Withdrawing from Gabapentin

I can't imagine the struggle that you are having!  Gabapentin is difficult to withdraw from, but I can't even imagine that you are coming off of Methedone as well.  From what I have read and heard from others, Methedone is a very, very difficult medication to withdraw from!  They both need to be taken down slowly, and not all of the medical people we deal with understand that fact.  You are very brave, and I for one give you a lot of credit.  Please keep us informed on your progress!

Hi!  I have enjoyed reading all posts on this site relating to different techniques that have worked or are working for others.  I also see that the side effects experienced by other people can be similar or very different from that of others.  I know that from what I have read and experienced that the amount of time people have been on these drugs is connected to withdrawal as well as our individual body chemistries. I have not always believed that we must listen to our bodies and do our own research because I used to believe that "Drs. know everything."  Only after being misdiagnosed many times and also seeing others misdiagnosed did I question my way of looking at medicines and medical practices.  I was also told that Gabapentin was not addictiive.We're all different and have different body chemistries.  Thus for many years now I have been a firm believer that we must do our own research.  The interactions we have with other medications are also important.  You have had a very rough time, and I can empathize with you.  Keep up with the tests that may find what your diagnosis is.  I know that sometimes it can be frustrating to have symptoms of diseases only to finally be told that it isn't that one at all.  I have also experienced this, and at times have felt very alone.  It's great to have sites like this where we can share our concerns with each other!  I know that we need Drs. and also believe that some are very good while others are not so good.  It can be a constant guessing game.  Yes please keep us posted; we are all here for each other just as much as we are for ourselves.  I'm not sure if there is a FB group already or if not but it's a great idea!  I for one will be thinking of you and waiting for future updates.

Agree about having symptoms but no clear diagnosis. This is another area that I find friends and family struggle with.  We all need labels for our problems but that is not always available.  In the meantime we struggle on and I understand completely when you speak of feeling alone.  M

Thanks again for posting your thoughts and ideas.  Yes, sometimes I find that friends and family simply don't want to hear about these types of problems.  I've had problems like that in the past.  There can be  words spoken such as "the jury's still out on that one" or sometimes it can be as simple as not wishing to talk about health problems.  That can make people feel very much alone, while at the same time be very frustrating.

Not unusual Maureen from what I'm reading here and other research of how variables affect brain receptors etc.

Depending on age, weight, and other medications as well as any previous medical/psychological challenges. Each individual reacts differently. I started out that way then went into inability for restful sleep. I pushed myself beyond the comfort zone to eat right take vitamins and get out in fresh air. Vital

I am now averaging 6 hrs sleep per night with an occasional cat nap

It does get better.

Finding il almost needing to re-create myself

Seek your source

This is why AA is so successful

Reach to your higher power and find strength to love on you

I'll say again that my experiences may be different that those of others because I was only on the drugs for a short period of time.  However, the severe insomnia I experienced, especially during the first week off of them, seems to be subsiding.  Last night I slept 6 - 61/2 hours; and, I didn't take any benadryl before going to bed as I had done the few evenings before.

There seems to be little doubt in my mind that this drug affects different people differently; and, the withdrawal seems to do the same thing.

Again, understanding that my experiences may be very different than everyone else's, all I can say is hang in there and don't let it beat you.  Things will get better.

Best wishes to you as you move forward.

Yes I think you are right about the effects of GABA interacting with other drugs...I've had that experience.  Just Gaba itself is enough to cause alarm...I've been taking it for 5 years now....alternating does between 300 m/g per nite to 1200 mg per evening....go look up the horrible multiple adverse effects of this substance (on www.drugs.com ) and you will see.......awful....I have expirenced many of them.....and those side effects are minimized by the warning labels and healthcare professionals in general !  We can listen to hour own bodies and make our determination ourselves.  My goal is to completely come off and/or drastically reduce medication intake.  It has to go very very slow though.  Regards.....Jim B.

I am sure the effects are influenced .  In fact all drugs entering our bodies are affected by any other additional drug as well as the one we are taking. It's very complex.  How can they not be ?  All this drug interaction has a very complicated  effect on our sensitive brains.  It's no wonder we have so many side effects. I don't think our brain likes it.  Your opinion is justified ! 

Yes I agree with you!  A higher power gives us insights into ourselves and also the realization that we are stronger than we sometimes think we are.  We are not alone in this world, and there are many ways that we can connect with others.  Depression is a side effect that I and many people who I have come into contact with suffer from when people consider us to be hypochondriacs, or for some they think that it's just a ploy to try to get attention.  There are groups out there that we can be a part of If that is our choice.  These groups are successful.  Some groups become very well known because people are helping people.  I have been reticent about sharing this but I am striving to find some other ways to deal with pain.  Meditation and focusing on that which is outside of myself is helping.  Sometimes it's baby steps, but baby steps lead to a more sure footing...and for some they can lead to giant steps.  Thanks for sharing!

You are not alone!  I also have had this side effect.  It differs only from your sleepiness in the fact that my energy levels are jumping around.  First I have lots of energy, and then I sleep too much.  This drug has so many diverse side effects you never know what to expect!  I'm so pleased to be a part of this group!  I find that it helps me...listening to others.

Yes it really helps.  I'm in the process of trying to sell a house in a small town, and trying to get back to the city where there's help!  It's overwhelming and depressing and I think that it's part of my struggle (especially when the house may not sell) and I need to think of alternatives.  This group helps a lot tho..I'm finding that there are others who are withdrawing from Gabapentin (some like me are withdrawing from several medications) and it can be very overwhelming at times.  Thanks for the imput!  It does help!