Gabapentin withdrawal syndrome

Clin Neuropharmacol. 2001 Jul-Aug;24(4):245-6. doi: 10.1097/00002826-200107000-00011.

Abstract

Gabapentin (GBP) has gained wide acceptance in the treatment of pain, migraine, bipolar illness, and epilepsy. It has a relatively benign side effect profile, lacks significant drug interactions, is not liver metabolized, and is renally excreted. Herein three cases are presented that demonstrate withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation of GBP. Clinicians are encouraged to taper GBP dosage, especially when patients have taken high doses, and to warn patients of possible adverse effects of abruptly discontinuing GBP themselves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Amines*
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anxiety / chemically induced
  • Anxiety / physiopathology
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids*
  • Gabapentin
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / chemically induced
  • Migraine Disorders / physiopathology
  • Migraine Disorders / psychology
  • Psychomotor Agitation / physiopathology
  • Psychomotor Agitation / psychology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome* / psychology
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid*

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Amines
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin