Depression from Gabapentin (Neurontin) withdrawal. Does it ever get better?
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I was put on 2400 mg neurontin a day for nerve pain after a snowboard accident. It worked really well for the burning pain, but I quit cold turkey after 6 weeks because the side effects were horrible. That was over 6 months ago.
The withdrawals were absolutely horrendous: Vomiting, stomach problems, hot flashes, freezing periods, nasty tingle sensations, muscle spasms, extreme heart palpitations, anxiety through the roof and deep depression. The first 10 days I needed to be alone, could´t go anywhere and could barely eat and sleep. Had extremely depressive thoughts, just wanted to die.
After 15-20 days, the physical symptoms and anxiety subsided, but the depression and fatigue has been here ever since. I can barely get out of bed and nothing makes me happy anymore. I´ve had 7 or 8 days were I´ve used 2400-3200 mg and had euphoric highs and felt great the next day. Stupid of course, but that has been over a time period of half a year and has been my only happy moments..
I had to quit my job and put my studies on hold. Never had any real issues in my life before this s**t and I´ve always considered myself healthy.
My doctors says I should have weaned of in case of epilepsy attacks, but that there´s otherwise no big issue with discontinuing this stuff. Friends, family and doctors no longer believe that I´m still severely depressed because of these pills. Can anyone relate to this? Has anyone gotten normal afterwards? I currently feel so sad and feel these pills have ruined my life 
0 likes, 2 replies
Rener DariaVin
Posted
I understand what Your feeling. Gabapentin has destroyed My life. I no longer wanted to take addictive medications. I wanted a break from opiates, benzos and anything that would change my mood. I was told by GP and several aspecialist in pain management that Gabapentin was some miracle drug. It has caused a huge increase in pain that I can't get in control. Over the last 2 1/2 years I only came close to getting better but then I got bacterial menegitis!! That was my most recent infection in a years worth of chronic infections. It's a side effect but my GP doesn't believe Me. All he has to do is look at the side effect list and He will see My current medical list of what all is wrong with Me. Yet he won't take the time to read it. He will prescribe it though! I'm so done with him! Good luck and I hope this gets better for you. I don't know how to reverse a possible too fast taper. It seems you should be able too. Sherri
benjamin88142 DariaVin
Posted
Daria so sorry to hear you are going through this I also dealt with the horrors of this drug. It does get better over time please hang in there. The most important things to do are not take any more gabapentin at all, even during very difficult times because this will just set you back farther. Also, avoid caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and large amounts of sugar. Try to get in any kind of exercise and socializing that you can as well. Every little bit helps. The biggest thing is just time. I know that's not the answer you want to hear believe me but this is just going to take time for your body to heal. Try jotting down how well you feel each day on a scale of 1-100 so you can better see the progress you are making. Sometimes we don't realize we are actually making progress because each day feels horrible but if you look hard enough you can see it! It's going to be okay just do the things I told you above and hang on. you are a very strong person for going through this and after it's over you will be stronger than you have ever been. Much love!