My doctor Is taking me off gabapentin and starting me right away on Lyrica. Will I have withdrawal symptoms from gabapentin?
My doctor is switching me from gabapentin to Lyrica?
Question posted by wild_heart1961 on 15 April 2021
Last updated on 21 January 2023
5 Answers
Bricole0115
21 Jan 2023
FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR)
peeprview
17 April 2021
For me personally, EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, my Dr. just switched me from Gabapentin to Lyrica and I don't recall having any notable adverse effects.
TyreseTl
17 April 2021
How long have you been on gabapentin?
Truth is offensive
16 April 2021
Gabapentin is not like most drugs in terms of dosing issues. The real issue for you is not dosage but rather the duration. 8 years is long term and likely to create withdrawal. Ask your doctor what they recommend for taper plan -- Pharmacist in Dallas
wild_heart1961
15 April 2021
I take 800 mg 3 times a day. I've been taking it for at least 8 years
TyreseTl
15 April 2021
I’ll recommend you tapering off before switching to lyrica immediately, because 800mg 3 times a day (2,400mg) for 8 years is a long duration and a lot. You should definitely speak with your doctor, so he/she can help you slowly wean off this medication.
masso
15 April 2021
Very true and great help.
TyreseTl
15 April 2021
Also,gabapentin is excreted solely by the kidney and have a short half life; approximately 5-7 hours. So withdrawals may occur quickly. Tapering off “slowly” under your doctor supervision can help you avoid many symptoms.
wild_heart1961
15 April 2021
I already switched. I hope I've done the right thing. Now I'm worried.
TyreseTl
16 April 2021
How are you feeling?
wild_heart1961
16 April 2021
Doing ok. Extremely tired but could be from adding with my other meds. I had some sweating last night and some anxiety. I don't know how long it takes for the gabapentin to fully be out of my system. Thank you so much for asking. I appreciate all your input.
wild_heart1961
16 April 2021
It's 36 hours since I took my last dose of gabapentin
TyreseTl
16 April 2021
Lyrica peaks quickly so it should lessen your withdrawals symptoms from gabapentin.
Any side effects from lyrica?
wild_heart1961
16 April 2021
I still feel extremely tired. I had really bad nerve pain earlier. I keep getting chills but not sure what they're from.
TyreseTl
18 April 2021
It may be the withdrawals symptoms from gabapentin. If symptoms persist report to the doctor ASAP. But how are you feeling today?
wild_heart1961
19 April 2021
I'm doing ok. Chills stopped. I still feel tired but not as bad. I am hoping by now the gabapentin is out of my system. I would never do that again even though the Dr. told me to. It wasn't too bad but something I wouldn't want to go through again.
Ellie28
21 Jan 2023
That is the amount I’m taking and also about that long or longer
TyreseTl
15 April 2021
What is your current dose and how long have you been on Gabapentin?
wild_heart1961
26 April 2021
Hi Tyrese I'm having issues taking the lyrica. I had a very rough night last night. Now my Dr. Wants me to stop the lyrica and start back up on 400 mgs of gabapentin. Should I be weened first from the lyrica
TyreseTl
26 April 2021
Approximately how long have you been on Lyrica again? If is less than a week or 2, then it shouldn’t be a huge issue. Lyrica has a short half life 6 hours, so it will get out of your system quickly.
wild_heart1961
27 April 2021
I've been taking it 8 days only but wasn't trusting her this time. I am so grateful for you. Thank you
TyreseTl
27 April 2021
You are welcome, I hope you feel better soon.
wild_heart1961
29 April 2021
Thank you again.
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lyrica, anxiety, diabetic nerve damage, fibromyalgia, gabapentin, diabetic neuropathy, withdrawal, neuropathic pain, symptom
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