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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Depression And Suicidal Tendency Due To Increased Gabapentin Dosage?

Hi. I haven been taking 300 mg Gabapentin once per day for fibromyalgia since Nov 20th 2017. My doctor just upped my dose last week to 300 mg gabapentin twice per day. I have suddenly been feeling very suicidal and depressed. I know it s this medicine. Can I just stop taking it or do i need to taper off. If so, how?
Mon, 26 Feb 2018
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
hi sir/madam
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

In my opinion, i feel that your suffering from fibromyalgia with depressive episode rather than fibromyalgia alone. I see similar cases many a times.

Regarding treatment with gabapentin, gabapentin has got nothing to do with suicidal ideas and depression. It's recommended dose is 900-1800 per day. So, your still in safe zone pertaining to its side effects.Its most side effects are minor like ataxia, fatigue, daytime somnolence which are dose related.

In my opinion, I would recommend you to start tablet pregabalin 150 mg three times a day for fibromyalgia and SSRI or SNRI drug to take care of your depression.

Non pharmacological management include graded exercise therapy (GET), massage for trigger points are mostly choosen for fibromyalgia and cognitive behavioural therapy for depressive episode.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Gayathri's  Response
in my opinion yes , gabapentin can cause depression and suicidal behaviour .


it would be better to taper gabapentin and use duloxetine for fibromyalgia


also adequate healthy diet

graded exercise is also useful
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Is Depression And Suicidal Tendency Due To Increased Gabapentin Dosage?

hi sir/madam I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. In my opinion, i feel that your suffering from fibromyalgia with depressive episode rather than fibromyalgia alone. I see similar cases many a times. Regarding treatment with gabapentin, gabapentin has got nothing to do with suicidal ideas and depression. It s recommended dose is 900-1800 per day. So, your still in safe zone pertaining to its side effects.Its most side effects are minor like ataxia, fatigue, daytime somnolence which are dose related. In my opinion, I would recommend you to start tablet pregabalin 150 mg three times a day for fibromyalgia and SSRI or SNRI drug to take care of your depression. Non pharmacological management include graded exercise therapy (GET), massage for trigger points are mostly choosen for fibromyalgia and cognitive behavioural therapy for depressive episode.