1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Neuropathic Pain

How can i get off gabapentin without a gp visit

Posted , 5 users are following.

la1967
la1967

been taking this medication since September 2011 as i was having back surgery in the December.. looking back on it all now i have been severely depressed but haven't realised until now... i want to come off them without a visit to my doctor & was wondering if anyone knows the safest way to do this

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • john09650
    john09650 la1967

    Posted

    john 09650

    I to have been on gabapentin since 2011 with shingles followed by PHN. I take 600mg. 3 times a day. I am desperate to get off the tablets. I monitor the highs & lows of the pain which  lasts for several days, and quite ofter I think it's going only for it to return. However, I have tried to reduce the tablets by having some 100mg  and reduce the dose by 100 at a time. As I have tried this before I only did it for afew days, possibly I'm  too impatient so I am now trying it for a week at a time and see how it goes. As my GP said "Learn to live with it"  For ever hopefull.   

    • la1967
      la1967 john09650

      Posted

      HI John, I went to a different Go & in so many words told me to either come off them or take a reduced dose, through many months I did that, don't get me wrong it's hard sometimes managing the bad pain days but I find ways to cope & now pleased to say I feel so much more in control & clear headed & not brain dead, I now take 150/225 mg on a night, wish u well john x 
    • la1967
      la1967

      Posted

      sorry gp 
  • emmb
    emmb la1967

    Posted

    Well done la1967

    gabapentin is a horrid drug and people are just prescribed it without being told the side effects..true not everyone is susceptible to side effects of meds and all have long lists of side effects but I have not met anyone yet that did not suffer side effects from Gabapentin and associated ones...just thing is not a lot of alternatives to help with the reasons for taking it in the first place.

    I think side effects should be monitored and surely there must be worries over long term use and side effects of depression and effects on the brain if zonked out for years whether causes permanent reduction in mental capacity. I was on it for over 18 months. Anyway sorry for going on but just really wanted to say well done and good luck.

    • arwen1972
      arwen1972 emmb

      Posted

      I've been on Gabapentin for years now (am on the maximum daily dose) and am now really worried after reading your post. *gulp* Yet I need it for my neuropathic pain.
  • la1967
    la1967

    Posted

    i feel sometimes its catch 22 with the gabapentin & pregabalin ( lyrica) which i am now on, again okay at the start due to the severity off pain but again feeling not in control as i was often so groggy n not functioning to full capacity BUT for the pain the tablets are brilliant, i reduced the dose off these myself as again i was afraid off the not being in control off my everyday life.... as its at just now the pain is really bad & pain killers are a nightmare for me due to their ingrediants , attended the pain clinic & i am waiting on an appointment to see a pain psychologist.... while waiting i will need to increase my dose of pregabalin till my pain can be sorted, Emmb your so correct in saying that gps should make us more aware off the side effects, Arwin1972, get an appointment for your gp & talk over your fears & ask too be refered to a pain clinic as they look at all your medication & make sure that what your taking isnt reacting against other meds ect..... good luck guys tc x
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.