Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Am Taking Gabapentin 200mg And 300mg Every 8_ Hrs
Question: I am taking gabapentin 200mg and 300mg every 8_ hrs but sometimes I take sooner. I get very drowsy when I wake up. I want to lower my dose I think I am taking too much. How should I go about lowering my dose?
Brief Answer:
Gradually lower the dose
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I am not sure what you are taking gabapentin for, but in general, if you are having side effects from the gabapentin, of which drowsiness is common, then you can gradually lower the dose until you find a good balance between symptom control and side effects.
So, if you are taking 200 or 300mg every 8 hours, I would suggest lowering to 100 or 200mg every 8 hours, and see how that works for you. You can also try increasing the interval between doses, for example taking the medication every 12 hours instead of every 8hr. Of course, I would recommend you discuss this with your doctor before making any changes.
I should tell you that it is important to gradually lower the dose, especially before stopping the medication, since quickly stopping can increase the risk for seizures and other withdrawal symptoms.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions, I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Gradually lower the dose
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I am not sure what you are taking gabapentin for, but in general, if you are having side effects from the gabapentin, of which drowsiness is common, then you can gradually lower the dose until you find a good balance between symptom control and side effects.
So, if you are taking 200 or 300mg every 8 hours, I would suggest lowering to 100 or 200mg every 8 hours, and see how that works for you. You can also try increasing the interval between doses, for example taking the medication every 12 hours instead of every 8hr. Of course, I would recommend you discuss this with your doctor before making any changes.
I should tell you that it is important to gradually lower the dose, especially before stopping the medication, since quickly stopping can increase the risk for seizures and other withdrawal symptoms.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions, I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I am taking it for itching...
Itching
Brief Answer:
Lowering dose should be fine
Detailed Answer:
Ok, it should be fine to lower the dose in that case. Lowering to 100 to 200mg every 8 hours may work well for you.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Lowering dose should be fine
Detailed Answer:
Ok, it should be fine to lower the dose in that case. Lowering to 100 to 200mg every 8 hours may work well for you.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
