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Hello, I Was Placed On 1800mg Of Neurontin For Anxiety

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Posted on Wed, 17 Apr 2019
Twitter Wed, 17 Apr 2019 Answered on
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Question : Hello, I was placed on 1800mg of neurontin for anxiety approximately 9 months ago. I am also on 2.0mg of Klonopin,of which I have weaned in the past, only to go up again. The two drugs together, however, are too much. I'm not sure if I waited too long to get off neurontin, but it is displaying odd withdrawals. I have only been able to get off 100mg, and as I went down I've been taking b12 supplements as it is depleting it. as I go down however, I can take less and less b12 as it changes my mood and causes a pounding heart and pain. I'm concerned as this is every time I take it, and now I'm afraid I can't take it at all. the decision was made to switch back to reducing Klonopin but before I do, I'm worried about the pain in my hands and feet from the neurontin withdrawal and also if this could be a glutamate / gaba imbalance and should I worry about reducing Klonopin for the second time. I would hate to make this situation worse. thank you kindly.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Klonopin may be tapered as well.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

When it comes to drugs such as Klonopin and Neurontin use, it is advisable to stop gradually one drug at a time.

For example, you can lower the Neurontin dose of 200 mg every two weeks.

Klonopin may be reduced as well by 0.5 mg every two weeks.

These measures are necessary to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, however, some mild symptoms are acceptable for a couple of months after stopping one of these drugs.

So, if you tried to stop Neurontin and your symptoms came back, you could continue to use it and taper the Klonopin.

It is possible during this period an imbalance in neurotransmitters, but it should stabilize with time.

Supplements should be taken only if any deficiency was found.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4494 Questions

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Hello, I Was Placed On 1800mg Of Neurontin For Anxiety

Brief Answer: Klonopin may be tapered as well. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service. I have read your query and here is my advice. When it comes to drugs such as Klonopin and Neurontin use, it is advisable to stop gradually one drug at a time. For example, you can lower the Neurontin dose of 200 mg every two weeks. Klonopin may be reduced as well by 0.5 mg every two weeks. These measures are necessary to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, however, some mild symptoms are acceptable for a couple of months after stopping one of these drugs. So, if you tried to stop Neurontin and your symptoms came back, you could continue to use it and taper the Klonopin. It is possible during this period an imbalance in neurotransmitters, but it should stabilize with time. Supplements should be taken only if any deficiency was found. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.