantity of life. Without Gabapentin, I would live in agony. Not long after being dx w/ MS, I developed peripheral neuropathy and seizures.
Currently going down from 600mg nightly to 300mg nightly. Experiencing low energy, depression and vision problems. Hope it gets better!!!
How did your withdrawal go?
That’s too fast! I heard to decrease only by 100 each time
Very helpful. Thank you, Dr. Sullivan.
I'm trying to get off of Gabapentin, I'm having side effects like, swollen right ankle, and my feet are becoming numb and I especially in my left foot I have pain. I already take meds for seizures and I have a history of seizures depression and anxiety.
I looked up the side effects and I have had many of the side effects.I have had more than once.
Thanks for the information. I will talk to the doctor about it.
I too lost sensation under one foot. Pretty scary.
I hope this helps someone on here struggling to come off gab. The easiest way to come off with the least amount of sides is to smoke weed while coming off. Even if you don't smoke you probably should do it just until your off gabbie. I've heard of people not feeling any withdrawal doing this.
I’m being forced to taper off to half. I take 2400 mg a day. I’m terrified of the side effects now. I don’t think it will be easy or even uncomfortable, I think it will be brutal. I live in a State where it’s considered a controlled substance, schedule v medication. I have fibromyalgia and Gabapentin makes my life tolerable. I have no idea how this will turn out 😢
Get another dr ! U VANNOT NE FORCED if it’s driving u INSANE
I'm sorry! That's terrible! If you can move to the closest state that allows your med that may be a solution. If not maybe you can see an out of state physician who can prescribe it and send it to you? Just a thought...
After two pulmonary embolism I suffered respiratory failure and resulting neuropathy. Mine was fast onset with no prior symptoms. I have been taking 3,200 mg daily in four divided doses. After three years I'm weaning off per my choice. I'm down to 2,000 mg one week later and no withdrawal symptoms but definitely worse neuropathic pain in my legs. I'm confident in my decision as I dislike taking medication but I do fear this neuropathy pain will get worse. From the knees up I feel just fine and for that I am thankful. I have no addiction issues. I don't drink and no mental health issues. I'm self cutting back 1000 mg weekly.
Whoa that’s a big dose change and fast… did you run into problems?
How are you doing, feeling?
@@digigoose Yes, I did. I began having horrible insomnia and some sort of anxiety ? I've never had anxiety so not sure how to describe it. Very restless. Almost panic attack symptoms maybe ? So, I reduced by only 400 mg weekly. Still some of those same symptoms but tolerable. I think I've now been gabapentin free for about a month. I'm very happy about that . Still some mild anxiety in the evening nearing bedtime ? Not sure if that's just the remainder working it's way out. Overall I'm doing fine.
@@tiazadobbs7475that’s awesome! I get the restless/anxious feeling you’re talking about. It’s akathisia. Hopefully the remaining effects wear off over time!
I reduced from 800 mg 3x daily to 400mg x3 daily with no ill effects . I chose pain over being unmotivated and spaced out. I wanted a life. HoweverI am afraid of more pain than I can tolerate as I have constant nerve pain
Same is with me. I have been taking the GBAPN for last 5 years due to severe neuropathy caused by an antibiotic drug adverse reaction. Now im 50% better after 5 years and can manage without gabapentin.
I had many issues at same time. I had a dog bite few days ago so have taken 3 rabbies vaccine shots. Same time I had UTI issues. So had to take 7 days antibiotic at the same time I was trying to leave gabapentin completely at once. Right now I'm facing withdrawals which are VERY UNPLEASANT.
1) Having sudden shifts in mood and energy
2) Having night sweats and Getting wake up suddenly with heavy heart beats and nightmares.
3) sore throat
4) Insomnia
Unfortunately I was not given the time to ease off my gababentin because I was kidnapped. 😮 even though I had alot of other feelings I didn't feel any other type of withdrawals from it.
After the incident and the 2 weeks of "no pills" and I began to feel elated and happy again. All those years of taking the Gababentin I was never happy. I was miserable, never smiling ir laughing, good riddens.
I got taught how to wean up and down by a my chronic pain doctor but my new family doctor was not happy about it lol
It took me 4.5 months to taper. I started by taking one of my 3 daily doses and dumping out half of the capsule for 2 weeks. Then, I did my morning dose the same way. Then, my evening dose. Then I removed my afternoon dose for 4 weeks. Then I halved the half of my morning dose for 2 weeks. Then I halves the half of my evening dose for 2 weeks. Then cut out my morning dose for 2 weeks. Then was taking a 1/4 of the half of the evening dose for 2 weeks. Then took it every other day for 2 weeks. Then I stopped. You can see that you can taper faster on larger doses but when you get down to small doses, take your time. I started at 400 mg/3xday. It was manageable
Yep. Thats the same way I will taper off. Dumping out about 1/4 th the pill. I'm only on 100mg twice a day for chronic body anxiety trembling...
I hope tapering that way will make it much easier.
I'm surprised it only works 15-20% of the time! But I'd imagine that's because it used for seemingly almost anything these days. I'm on it for severe nerve pain and it works VERY well for me. My pain level while on Gabapentin (obviously these vary) is anywhere from a 1 to a 4 while without the Gabapentin my pains levels tend to vary from 6 to 8
It's 15%-20% across like 30 different conditions its prescribed for, which obviously it can't be everything for everyone. For nerve pain it works well
Thank you for your videos on this awful drug. It caused me to have chronic rhinitis last winter when I was on 1600mg and now permanent hearing loss from blowing my nose so much. My ENT was the one to figure it was the high dose and it was decreased to 600, then 300 and now I’m finally off of this medication after 20 awful months. Originally prescribed for moods and anxiety and all it did was contribute to my anhedonia and depression, all while leaving me overweight, cognitively compromised and now partially deaf in my right ear. By day 3, the worst was over for me in terms of withdrawals. It is possible to get off, but was truly as bad as coming off benzos for me!
Damn. Not even a little bit less severe than benzos?
Fibromyalgia, can't really do without it. Got me out of bed and active.
Please don't tell me to cut back on my gabapentin dosage. My brain on gabapentin (three times 400mg daily) is doing just fine, thank you. If I cut back on this dosage I cannot sleep at night because of pain due to neuropathy. I do admit I experienced the tolerance effect when first put on gabapentin. Well, maybe I might very-slowly cut back to see what happens. I am 82 years old and see my primary physician regularly (at least three tines per year); we discuss my medication in depth. Anyway thanks for this video.
You shouldn’t stop if ur feeling fine on it!
Ive been on Gabapentin for many Years for nerves of the legs,feet and arms. I have been diagnosed with a Heredity neuropathy HSP. Do you recomend another medicine to take? I should go up the dose but i dont i take 900mg daily. Thanks love your videos.
Thank you for this video. I was only on it for a couple of weeks following surgery for a broken leg. When I was discharged from the hospital the surgeon neglected to renew my prescription. Discovering this I decided not to call to have it re-filled and Oh Honey! The withdrawal was a bitch!! But I am glad I did it the way I did despite the discomfort.
I take Gabapentin as nerve warrants (300 mg) Sometimes twice a day. I live in Mexico and have questioned if doctors really understand this drug and how to prescribe it. I have not had dependable MD supervision. I do not know if Gabapentin is responsible for me having balance issues, difficulty walking (like I am drunk). I am in a no win situation. I have pain in my pelvic gut, hip, side, numbness in my leg and feet, and I am taking this Rx for that pain, which it does not stop. But it does bring on sleepiness in 3 hours that allows me to sleep through pain.
This is one of the symptoms a lot of people on gabapentin feel like. I stopped then started again like an idiot.
It’s exactly the same for me. It’s scary but know if I can stop because of the pain. I sleep better but the morning is rough.
Similar experience. Got it for severe restless legs. 600 mg did nothing for my RLS, but knocked me out good enough to fall asleep at least a few nights per week. A couple years in came the side effects. Been tapering for two years now after a horrific experience of cutting 100 mgs per week. Withdrawals like a proper junkie.
I truly truly want to stop taking this, but the emotional side effects are crazy ! I'm only 300mg x 3 a day. I have slipped disc and CPTSD soooo? I dunno, wish me luck
Wishing you luck, a Dr who listens & a better Rx that helps w/o those side effects.
thank you, really appreciated ❤
In January, I started at 100 mg 3 times a day; two months later my nurse was aghast that I stuck at that level and asked me to increase to 600. Then today the 300 mg 3 times a day script arrived on the mail. I'm not talking that hook. I'm not even clear why my physiatrist increased my dose.😲 But stories like yours scare me.😬
Nope. The only time I took ot I had a horrible, 3D, 4k nightmare where I could even smell! When I woke up I threw the rest of the pills away!
After 3+ years of this medication I am weening off from 1200 mg per day to 0 over 4 months.
The reason is I am having weird shortness of breath and heart pains - I also don’t want to depend on medication anymore. I was on this for sleep and also to assist addiction recovery.
I am now on day 3 of 1000 per day and feeling fine… next will be 800 per day after 2 weeks.
I remember that when I first started taking it made me dizzy and I felt like my memory was not as sharp. I’m excited to see the positive effects of being off of it fully and restoring my previous function naturally.
I have been taking 300mg gabapentin a long time. How would I taper off???
I’ve been on 2700 mg per day. For years. I’m tapering now. So far down just to 1800 mg. 900 mg will be next. Wish me luck 🍀
I was put on Gabapentin for nerve pain in my feet. (I'm not diabetic) I was started at 100mg am, 200mg pm for3 months. It was upped to 200mg am 400mg pm for 3 months. It was then upped to 300mg am, 600mg pm. Side effects got to be too much. So I went pack to 300mg am, 300mg pm for 15 days. Next, I'm going down to 300mg pm for another 15 days, and then quit. I have not told my VA primary care of my decision. My next appointment is in early February, and I will go over it with her then. I do take a Magnesium supplement. I just switch for 600mg Mag Oxide, to 400mg of Mag Glycinate. Taken at lunch. I feel better with that formulation.
I had to stop taking gabapentin as it started causing me shortness of breath…couldn’t get a deep breath. Didn’t notice it was doing anything for me anyway. (Took probably for about 6 mos)
I am on gaba pentin 100 mg per day for cytica pain for an year now .age 53 ..no other medications apart from this ..only amlodipin for high bp. How should I taper this off
Was only on it for a month 3x a day for a motorcycle accident. I refused pain meds so they said this drug was safe for me. It’s now 15+ days after stopping and my mind is making up horrible scenarios that don’t exist anxiety for no reason sweaty palms constant unexplainable fear. It wasn’t a long time to be on it. I can only imagine what others are going through. It seems to be taking way too long to stop affecting me. I will warn anyone of this drug.
I am being weened off the highest dose I am being weened off 100mg every two weeks at the halfway stage now and the pain is climbing no sleep walking hunched over now really struggling but the thought dying outweighs the pain, it was explained to me by Doctor I was high risk of heart attack /stroke /or sudden death . if that happened they would get into trouble for the high dose, would have laughed but did not seem so funny I have to be weened off until I can get a different pain med, pain is getting worse at the moment but if I feel pain I'm alive better than the alternative
Very thorough and informative!! Thank you for this video. I’ve been immersed in a brain fog for 11 years, unable to ferret out the cause due to some overlapping symptoms amongst the syndromes with which I was diagnosed. Now, I have something to consider embarking upon, medically, to push some of these brain clouds away. Best wishes.
Ugh, Brain clouds- perfect description. I can still do things (cook, play guitar, read books) but everything is so difficult, I don’t retain anything. I also need to have mental stimulation- music, podcasts, tv, white noise all the time now. It’s been 10 years of taking it, I’m up to 3000 mg daily.
@@winstonsmith8236 I feel ya. I’ve been on 2400 for 11yrs. Remembering names comes with difficulty only dispelled by repeating a name over a few times. Your post made me realize that I too see out constant stimulation through, podcasts, music and videos. I find it hard to concentrate on certain things like sitting and reading a book. I have to read things over and over to retain the information. After watching this, I’m going consider weaning myself off this massive dose. Best of luck to you. 💖
@@winstonsmith8236I just started taking gabapentin yesterday for chronic body nerve pain from head to toe😢
My doctor gave Me 3 bottles of pills. 600 Mg 3 times a day. I have face pain all over my face. I get shocks in my eye balls. I have to try this med🙌🏾
Thank you for sharing your experience now i know what to expect.. I'm gonna try to quit..im on max dose. Wish me luck 😊
Thank you for this video and your others as well. You're doing a great service and pls keep it up. I was first prescribed gabapentin for essential tremor. Doesn't really help with it but I took in the evening before bed (300 mg). Now, my psychiatrist suggested taking more - 600 mg - to help with insomnia. It does help but your video makes me want to take less and try other ways to deal with not sleeping well. Thank you for all your cautions about the drug and dependency. Many thanks. Happy Holidays!
I have nerve damage in my back and had shoulder surgery. I started taking gabapentin where it’s over the counter. Full disclosure I am trying to get over a substance use problem after a very hard late teen years which I’ve since made massive progress on and did slightly abuse it at one point.
Basically I was on a pretty high dose(~3000mg a day) and had almost no problem nearly halving that but went back up slightly on my taper cause of other issues. Personally the withdrawals are nothing compared to heroin or benzo wd but these comments are seriously starting to scare me. Maybe it’s cause I’m still in my mid 20s but it seems like some people either have very mild withdrawals from them or they’re in hell for weeks/months. It’s been a hell of a motivation to taper
I have small fiber peripheral polyneuropathy and my neurologist is strongly pushing gabapentin. I take 300 to 900 in a 24 hour period. He is pushing for far more than than that, which i wont do. It has helped the burning pain quite a bit. I take occasional Relafen. I wont take opioids, benzos or muscle relaxers.
Im concerned after hearing this negative gabapentin info. Any thoughts?
I’ve been on 400 mg once a day of gabapentin from my doctor for some reason and I don’t even know why, but after watching this video, I just went through my pill tray that I make up weekly and removed that pill from my daily pills. I will no longer take gabapentin. I don’t even know why I was on it in the first place! But it’s a low amount it’s only 400 mg a day so I don’t expect any of these withdraw things that you’re talking about with those high high doses that some people were taking.
I was put on gabapentin back in 2016 for RSL, 1800 mg aday. I could'nt funtion. So I started going down 100 mg every few weeks. It has taken me 7 1/2 years, but now I take just 300 mg 1 hour befor bed. I don't take any other med's. I can funtion now, hope to go down another 100 mg soon.
Does the 300 mg help to your RLS Symptoms ? And how long this dosage does help you ?
You are wonderful and smart and so easy way of explaining things. You have really helped me so much. God bless and thankyou!
You are so welcome! Happy to help!
I have been on Gabapentin (hereafter Gab) for 10-15+ years at a maximum dose of 3600 mg per day. The cause was diabetic neuropathy. I have with Dr. permission reduced this to 1800-2400mg per day because of concerns about longterm use, while still managing foot discomfort. Atter a 2021 heart attack and 4way bypass I have reduced other medications, again either at Dr. recommendation or my request.
Cannabis for pain. So many ways to use that smoking is basically outdated
I was put on this for sleep, 300mg. Haven't started taking it yet. Not sure if I want to get on this.
I’ve taken gaba for 10 yrs for fibromyalgia and degenerative. Disc 800 mg at night I’ve been having memory problems and word search problems I will talk to my Dr about tapering down My brother was on higher doses 3x a day for years for severe back pain He couldn’t remember what he did or where he was anymore so his Dr slowly took him off GABA I’m 68
Thank you so much for all you videos! This one has me planning on talking with my Dr next week when I see him. I'm currently and have been for years on 800 mg 3 x a day. I'm also on a benzo and have COPD. I'm on A Lypoc acid now recommended by my Dr and it help helped more than anything. I'm think cutting back to 600 mg 3x a day.
U can always try it just go really slow
I was without GAMA; my spinal bifida kept the enzyme from getting to my brain. I almost died from the lack, Xanax saved me, and now I am getting off Xanax and using Gabapentin.
Took it to get off my final 2mg of methadone. Im 28 year old man, diarrhea finished first few days, I’m shaking less and heart rate has gone down. Sweating a bit less but I’m at 26 days cold turkey gabapentin and I am still unable to sleep, constant weird dreams and waking up and sweating. Max a couple hours. I am really starting to think I’m permanently messed up. I don’t crave gabapentin anymore but my brain reverted to dreaming about opioids when they have been out of them for 2 months. I have already suffered for years trying to get off opioids and not sure I can mentally handle this anymore and won’t take any meds. Do you think I’ll get better?
Any updates? How are you feeling 6 months later? I've seen people say that Gabapentin withdrawals can last months if not years... crazy. Hope you're feeling better.
What dose amounts are u taking about?
I came off Ativan 1986 it took 4 years to get off and years to learn how to live again .I’m appalled to here about gabapentin as I take it for nerve damage in my feet .I am fuming why didn’t the dr tell me about this drug I feel like suing him I’m starting to follow Barbara O’Neill the herb ways to hell with the drs 8:36
I started taking 100mg two times a day 3 weeks ago and developed severe side effects. Made me very dizzy, anxious and my legs got so weak i couldn't walk. I think they call it ataxia. It was horrible. How do u wean off such small doses of 100mg in the morning and at night?
I LOVE it, 1500 mg a day works better then anything else I've used for my nephropathy, restless leg syndrome, hip pain and right ankle severe pain. Worried though about kidney issues that might develop from it now, 66 years old.
My primary physician considers me a problem child. He doesn't take my sensitivity to medication seriously. I'm 76 and was on antidepressants many years and it was a very hard time getting off them. Gabapentin seems to be in the same class. I missed a dose at 300 mgs per night. Had a horrible night of foot pain and sleeplessness.
Wear the badge of "problem child" proudly. I am a retired RN so I have more knowledge than the average patient about conditions, meds, etc. My doctor hated when I did just accept what he said as if it was sent from on high. When the establishment decided elderly women with severe arthritis should be deprived of even very low dose opioid medicine because some people abused such drugs, he told me I should take 4000 mg of Gabapentin a day. At 800 mg a day I started having mental effects of derealization. When I told him the drug was not working for me he told me I have "always been a difficult patient." I finally terminated my relationship with him,
Is this the same for pregablin?
Ive been on 1200mg a day for about 10 years...im sick of the memory loss and want to get off the shit.
I take Pregabalin, have for almost 20 years now. Low dose, 200 mg per day. But I have worried about my likely physical addiction for years. I would, at a time where nothing else medical is going on, like to try to reduce my dose. Is Pregabalin similar to gabapentin?
Yes Pregabalin is a stronger, faster-absorbing form of Gabapentin.
I do have one question,i have a side effect of a numb tip of tongue. That side effect is not on gabapentin med or any other med or supplement im taking. My docs are not concerned but i didn have it before theCRPS. Its also not a symptom of that. Sometimes my lips are numb too. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I am an above knee amputee, I was put on gabapentin 800mg 3xs daily after my battler with stage 4 cancer and loss of my leg. It does help my phathom leg pain ( which is like an electric shock feeling) but not my back pain, sciatica or neuropathy pain. I have been on it for 4 years now and have tapered down to 1600mg per day. It definitely effects my brain and mood. I would like to find an herbal suppliment for phantom leg pains, as I hate taking any drugs.
Hope you find something. You sound positive and strong.
What would you recommend for a patient that has Trigeminal Neuralgia AKA The Suicide Disease? I have a friend who has this and suffers in tremendous pain to the point they can’t eat, drink or speak.
Cbd oil, water soluble. Try different brands they all have different formulas some work some don't , also marijuana. Magnesium. Vitamin b complex.
I’m on a high dose 3000mg/day for about 2.5 months. Now that I see how habit forming it is, I want off asap. What is the most aggressive I can be keeping in mind that I have only been on it for about 10wks…? Thanks for all opinions!
Would love a video just like this on Topamax / Topiramate ... 🤞🤞
I know it has a risk of seizures if you stop it abruptly... bit I would like to know more about how it effects the brain and body... when taken and stopped and all the reasons to taper off if stopping it.
Thank You VERY much in advance for considering a video of this medication 😊💗
I started to taper Gabapentin, and I got horrible body, muscle, nerve pain. My doctor knew nothing about how to help me, gave me Ibuprofen, and sent me on my way. 😢
Been on it all life,but got to from seizure s.