Gabapentin Neurontin

[bmc1976]

Just wanted to let everyone know how things are going. I can't believe how well gabapentin has worked. I've been thru the withdrawals going cold turkey 3 times in the past without anything to help. I was presribed gabapentin about a month ago for pain. It didn't help for that. I did some research on it and it is used for withdrawals. It has been 90% easier than before and trust me, I know how bad it is. The only syptoms I have had this time is I'm just a little cold and a bit of anxiety but nothing like before. I guess it's not normally prescribed for withdrawals because it has not been approved for that but I would think most docs would prescribe it because it can be used for pain and is a non narcotic. There are many other uses for it. I read there can be a withdrawal effect when stopping it so I only plan on taking it for a week. I only had to take 1 today and I was taking over 25 hydros a day until Sunday. I stopped completely monday. I just want to let people know about this because of how well it seems to be working.
Brian

[Scotmc007]

First day on  Gabapentin and I was suffering from diabetic nueropathy mainly in my feet.  My dose is 300mg 3 times a day which seems like a lot but it's working very well on my foot pain.  I am also on 40mg 2x a day oxycontin for bulging disc back pain which didn't really have a big effect on my foot pain - I have tried lyrica as well and that didn't have the same effectiveness on my foot pain.  Just an FYI here - I am liking the result so far...  I weigh about 225lbs.  

[kaboy1]

Any thoughts on how it might help with Methadone withdrawls?

[bowser11]

Anyone know if it is effective for anxiety from Marijuana withdrawals??

[cranialcut]

Hi guys, great posts - I am glad that many of you are interested in Gabapentin but are being cautious as it is a medication and you should consult a medical professional before starting it, and stopping it too!  I am truly sorry that some of you are having such a hard time with Gabapentin, are you articulating this to your provider(s)?  The reason I ask ...

I am a medical doctor specializing in cranial surgery and post op care.  I write about 3 rxs for gabapentin a week.  Although gabapentin is really only indicated for sezuires and pain related to shingles - many doctors - including myself - use GPN as a medication that can treat almost 8-12 conditions in part "off-label".  Although gabapentin is written for mild anxiety and mood disorders often, it is not indicated for this as there are few bonafide studies backing up these claims.  In fact, there have been major lawsuits stopping the "off-label" promotion that Gabapentin can be used like many other AED's (anti-sezuire drugs) such as Lamictal, Depakote, Depakene for Bipolar Disorder and other disorders that would benefit from a mood stabilizer - so if you are prescribed Gabapentin for a mood disorder (without an "anchor" medication, i.e. not just as an adjunt, but as the "main medication" for your mood), ask your doctor about it - this is why you/the state pays your doctor.  Be informed!  It keeps us on our feet.

GPN can be dangerous and is warned by the FDA that it can increase suicidal tendencies.  You need to be weaned/titrated up to GPN for it to work properly, but also for safety.  You should be weaned off of it as well.  Nerve pain is usually treated with up to 1.2 grams (1200mg) of GPN or less (tolerance can occur with chronic use).  Some conditions require more or less.  GPN is usually (almost all the time, except in cases when lethargy is encouraged e.g. withdrawl symptoms or certain mood/anxiety d/os) delivered orally three times a day (tid) in equal doses or the dose before bed being slightly larger.  GPN should not be taken with calcium or magnesium products/vitamins if you can help it (within two (2) hours) because these supplements will reduce the productivity of the GPN.  I have seen almost no proper withdrawl pts from GPN if they are withdrawn correctly.  Unless you are having a side effect that is not tolerable - there is no reason that you can't take anywhere from 10 days to 6months to get off of GPN.  Hey, it's a cheap drug anyways!

I hope that this information helps to shed some light on this drug.  I realize that people will abuse anything - or try to...I found out that a pt of mine was snorting APAP (Tylenol)!  It was no surprise when the pt OD'd on another substance months later (tragic, actually).

Best of luck to all of you!  Harrison, MD

[bmdad]

I've read where some become addicted to it and some don't. I have taken it off and on for nerve pain due to a back injury. The longest I have taken it is about 6 months. I tapered off over a week or two and didn't have any problems putting it down. I didn't have any withdrawal symptoms either. Most of the stories I read about the ones that did become addicted had said the first time they took it they felt buzzed or high. I never once felt a buzz. It did make me a bit fuzzy headed here and there but it was a feeling I didn't care for. I was even prescribed 1800mgs a day. This is my opinion but it seems as if they ones that end up having a problem with it are the ones that get a high from it. I actually started taking it again a couple months ago due to my nerve pain flaring up. If I thought that I had even a small chance of becoming addicted I wouldn't have started it up again. But, we are all different and react to medications differently.
If you are worried about possibly becoming addicted, maybe look for different options. There are over the counter meds for anxiety that may be worth a shot.
I'm not sure if you read through this entire post but I believe there are a few posts of some that had or are having a hard time getting off of it. You can also do a google search of gabapentin withdrawals. That may give you some more details about how it can be habit forming to some. Personally for me I don't see how it could be. If you are not getting a euphoric feeling I think you may be okay but there's really no way to know for sure. If you do continue taking it and the time comes where you feel you want to stop it, just be sure to gradually taper off.
Best of luck to you.

Brian

[chippie05]

New to this site....any site related to this topic. I was prescribed gaba for anxiety...100mg 3 times a day. I am an alcoholic in recovery and I am liking what people are saying as this may be of even greater advatage to me. I am just afraid that I will now become addicted to this? Hello to everyone and thx for any advise you have.