Gabapentin withdrawals

[gna0889]

WITHDRAWL WARNING FOR GABAPENTIN!!!---HELL-----I have been taking gabapentin for 2 years for pain in my abdomen which they thought was neuropathy, WELL- come to find out i have a serious umbilical hernia and have surgery in a week. FINALLY after 6 years of pain they are doing something. I hope it helps BUT my point of messaging you is I have been weaning off of gabapentin and been feeling soooo awful. people say oh its so safe and thats so not true. doctors say its safe but i did every other day for 2 weeks then one every 2 days and so on, an then stopped it, i haven't had any for 6 days now and i feel like im in like detox, so dizzy i can barely walk, shaky, sweaty, just have to lay around, it is awful, i can hardly sit on the toilet long enough to go to the bathroom. This is AWFUL WITHDRAWL, i almost went to the er bc my head feels so weird. but supposibly it will go away! I wonder how long it will take? I already have major anxiety issues that i take prozac for sooo let me know if you know anything else!! Thanks. Just wanted to let you know your not alone!

 

[effie]

Hi there, I made you your own thread - we encourage people to do that rather than bumping old threads, that way your query doesn't get lost.

Gabapentin shouldn't be stopped dead, especially after long term use - have you tapered down, and did you stop under medical supervision? The mechanism of gabapentin's action is uncertain but it has a lot in common with GABAergic drugs such as alcohol and benzos, and it seems that it can produce a similar withdrawal syndrome - and alcohol/benzo WD can be very unpleasant and can be dangerous as it can cause seizures. I would get some medical help as soon as you can and go to the ER. You're getting some really unpleasant symptoms and there is a chance it could be risky as well.. good luck!