Gabapentin is a drug that helps with nerve pain. If you are taking it or have taken it before, you may be wondering how to ease the withdrawal symptoms when coming off of Gabapentin. There are many ways to do this, but in this blog post, we will focus on seven strategies for easing Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms:
1. Tapering
It can be done by decreasing your dose gradually over time until you stop taking the drug completely.
2. Using Lorazepam
It can help lessen some of the withdrawal symptoms while still on Gabapentin. Using lorazepam helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
3. Doctor’s Advice
If you take Gabapentin to treat an illness, stopping suddenly can trigger major side effects, including seizures, headaches, and nausea. This is why following your doctor’s advice on how to stop taking Gabapentin safely is essential.
It’s also important to keep in mind that we all react to medication differently. We should always follow the prescribing instructions and any additional advice from a medical professional. In some cases, Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms can be difficult, but they aren’t unbearable. If you are in Columbus, Ohio, be free to contact our experts.
4. Adding A Multivitamin to Your Supplements
You can also benefit greatly by simply adding a multivitamin to your supplements. This helps reduce the withdrawal effects that you may experience when quitting Gabapentin. If you are looking for an all-in-one supplement, take a look at this multivitamin for nerve pain.
5. Taking It in Smaller Doses
Many people who’ve never had to deal with the severe issues that come with taking a long-term medication may not be aware of the challenges faced by those who have. Even minor withdrawal symptoms can feel intolerable, and this is why it’s important to acknowledge how difficult it can be. If you’re having a tough time tapering off Gabapentin or quitting after taking it for a while, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about the possibility of taking it in smaller doses or at a slower pace.
6. Using Natural Alternatives
There are also natural alternatives that can help reduce your Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms. For example, Vitamin B6 is an essential micronutrient to take while you’re trying to get off of Gabapentin because it helps to alleviate muscle cramps, anxiety, and some of the other symptoms typical with withdrawal.
7. Using CBD Oil
Consider trying CBD oil for some relief. CBD has multiple benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects (which helps reduce some Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms like swelling or water weight gain), calming effects (reducing anxiety and stress, which can also help reduce withdrawal symptoms), and analgesic (painkilling) effects (reducing some of the pain that comes with withdrawal).
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
If someone suddenly stops taking Gabapentin after using it for an extended period – particularly at high doses – withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur. This is because Gabapentin can trigger adaptations in neurotransmission that cause physical dependence to develop over time. Cessation after chronic use leads to a period of a neurochemical rebound during which excitatory neurotransmitter levels are elevated beyond the norm, resulting in withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and insomnia.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms may vary depending on the dosage and duration of gabapentin use and whether other medications (prescription or illicit) were used in combination with Gabapentin. Symptoms typically begin within a few days after discontinuation and can last as long as two months after cessation of the drug.
Some people develop a gabapentin tolerance when the brain requires higher doses of Gabapentin to achieve the same results. This may lead a person to continue increasing their dosage to obtain relief from symptoms, potentially resulting in a gabapentin addiction.
Treatment for Gabapentin Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are struggling with an addiction to Gabapentin, professional treatment may be able to help. The proper course of action will depend on several factors, such as your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and preferences.
Some people may benefit from inpatient addiction treatment at an inpatient facility that provides around-the-clock medical care in a supervised environment. This is particularly true for people struggling with gabapentin withdrawal symptoms that are severe or potentially life-threatening. A combination of pharmacological therapies and behavioral therapies is often the most effective method of treatment.
Conclusion
Gabapentin is a prescription medication that is used as an anticonvulsant and to treat neuropathic pain. In some cases, it may be prescribed as a treatment for anxiety or insomnia. Although the drug is generally well-tolerated in most people, Gabapentin can be habit-forming and lead to addiction. The withdrawal symptoms for Gabapentin can be challenging to overcome, but professional treatment is often helpful. If you are struggling with an addiction or would like more information about gabapentin addiction, contact our experts on 833-497-3812.