cutting back on gabapintin...HELP !

[meg321]

When i saw my MS Dr. on Friday we talked about the gabapintin, i originally started it for my headaches.  But I stil am having headaches and I am not sure what else they are doing for me so she is having me cut back on them.  We are tring to get me off some of my cache of meds...so I cut back from 4 a day to 2 a day.

Didnt think much about it but i am feeling like crap , headaches are worse and feel like i am having hot flashes, I havent had hot flashes for a long time now. I just don't feel well...like i am coming down with something.

I just got over a cold, i guess it could still be the same cold.  Except for the wierd hot flashes....

Does anyone know what kind of withdrawal syptoms  or have you experienced any ?

hugs, meg

[meg321]

Thanks everyone, i am cutting back by one a day for this week, i am not feeling the same symptoms that i was in the beginning so I may just live thru this...

Who knows ?

hugs, meg

[huff1711]

When I was referred to the MS clinic at the University Hospital here, I told my new doctor that with my work schedule it was hard for me to take 3 doses of pills a day. So he put me on something else I can't remember, but its only twice daily. I have been out of it for a month and still waiting to get back into see the doctor again, but I haven't had those numb/tingling sensations. Of course it might be because of the Tysabri infusions. But who knows, I know the neurontin didn't seem to do me any good at all.

[meg321]

I havent been on it very long , just started it this year.  I have cut it back, i am going off one pill at a time now.

meg

[huff1711]

I was taking it to begin with for the numbness and tingling in both arms and legs.

[summerluvr]

I just got off Lyrica because of weight gain.  My doc says it is similar but stronger?  I cut my dose in half, for a week, then in half agian.

I had nausea and stomach issues, and headaches, and a wierd weak sick feeling, butI'm feeling better now it's been almost a week since my last pill.  

Can't comment on hot flashes as I was having them first before taking this med!

[missy72450]

meg,

I don't know if you can tell if the headaches ore withdrawal or lack of prophylaxis,

However there are other prohylaxis out there that are inexpenses for the headaches,

Topamax, Depakoate

There is also Lyrica to replace the gabapentin if you need it as well. the side effest of lyrica is vertigo so if you already have balance problems may not be a choice.

Missy

[Sarahsmom46]

I had the same withdrawel symptoms or lack of symptoms as Huff.  I am on 1200 a day and had to go off suddenly and didn't have any problem at all.  Some people are sensitive to their meds so call your doctor and get his/her suggestion.

I am back on tgabapentin for nerve pain mainly in my lower legs and i have had to switch meds when the gab stopped helping.  It sounds like you have reached the plateu for gab. Hope you find another med that will work for you.

Julie

[meg321]

Huff, what were you taking it for?

meg

[huff1711]

I never had withdrawals from neurontin. I was taking a high dosage 3 times a day 7 months ago, and quit cold turkey. I did start another medicine (don't ask me cause I can't remember my name half the time).

[meg321]

Thanks Missy,

I think one at a time would be good...my other question is that I was taking them for headaches and now my headaches are gettting much worse.  How do i know if the headaches are from withdrawing or just because i am not getting the drug?

thinking......meg

[missy72450]

Hello Meg,

Withdrawal from neurontin can be the same as benzos it can cause insomnia, nausea, sweating and headaches. If it is not done slowly it can cause seizures so your doctor is right to wean you and not just cut you off.

Maybe going from 4 to 3 to 2 to 1 would be better?

Missy