Reasons to Stop Taking Gabapentin
You may want to stop taking gabapentin for a number of reasons. The reasons can vary, but common reasons are that it is not helping, there are unwanted or bothersome side effects, or the medication is only needed for a short time, like in the case of surgery or abuse and addiction.
It’s Not Helping
Depending on why you started this medication, it can take days or weeks to take full effect. If gabapentin is not helping, you may want to talk to your doctor about discontinuing taking it and switching to a different medication.
Unwanted Side Effects
For some people, gabapentin can cause unwanted side effects. Typically, these side effects lessen until they go away. If they persist or are bothersome, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider. Most commonly, gabapentin can cause drowsiness and dizziness, or uncontrolled eye movements or seizures in rarer, more serious cases.
Before and After Surgery
Gabapentin is frequently used in the perioperative period, which is the time before and after surgery. It is often thought that utilizing a variety of pain medicines that work in different ways to prevent and treat pain may minimize the number of opioids needed. This is referred to as “multi-modal pain management.” Typically, this would be for a short time after surgery.
You’re Feeling Better
If you are feeling better, you may want to stop taking gabapentin. However, depending on why you are on this medication, your doctor may recommend that you continue taking it. For example, if prescribed to prevent seizures or for nerve pain, you may be feeling well because gabapentin is managing these conditions. It is important to always discuss medication changes with your healthcare provider.
Alcohol and Opioid Interactions
Gabapentin is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, similar to alcohol and opioids. If gabapentin is taken with either or both of these, the likelihood of severe symptoms is higher. This combination can result in impaired judgment, thinking, motor skills or concentration. It is important to always take gabapentin as prescribed.
Abuse and Addiction
Several studies have demonstrated that gabapentin has the potential for misuse and abuse. There is an estimated overall 1.1% rate of gabapentin misuse in the general population, and only 13.1% of those using this medication are doing so as prescribed. This implies that there may be a higher likelihood of gabapentin abuse than previously reported.
While gabapentin is a non-controlled medication, some states have begun reporting it similarly to opioids and other controlled medications.