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Starting the weaning off process

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drew72438
drew72438

Alright, came back from the doctor and talked about weaning off the Gabapentin. She suggested upping the Venlafaxine ER 75mg to twice a day during this. She said that I can reduce it to once or twice a day. But I want to go as slow as I can so I'm sticking to twice a day for about two weeks before going down to one. Having being on this med for about a month it has become apparent that it is more of a hindrance and unneeded.

Do you guys think I should start halfing after two weeks instead of dropping straight to one? I know that increasing the Venlafaxine is suppose to counteract any side effects. Still I'm wondering how long I will be taking two.

How long did it take you guys before you completely stopped this medicine? Did your doctor increase your Venlafaxine while doing so?

Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • kimberly45582
    kimberly45582 drew72438

    Posted

    Hello...I was one of the lucky ones when it came to stopping gabapentin I stopped cold turkey because of a mix up at the pharmacy. It took about 9 days to clear up the confusion and during that time I had withdrawal symptoms that made me feel so sick. I felt like I had a bad flu and I had some sharp pains in my head for about a week. After consulting with my doctor I had decided not to take gabapentin any longer. I didn't realize how messed up that medication made me feel until I was off of it. The one downside was that my pain level went back up but the dizziness and stoned feeling was gone. I wish I never took that med because the side effects are not worth the hassle especially the horrible weight gain I experienced over the two year period I was on the medication. That all happened last September and I haven't looked back since then. Good luck with your weaning...drink plenty water and get plenty of rest smile

  • deebee777
    deebee777 drew72438

    Posted

    I would taper slowly. Though maybe your Venlafaxin may help minimize withdrawal?  I don’t know, I would go with doctor’s advice, provided he/she knows about gabapentin and what withdrawal can be like. 
  • deebee777
    deebee777 drew72438

    Posted

    I was prescribed gaba for neuropathy. Low dose, worked up to 100mg 3x/day for couple months. Got off within a week in December. Had withdrawals but got better. 3 weeks off now and today it all came back. I hear a slow taper is best. Best wishes, you’ll get through. 
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