Gabapentin staggering - somewhat new user with a few questions

[StimulateBenzo]

Good morning all!

I thought I posted this thread but i cant find it so my sincere apologies for the duplicate.

Basically I started on 100mg a few times a day and then 300mg a few time a day. After noticing all the positive effects PLUS no more lower spinal back pain which i had for MONTHS... i have 2 questions:

1. Its been mentioned people tend to feel the effects one day and then never again unless taking a break or increasing dose.
QUESTION: Do you think its possible to change the amount of mg every day and also changing the intervals to keep the effects going?

2. After staggering 8-9 300mg pills daily, theres a noticeable change from the high to the low.
QUESTION: Would taking more gabapentin work at this point or would it be best to take a xanax and wait to start over the next day?

Thank you SO MUCH to anyone who gives me their time to answer this. I really appreciate it. =)

 

[EDNurse]

I believe Gabapentin is a drug with a "ceiling effect" once it's reached theraputic levels (max dose) having extra wont actually decrease pain or do anything but organ damage, you need to supplement with a 'breakthrough' drug for pain.

 

[EDNurse]

Have you tried heatpacks? and keep up regular panadol (acetominophen) and antinflammatories too.
Has your doc tried steroids such as dex? not good for long term but good for flare ups

Good luck

 

[JacksinPA]

I have been taking gabapentin for years to treat the depressive side of bipolar disorder. I read recently about people taking it in large doses for recreational purposes so I thought I'd give it a try as i had plenty on hand from the prescription I have.

The first time I took 2,000 mg in 100 mg caps. Within 2-3 hours I was pleasantly high with disassociative effects. I tried it again the next night with 3,000 mg & got pretty much the same effects. I skipped a day & next took 3,600 mg over half an hour. The effects were still there but of much less intensity.

From what I read today the tolerance I observed should pass in 5-7 weeks.

The interesting thing that I also learned about this drug is that works so quickly on my depressed moods is because it blocks release of the so-called catecholamine stress hormones epinephrine & norepinephrine from the adrenal cortex. These stress hormones (along with the steroid cortisol) are what cause depression.

I don't know if I've answered your questions but hope I've helped. I have occasional low back pain but have never used gabapentin for it as I take it routinely during the day with meals.