What Is Gabapentin Withdrawal?
Gabapentin is a very successful drug when it is taken properly. In order to avoid Gabapentin withdrawal, you should know what this drug is, the symptoms and treatment for withdrawal, and where to find help if you need it.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gadapentin is a seizure medication that is use for treating epilepsy. It also has a number of off-label uses. According to the National Library of Medicine, it can be used for:
- Postherpetic neuralgia, a condition associated with shingles
- Restless leg syndrome
- Convulsions
- Diabetic pain
- Hot flashes
Headaches and restlessness are common symptoms of Gabapentin withdrawal.
Gabapentin is also being tested to treat a variety of other drug addictions and withdrawal symptoms. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gabapentin is being tested for its ability to treat:
- Marijuana dependence
- Opioid dependence and withdrawal
- Methamphetamine withdrawal
Researchers are experimenting with it in several different capacities. This makes the need to understand the withdrawal process even greater. Treatment programs and protocols are being put into place in order to prevent the dangerous side effects of withdrawal.
If you want to get off Gabapentin because of its dangerous withdrawal, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?).
What Are the Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal?
The symptoms of withdrawal from Gabapentin are similar to those of both benzodiazepines and alcohol. This is unfortunate because the treatment for these disorders make the Gabapentin withdrawal worse or at least allow it to continue unchecked. The symptoms of Gabapentin withdrawal are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Spasms
- Seizures
- Suicidal thinking
- Muscle pain
- Itching
All of these symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the dosage. The withdrawal usually starts around one to two days after stopping Gabapentin and can last for up to a few weeks.
What Is the Treatment for Withdrawal?
The easiest treatment for Gabapentin withdrawal is to restart the Gabapentin, but this is not always an option. Many people need outpatient or inpatient treatment for this type of withdrawal. Treatment centers will handle the withdrawal in one of two ways.
The first is through tapering. During tapering, a person is put back on the Gabapentin and then slowly weaned off of it until they are no longer dependent on the drug. This method is highly effective but also requires supervision to ensure proper dosage.
The second method takes you off the medication completely and replaces it with another that accomplishes the same thing. With this method, you go through the withdrawal symptoms, usually in a monitored therapeutic setting. Since confusion, convulsions, and other dangerous symptoms are involved, the withdrawal should be closely monitored.
Finding a Treatment Center for Withdrawal
If you want to get off Gabapentin for good, you will need to find a treatment center that can handle the withdrawal. Gabapentin withdrawal is easily mistaken for other forms of withdrawal, so a knowledgeable treatment center is necessary. To find one, all you have to do is call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?). We can help.
