[ga...] Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 Oh wait, you already said it causes the body to produce less GABA. Funny you mentioned word retrieval problems, I have that all the time. Can't find the word I'm looking for. I worry a lot that I'm having pre-dementia. It could cause the body to produce less GABA. I think that's what happens when the med seems to no longer work. I see gabapentin as something that may work in the short term, but in the long term, you're likely to habituate to it. I told my doctor I was worried about dementia. She said it was more likely the benzo and the gabapentin and to wait until I got off before we considered it could be a disease process. I am so much better off the benzo and lower on the gabapentin that I know it was the drugs. I think you will be amazed how much better your brain works once you're off these drugs. I see you're very low on Valium. You might find this group helpful: 3, 2, 1 Valium Support Group I've been on gabapentin for over 8 years so kinda worried about getting off. Sign, one step at a time. Thanks for recommending me to the support group I've been on it for years, too, but really, it was much easier to reduce than the benzo. I was sure I was feeling good before I tried to reduce it. I think that's the key. You are right, one step at a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[...] Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 I would very much like to hear how you tapered, after I'm done with diazepam of course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[ga...] Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 I would very much like to hear how you tapered, after I'm done with diazepam of course I have capsules. Gabapentin is water soluble, so I dumped capsules into water to made a liquid to taper. Then I did a daily micro taper. When you get there, a good person to ask about using a liquid is Bob7. I've seen him help people with the math of converting to liquid. He is often in the Daily Microtaper Support group. I'm not tapering gabapentin now. I'm pill splitting my Seroquel. My plan is to get rid of as much Seroquel as I can and then go back to the gabapentin taper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[ph...] Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 Thank you so much for your replies. I think I will give myself more time and start tapering gabapentin once I have recovered. Valiumnomore - my flumazenil detox was horrific. It threw me into acute withdrawal which was way worse than any previous attempts at tapering. It's not something I would recommend - I am happy though to be off benzos. I was in such a bad state after being all that time in tolerance withdrawal that I know I wouldn't have had the strength to put myself through a long taper. Phoenix Hi Phoenix, I'm sorry the flumazenil didn't cushion the acute phase like it's claimed to do. I guess it doesn't work. How long were you in that acute wd state if you don't mind me asking? Maybe the flumazenil made it last less? Yes, definitely wait till you feel normal before tapering another med. You'll do great when the time comes. Thank you valiumnomore. I'm not exactly sure how long my acute withdrawal lasted. During the first four weeks I mostly had physical symptoms. Afterwards these got a little better but at the same time I started with insane anxiety and depression. Overall the first four months were horrific - it's only recently that I have been a little better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[va...] Posted July 19, 2020 Share Posted July 19, 2020 PHoenix, I'm glad you made it through and that you're free now. It must be great not to take that pill every day. I'm reading you guys and now I'm worried about dementia. I've been on gabapentin for one year and my psyck dr doesn't want me off that until I'm done with the valium, and that's going to take years so I don't know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[...] Posted July 19, 2020 Share Posted July 19, 2020 PHoenix, I'm glad you made it through and that you're free now. It must be great not to take that pill every day. I'm reading you guys and now I'm worried about dementia. I've been on gabapentin for one year and my psyck dr doesn't want me off that until I'm done with the valium, and that's going to take years so I don't know... Hey V, I don't think Gardener was saying it leads to dementia but that it has some dementia-like symptoms. I read that one on the side effects is memory loss. I wouldn't worry about it if you've only been on it for a year. I hate my idiot doc who put me on such a high dose, along with hydocodone, valium, and SSRIs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[ga...] Posted July 20, 2020 Share Posted July 20, 2020 PHoenix, I'm glad you made it through and that you're free now. It must be great not to take that pill every day. I'm reading you guys and now I'm worried about dementia. I've been on gabapentin for one year and my psyck dr doesn't want me off that until I'm done with the valium, and that's going to take years so I don't know... Hey V, I don't think Gardener was saying it leads to dementia but that it has some dementia-like symptoms. I read that one on the side effects is memory loss. I wouldn't worry about it if you've only been on it for a year. I hate my idiot doc who put me on such a high dose, along with hydocodone, valium, and SSRIs Correct. Benzos do the same. IMHO, the benzo is more dangerous than the gabapentin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 Help! I just got of the phone with my psych. She doesnt know I'm tapering. I cant go the bathroom. I asked her if effexor or gabapentin could be the problem. I never went much anyway but this is ridiculous. She lowered my gabapentin by 300. I'm just starti g to stabilize. I didnt tell her because she doesnt believe me about benzos. She just scream at me. She always asks if someone else is prescribing me meds. It's weird. Anyway will I be ok. I'm scared. I really cant wait till I never have to go back there again. My therapist is useless as well. Sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[ga...] Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 Help! I just got of the phone with my psych. She doesnt know I'm tapering. I cant go the bathroom. I asked her if effexor or gabapentin could be the problem. I never went much anyway but this is ridiculous. She lowered my gabapentin by 300. I'm just starti g to stabilize. I didnt tell her because she doesnt believe me about benzos. She just scream at me. She always asks if someone else is prescribing me meds. It's weird. Anyway will I be ok. I'm scared. I really cant wait till I never have to go back there again. My therapist is useless as well. Sorry. That's a big cut. But give it time. You will stabilize. It sure will be great when we never have to go back to a bad doc again! Lucky for me, mine moved away and my new doc seems much more kind. It helps to remember that sometimes a doctor is just ornery because of something else that has nothing to do with me. It's not an excuse, though. They should not yell at people ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 Thank you gardener! This is truly a horrible way to live. I am so glad you have a nice dr. Mine scares me. I just stay because she prescribes. Ugh. Thx i wont let her get to me She has set me back many times. Hope you are feeling ok! Im doing pretty good today. The weekend i thought i was dying. This is crazy! 🤣😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[va...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Hi Suzy! So she made you cut from 900 to 600? I'm so sorry. I hope it turns out not to be too bad. Are you feeling sxs already? The doctor really sounds like a pain in the neck. I hate that you have to deal with her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Hi v! I know she is scary! I haven't felt anything yet! I was so nervous. Maybe it's too soon. I feel like all the meds are making me tired. But that could be the benzo. I hope your sx are letting up! Ugh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[ga...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Hi v! I know she is scary! I haven't felt anything yet! I was so nervous. Maybe it's too soon. I feel like all the meds are making me tired. But that could be the benzo. I hope your sx are letting up! Ugh I found gabapentin to be easier to taper than a benzo. Maybe it won't hit you. But even if it does, you will still recover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Oh that is good news gardener! I'm glad you aren't having as hard of a time with the gabapentin. Omg, I cant imagine it being like a benzo. 🤯 So far so good! Thank you! 👍🙂❤ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[va...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 I'm here rooting for you DD. Stay close to Gardener, she's the best guide. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for mild sxs 🙏🙏🤞🤞🤞🤞 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Ma...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 DD, I think I know several people that came down off gabbby pretty quickly and did okay. Not that I am recommending you go too fast . . LY. 🙋🏼🙋🏼😘😘😷😷🙏🙏 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Thanks v and mm! I feel the same so far. Hopefully, tomorrow will be ok. Keeping my fingers crossed too! I'll keep you posted. Ugh ly guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Ma...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Thanks v and mm! I feel the same so far. Hopefully, tomorrow will be ok. Keeping my fingers crossed too! I'll keep you posted. Ugh ly guys LY 2 girlfriend!! 🙋🏼🙋🏼🙋🏼 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 ❤❤❤🤷♀️😻🤗 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[...] Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Hey Gardener, have you known anyone who's been on as high a dose as I am? I feel like it's making me stupid. I hate my effing doc who put me on such a dose. He was passing out meds like candy and lost his license. Cut me off of Vicodin and I had to CT. Anyway I"m kind of scared to start tapering until I'm done with my Valium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Ca...] Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Hey Gardener, have you known anyone who's been on as high a dose as I am? I feel like it's making me stupid. I hate my effing doc who put me on such a dose. He was passing out meds like candy and lost his license. Cut me off of Vicodin and I had to CT. Anyway I"m kind of scared to start tapering until I'm done with my Valium Im not Gardie.. But 2400mg for the first couple of years.. I never noticed a problem coming off (unlike lyrica), but then went to “as needed” for accident related nerve damage.. Its once or twice a year now but the doses for that day can range from 600mg to very high.. Once valium was in the mix I started to notice the scrambled brain and coordination effects... It stops my guts working too, -relaxes it too much... My understanding is that a dose has less effect in proportion the higher the dose, so in theory at least, the higher doses may be easier to taper if one is lucky..?? ...if thats of any help.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[De...] Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Hey everyone, Hope you are all ok. Today is day 3 of the drop. I feel different. More relaxed and clear. It could be in my head. Maybe it's just a window. Still Tingling like crazy but not super revved up like I am 24r hrs a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[...] Posted August 19, 2020 Share Posted August 19, 2020 Hey Gardener, have you known anyone who's been on as high a dose as I am? I feel like it's making me stupid. I hate my effing doc who put me on such a dose. He was passing out meds like candy and lost his license. Cut me off of Vicodin and I had to CT. Anyway I"m kind of scared to start tapering until I'm done with my Valium Im not Gardie.. But 2400mg for the first couple of years.. I never noticed a problem coming off (unlike lyrica), but then went to “as needed” for accident related nerve damage.. Its once or twice a year now but the doses for that day can range from 600mg to very high.. Once valium was in the mix I started to notice the scrambled brain and coordination effects... It stops my guts working too, -relaxes it too much... My understanding is that a dose has less effect in proportion the higher the dose, so in theory at least, the higher doses may be easier to taper if one is lucky..?? ...if thats of any help.. Thanks. Yeah I'm kinda worried as I've been on it for 10 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Ba...] Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 Cant are you saying you were on both gabapentin and lyrica? And no prob dropping gabapentin but a prob with lyrica? I think lyrica is newer and supposed to be more targeted. Thx if you know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
[Ca...] Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 Cant are you saying you were on both gabapentin and lyrica? And no prob dropping gabapentin but a prob with lyrica? I think lyrica is newer and supposed to be more targeted. Thx if you know... well the lyrica didnt work for the nerve pain so well in the early days, and a change in hospitals ended me back on gabapentin again anyway, but more the point, lyrica “helped” me better as a rescue type thing to get to Drs, etc.. I then later used it as a valium taper aid but the tolerance went up much faster than any V got reduced.. I also found it addictive and stimulating.. at that point I was hunting for energy any way I could get it.. Its all a bit messy with multiple meds and due Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts