As with any medication that you consume, there are potential gabapentin withdrawal symptoms to be aware of when you are prescribed this anticonvulsant and drastically alter the amount that you are taking. The side effects from the gabapentin withdrawal can be minimized by following the direction of your physician which usually entails a gradual weaning from the medication over a period of time. Whether you are consuming a large dose or a small dose, the more regularly you consume Neurontin the greater the chances of experiencing the gabapentin withdrawal symptoms are.
Beyond the common side effects that people experience when they are on Neurontin including, dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, peripheral edema, mood swings, hyperactivity, and even hepatotoxicity, there are specific gabapentin withdrawal symptoms that occur when you suddenly stop taking it. Because of the nature of the drug, regular use of Neurontin can build the levels in the bloodstream in such a way that the body adapts to this constant supply. When you don’t give it what it is used to there are a number of specific and potentially severe gabapentin withdrawal symptoms that are similar to alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawals. Some of these symptoms to be aware of include insomnia, anxiety, disorientation, sensitivity to light, headaches, heart palpitations, hypertension, flu like symptoms, and chest pain. There have even been reports that rapid termination of high doses of Neurontin could result in a seizure, among people that have no history of epilepsy. The best way to safeguard against all of these negative gabapentin withdrawal symptoms is to gradually reduce the dosage under the supervision of a doctor, over a period of weeks or even months.
There is a link between Neurontin and suicidal thoughts as well as depression. If you experience these side effects it is important that you continue taking the prescribed dosage to avoid the gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, but that you seek medical attention right away. Depending on the severity of these side effects it may be better to stop abruptly and deal with the gabapentin withdrawal side effects, but this determination needs to be guided by your doctor.
The gabapentin withdrawal symptoms are typically scene within just a few days of not consuming the medication. If the side effects are too strong it is possible to re-introduce the medication and try again at a slower rate. Discussing these options with your physician and making sure that you can recognize the gabapentin withdrawal symptoms will allow you make the healthiest decision, with your doctor, for your individual situation.