Gabapentin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, Treatment

Key Points

• Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms are rare, but can occur.
• Symptoms typically begin within a few days of stopping gabapentin and peak within three days.
• The most common symptoms include agitation, confusion, disorientation, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms, tremors, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and insomnia.
• There is no specific treatment for gabapentin withdrawal, but tapering the dose can help prevent or reduce symptoms.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Gabapentin is a medication used to treat seizures, nerve pain, and other conditions. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone stops taking gabapentin suddenly or reduces the dose too quickly.

The symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Sweating
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea)
• Tremors
• Fast heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia

In severe cases, gabapentin withdrawal can also lead to seizures.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline

Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms usually begin within a few days of stopping the drug and peak within three days. Symptoms typically resolve within a week or two, but they can sometimes last longer.

Treatment for Gabapentin Withdrawal

There is no specific treatment for gabapentin withdrawal. Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms and gradually tapering the dose of gabapentin.

Preventing Gabapentin Withdrawal

The best way to prevent gabapentin withdrawal is to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking gabapentin suddenly or reduce the dose without talking to your doctor first.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to gradually taper the dose of gabapentin and manage your symptoms.

Additional Information

If you are concerned about gabapentin withdrawal, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with more information and help you develop a plan to safely stop taking the medication.

You can also find more information about gabapentin withdrawal from the following resources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• National Helpline