Why Your Brain Needs You to Taper Gabapentin
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2023
- In this episode of I CARE FOR YOU BRAIN with Dr. Sullivan, board certified neuropsychologist Dr. Karen D. Sullivan discusses why your brain needs to taper off gabapentin. The risks of gabapentin are under appreciated by the public and medical providers, including how to safely stop the medicine. Listen and learn to a summary of what the scientific literature has to say about how to reduce or stop your dose, in partnership with you medical provider, including what supplement and foods have been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Check out Dr. Sullivan's other video, Gabapentin & Your Brain Health, at • Gabapentin & Your Brai...
Learn more at www.icfyb.com
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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 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.
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. 🤷♀️
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.
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.
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 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 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 CZcams 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.
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?
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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 just love you, Dr. Sullivan! I needed this info today.
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.
great video and channel. thank you
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
Thank you
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.
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!
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.
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 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
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.
Thanks so much for information. This is a drug that should not be taken without this full knowledge.
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.
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 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
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.
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 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’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.
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 😊
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.
I’m hooked on that 😢😢😢
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'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
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.
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)
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🙌🏾
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 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.
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 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 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
My husband is 82. He was put on 800 mg of gabapentin years ago. He has been experiencing poor health, cognitive decline, and balance issues. I have spoken 3 of his doctors. One didn’t care and the other two said just stop. I have tapered down to 400 mg at night. I asked for smaller pills. Doc said just cut in half. I have now gone to 400 every other day. Doctors do not understand this medication.
thank you
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
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
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.
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!
What are your thoughts on taking o.t.c. Gaba supplement while coming off of prescription Gabapentin
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 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 ?
Hi Dr. I am going to be going off my gabapentan 1200 a day also several other medication Cymbalta and
trasdone. Because ove liver sever toxic. I'm scared and I start tomorrow. The plan is to use Toradal and night and during day going to use stimulate electrodes. I also have so many other diagnoses. I don't have time to slow. I have to do this quick
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!
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
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
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,
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.
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 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.😬
Will my pain come back like I had before starting? Will it get better in it's own? I am 66. I am trying to taper off. I was on 600 mg per day.
I have down 300 mg over a month ,I will now do it again 300 this next month , I had been taking 1800 ,if I get other symptoms I will go slower ,I am 84. I am a diabetic because I’ve been taking 27 yrs steroids,through going down with . I take blood thinners as my heart palps . Blood pressure tablets, etc.how much more will my body and brain put up with .😢
I hate gabapentin!! I did cold turkey it after a month and a half..I was on 100 mg for 1 month and tried going up to 300 mg but that was too high!! So the 100 mg made me too tired and breathing issues and depressed!! So I just stopped! It took a couple days to feel back to myself!! I'm 63
Is this the same for pregablin?
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 take Gabapentin to sleep at night 1200 mg. I have noticed if I don’t take it I cannot sleep. I was just diagnosed with ET…should I taper from it?
Been on it all life,but got to from seizure s.
Would you recommend getting 100 mg capsules to taper down with??
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 about it for dementia patients
What dose amounts are u taking about?
It's funny how wikipedia says Gabapentin doesn't act on GABA, but high doses induce similar effects to alcohol... is Wikipedia wrong?
I was only on it for a month the last two weeks being a total of 900 mg a day and I’m going through hell getting off this. If I would’ve known it was addictive like this I never would’ve tried it and it didn’t help anyway. I supposedly was having pain from a compressed nerve but now it looks like it’s from something else so I still have pain and withdrawal symptoms. I went through benzodiazepine withdrawal about 10 years ago and this is so similar. I feel like I am in hell.
Any updates? How’re you feeling now? I stopped taking this stuff a week and a half ago after 4 years of use and the past 3 days have been hell for me too. Horrible withdrawal symptoms!
I am now 80 years and have taken a Gabetin cap, 300mg 1x daily for 6 years. IT WAS FROM A REUMateus DR for my knee pain prescript . It helped me for 3 years good because I HAVE epilepsy, I got to my doctor there and ask, why it won't help'', answer it will not harm me but go back to you another doctor we have better medication that can help you for your REUMATEUS. MY Question I comprehend sometimes very slowly, could this come from Gabetin or my age?
What about replacements because I have severe types of pain and not just one that forced me on this when I knew better but really had no choice. I feel I will be screwed with my pain and lack of sleep getting off of this. And I had already been tapering klonopin over years and then this happens and I have horror stories of my parents forcing me on pills as a child that destroyed my life and there’s never been a shred of accountability or remorse or anything
Why are so few talking aboat the effekts of neurontin. I have done ACDF in C6/c7 and C7/TH1. Nerveroot C7 and C8 have not healed after 7 mounths. They where pinched for to long. I am taking 1500mg pr. day. It helps for the pain and i aviods opioids. Of course i want to quit the medicine but what are the side effects of that?
I take 100mg of gabapentin three times a day, for back pain and bone and joint pain from taking Lupron, plus I take tramadol 50 mg three times a day,is this bad
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
But I'm already on 75mg of zoloft so when I taper down off Gabapentin will my mood symptoms possibly be ok?
Thank you 300mg and stopped in one day.I get a sisser in my eye was the worst,never happend before-use them for pain have Avm in my brain .Get anxity,and fell a lot when I stopped,now I am using 200mg a day just need it,and sometimes I stopp usine Nevrontin,thank you next time I will take care of myself
I have been taking 300mg gabapentin a long time. How would I taper off???
I am not it for pain 200 mg a day so not to lose the use of my left arm. I was on it two years ago for pain.
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 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 was given this for siezure I have only take 399 a day no more n trying to get off it just afraid of other siezure that’s all but trying to stop
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’m on gabapentin for the years I was on lorazepam. I take 300 mg x 3 a day plus 7.5 mg x 1 Mirtazapine at night for sleep.
I’ve been on this regimen for about 8 months now. I’m 72 yrs old.the gabbas have left me loopy mostly during the regimen. I did have feet pain a swelling but that recently has gotten better. Motor skills have been a bit funky but that is getting better too.
Worst part of all this is that I lost my doctor to a recent leave of absence and was told I have to find a new specialist for the meds. I’m really concerned and confused right now about the effectiveness of the gabbas. Any words of advice?
Ischemic stroke in march 2023, a right side basil gangular infarction"they" put me on 100mg a day then my PCP upped me to 200mg. I would like go bsck to 100mg then go off it totally. Dont know why exactly im on it. Will talk to my doc tomorrow. Also if weaned off of opioids 100%..the day of the strokei was a active figherfighter. Now forced to retire ...bummer....left side paralyzed walking with a cane, but not playing my guitar....yet!....
Thanks Doctor S....wish my primary would watch these vids... I Learn more from them then from my own docs and that includes the pathetic nuerologists ive met with...cheers
Why are the best nuerologists on you tube and unreachable???
What about pregabalin?
How would you recommend tapering off just three hundred miligrams a day. I take 300 miligram at night. Im frightened to go to my doctor incase they take me off to fast. Im addicted to street valium as dr wont give them to me but gave me these things instead.
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 was on this med for yrs. Then I had to deal with R. Arthritis. My inflammation was horrible. I watched a video on U tube that stated this medicine could make inflammation worse. Wow I stopped taking this medication and my inflammation was 70% less. So I said bye bye to Gavi, also I have HAD COPD for yrs and doctors had me on Gavi. This video states it could be bad w/respiratory problems. Hmm good thing I watch U Tube