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How Can I Withdraw From Gabapentin Slowly?

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Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014
Question: how can I withdraw from gabapentin 800mg?
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Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Advised gradual tapering... Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you have been taking Gabapentin for about 3 years and would like to come off the medication now. Though relatively uncommon, some people can have significant discontinuation symptoms when withdrawing from Gabapentin. So, the best way to come off the medication is to do so very gradually. I would recommend the following tapering schedule: 600mg / day for 2 weeks 400mg /day for 2 weeks 200mg / day for 2 weeks then stop. During the time of tapering the medication, you may experience mild symptoms like sleep disturbance, anxiety, muscle tension, etc. Don't worry, they will subside on their own gradually. It is important to follow a strict sleep schedule in order to prevent any major sleep disturbance. Do let me know if you have any other doubts or queries. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

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How Can I Withdraw From Gabapentin Slowly?

Brief Answer: Advised gradual tapering... Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you have been taking Gabapentin for about 3 years and would like to come off the medication now. Though relatively uncommon, some people can have significant discontinuation symptoms when withdrawing from Gabapentin. So, the best way to come off the medication is to do so very gradually. I would recommend the following tapering schedule: 600mg / day for 2 weeks 400mg /day for 2 weeks 200mg / day for 2 weeks then stop. During the time of tapering the medication, you may experience mild symptoms like sleep disturbance, anxiety, muscle tension, etc. Don't worry, they will subside on their own gradually. It is important to follow a strict sleep schedule in order to prevent any major sleep disturbance. Do let me know if you have any other doubts or queries. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist