Should one reduce by 100 mg at a time for how long before reducing another 100 mg? I'd like to try to eliminate this drug if possible. I have been taking it for sciatic for approximately 8 years when I started with 100 mg t.i.d. Allergies and Asthma with shortness of breath and constant coughing day and night--wondering if those symptoms are stemming from increasing doses of Gabapentin.
Re: Reducing dosage of Gabapentin: What is the best way to do this?
- Asked
- 6 Mar 2011 by GeoMom
- Updated
- 17 July 2011
- Topics
- asthma, allergies, persisting pain, shingles, gabapentin, dosage
Details:
Responses (3)
suzanne66
21 Jun 2011
You need to talk with your doctor. It is important that you do not stop abruptly as you could experience a seizure.
The symptoms you are experiencing could well be a side effect caused by a dose increase. Again, you should consult with your doctor.
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/gabapentin-side-effects.html - scroll down to Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals - Respiratory
PhyllisGail
21 Jun 2011
You should surely reduce slowly, 100 mg at a time and not nore for several days. I have not had any oth those side effects from G. but each physiology reacts differently.
I love this med and it is essential in my overall treatment for atypical trigeminal neuroopathy. Combined with weekly acupuncture treatments (first the needles and then after they are removed after 15 min., magnets that are taped on ot the painpul areas) and once every 3 month Botox injection, the G. has helped me lots.
Best of health to you.
GeoMom
18 Jul 2011
Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to respond. Be well and blessings to all!
kdnovicky
29 Jun 2011
My daughter (19) has been trying to get off of this drug for over 2 years. She has been at 3600mg/day for nerve ending damage and is currently at 900mg/day. First time she did a reduction of 300mg over a period of weeks and months, however, when she got all the way off went suicidal. She had to be put back up to 1200mg and was there for about a year. Now trying to get off again reducing 100mg/month with severe trembling and anxiety issues at each reduction. She has been given valium to reduce the withdrawals. I would not go down more than 100mg/month regardless of what doctors say. They do not have enough information out there for gabapentin withdrawal symptoms and most doctors will say it is not the gabapentin that is doing it. She was even told by a neurologist that she has bipolar issues and it is not the gabapentin and wanted her to see a psychiatrist! She has never had any chemical imbalance. Find a doctor who will listen to you. We did and he is helping her.
GeoMom
18 Jul 2011
Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to respond. Be well and blessings to all!
Further Information
- Gabapentin Information for Consumers
- Gabapentin Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to respond. Be well and blessings to all!
Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to respond. Be well and blessings to all!