HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Ways To Wean Off Gabapentin

default
Posted on Sun, 4 Dec 2016
Question: I am on gabapentin 300mg in morning and afternoon and 400at night. Have been on this drug for 1.5 years. I need to know how to taper off it? I want to wean off it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your message.
I think I can help you.
However, I first need some information.
I need to know why you are taking the medicine first.
I can help you thereafter.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (15 hours later)
I was given it for pain following car accident. I have had my surgery a year ago and issue resolved. I do have arthritis, but feel gabapentin not effective on that. Having terrible side effects with gsbapentin. Tired, memory problems, feel dizzy and increased anxiety.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I thank you for your information.
I think you should not just stop the medicine.
You should meet the neurologist who started the medicine.
There are better medicines available like pregabalin, oxcarbamazepine that will help the neurogenic pain associated with accident injury.
However, it has no effect on arthritis. There are different set of medications for that. None of the above medicines is going to help you with arthritis.
As of now, I think you would be more comfortable with XXXXXXX 300 mg of gabapentine. Very few people have side effects on that dose.
Finally, to answer your query. You can reduce the medicine by 100 mg per 10 days. But beware that the pain will be much higher, because the dose of gabapentin you are taking is a complete dose and so, if you reduce the dose, the pain will resurface.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. Please feel free to contact us for any further related query.
Best of luck, Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Ways To Wean Off Gabapentin

Brief Answer: Need more information Detailed Answer: Hi, I am Dr Mittal. I have read your message. I think I can help you. However, I first need some information. I need to know why you are taking the medicine first. I can help you thereafter. Best of luck. Dr Mittal