coming off neurontin

[Christy Lightfoot]

What is everyones reactions to coming off Neurontin been? I was at 2400 and am now down to 1200 and seem to be having no problems. Please not this is being tapered WITHOUT doc assistance do to them not wanting me off it due to bipolar.
I feel I no longer need it as Im no longer in the situation that was causing the problem (Abusive relationship).

[Greg R]

I am in a detox facility, and have been receiving Neurontin for years with very little side effects. I took me off the drug cold turkey suggesting it may be causing my hive reaction. 2400 mg to 0 over night. I am experiencing extreme joint and hand pain it is am experiencing intense joint point primarily in my hands and shoulders. Any ideas///

Greg

[fred]

I stopped taking 600mg of neurontin with no side effects.

[lily]

whoa. you should never have been on 2400 mg of neurontin for bipolar disorder. neurontin is only listed on-label as an anti-seizure medication, with average doses at around what you were taking. when used in psychiatric treatment, the dosage should be at least, at least a quarter of that.

[lily]

also, what kind of detox facilities don't ween doses at all. thats ridiculous.

[smill]

lily wrote:

also, what kind of detox facilities don't ween doses at all. thats ridiculous.

On the other hand, drug allergy can be fatal so if a person is suspected of allergy to a drug (hives), that person might need to get off fast

[Nancy]

Ok so Im down to 600mg and feel like crap. I still cant sleep at night. Will I ever? I turn into a complete B**** when I dont take this stuff on time. I am still having anxiety and the Xanax wired me so I wont be taking that anymore. I have never been so hyper in my whole life. What is going on? I have always been able to watch TV or even play 4-5 hours of golf. Now I can only stay focused for 4-5 seconds.

[smill]

How are you doing, Nancy? I seem to be pretty much over the withdrawal effects.

[Nancy]

Its been 3 day with ZERO without Neurontin. I feel like crap. I cant even get out of my bed. Im also having a ahrd time sleeping and I cant eat. How long does this take? Im glad you feel better!

[smill]

Nancy,
So sorry you're still feeling rotten. It did take me quite a while (several weeks) after I went to 0 neurontin. I had little problem going from 900 mg to 300, but 300 to 0 was terrible. The symptoms would come and go during those weeks. Most maddenly, I finally concluded I needed to go BACK ON a small dose of it after finally getting past most of the agitation and sleeplessness so for me all that misery was pointless. I hope your brain adjusts quickly now. I know you'll get there but it's an awful process.

[Nancy]

Hi~ Sleep is a big issue now. I started taking Celexa for depression. I dont understand why I have depression when I dont take this medication. My anxiety is getting better! I went from taking 6 Xanax a day (the second day without Neurontin) to 1 yesterday. Did I ever tell you I was hospitalized when I went from 2700mg to nothing? I have actually felt addicted to this crap. The doctor who gave this to me thinks Im crazy. She said she had never heard of anything like this but when I went to Neurologist he said its typical. How are you now? Are you still taking a small dose?

[Bill]

I am on my 7th day of being Neurontin free afer being on around 2000mg/day for close to 7 years It hasn't been easy, but I am glad I am doing it. My taper was fairly short, probably a lot quicker than most would suggest. It hasn't been easy. I am having to do a lot of mind quieting and my sleep is still fragmented, but I am able to get naps during the day. The depression and anxiety start to set in, but I am able to push it away though at times it is very hard.

My stomach and appetite have been off, but I am eating and am hanging in there.

Hang in there guys, I am glad I know there are others that are struggling with the same kind of issues with neurontin

[Naomi]

Hello, I'm not sure if I'm doing this right I sent a post before this. Have been on Neurontin (gabapentin) for a year and a half 300 mg 3 x day so 900 mg daily. I have been dosing down for about a month now. Day before yesterday I dropped from 300 to 200 day (I take 100 capsules). Am I just prolonging the pain the HORRIBLE ANXIETY that way? Should I just cut it now, cold turkey? Will it make the anxiety even worse? The withdrawals of this medication are mental. I have never felt or had these kinds of thoughts in my life!! Please let me know. Thank you.

[NaomiG]

Here again. Now I believe I can receive and reply. I posted as just Naomi before now it's NaomiG. thank you all for any help/advice you can offer.

[smill]

Naomi
I don't think there's a way to predict whether you're better off just stopping the neurontin now or tapering more. The withdrawal from this drug seems so variable. Apparently, lots of people have no difficulty at all. Then there are those of us who have found our way to this site who have so much anxiety, agitation, and so forth. Good luck. Sorry I can't be more help.

[Bill]

Naomi:

Hang in there. I am having a tough day today too, but last night was my 7th full night without any Neurontin on board. I did sleep, but some of it was fitful.

At times it seems that my mind just won't shut off, but as I self-calm myself I eventually will fall asleep or get a little bit of restfulness.

I have been doing non-medicinal things to help me with my anxiety and sleeplessness along with getting some walking in every day and watching what I eat. I am eating better, but my appetite is only about 60% of what it was and my diarrhea is not as bad as it was the first couple of days.

At what times do you take you Neurontin?

Hang in there, do what you feel is safe with adjusting your dose, and know that it will pass. It will pass.

Bill

[Nancy]

I feel for all of us... I have been off Neurontin for 5 days or so and still feel like crap. Thanks everyone for sharing. It really helps.

[Bill]

I felt not so great this morning, fought it by getting busy, and then stayed too busy trying to do too much in one day. Now it is bedtime and I am having a little trouble winding down, but I am going to do my "quiet time" and try to relax. For many years, I took neurontin primarily at bedtime, so it is taking some getting used to (not having it) help me sleep, but this will pass.

Hope you all are doing ok.

[Mississippi Girl]

So if you have never had a seizure, are you likely to come off neurontin without tapering properly? I am in the process of calling three different doctors for their opinion.

[Mississippi Girl]

to have a seizure I mean