Gabapentin for Opiate withdrawl(withdrawal)??

I currently bang 12-15 4's per day( Dilauidid) and I am on Gabapentin 300mg 4 times per day. I pick up my script once a week and I always run out 2-3 days before hand. I find that Gabapentin helps with the restless lesgs, sleep ect. My question is, what can you tell me about Gabapentin? What is it used for? I heard that when it first came out it was used for Opiate withdrawl (withdrawal). Is this true? Thank you for your responses.

[sandstone27]

Hi,

As bmdad already indicated, Gabapentin (neurontin) is prescribed for nerve pain.  I see that you're taking 1200 mg a day - why did your doctor prescribe it to you?  

Sandy

[sandstone27]

Hi again,

I read that you're also taking dilaudid which is a very strong pain medication as I'm sure you know.  Is your plan to try and stop the dilaudid? If so, you're in the right place.  There are alot of knowledgeable people here that can help you.  

Post back and let us know what your plans are.

Well wishes,

Sandy

[kk1303]

You can google it and there are many valid links that explain Gabapentin. Its used for several things like the previous poster said, seizures, etc. Gabapentin & clonidine are said to help with opiate withdrawals. I took both during my detox & still felt like $#!+. Maybe they helped? I dunno...it was my first (and last) time detoxing so I wouldn't know the difference. All I  know is that no matter what, I felt like poo. If you're dr says its safe to take then there's no harm in trying it during ur detox! Perhaps it will help u. Just google it tho...that will give u the best info.

[bmdad]

It was never prescribed for opiate withdrawals. As mentioned above it was first prescribed for epilepsy and is now often prescribed for neuropathic pain. There are many off label uses it is sometimes prescribed for. Someone just posted the other day that their doctor prescribed it exclusively for opiate withdrawals. That was the first time I had ever heard of it prescribed just for that. Although it doesn't take all the symptoms away I do agree that it helps some.

I did some research on it before I started taking it and there are many horror stories out there of people becoming addicted to it and having big time withdrawals when they stop taking it so I'd be careful. I took it for about 10 days and then stopped because I didn't wanna get hooked on another med.

I just read about gaba on wiki. That last time I checked wiki it said nothing about being prescribed for opiate withdrawal. It does mention something about it now.

I think it really just depends on the person. What helps one person may not help another.

[blackie361]

Thank you all for your insight. I'm prescribed Gabapentin because I have chronic pain in my lower back....and thats why I also take the Dilaudid. I have been taking both drugs for over three years now and I do want to kick them both to the curb. I am accually talking to someone on this site who is a huge help to me and a great person besides. This is a fantastic site with alot of support. I'm sure I have told at least 15 people about this site and I hope that some will take advantage like I am. I'm going to check out the Wiki site and I'll Google it as well. Again, thank you all for your insight and if you have any other advice for me, I'm all ears.....J