Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug for seizures and nerve pain. Learn more about gabapentin withdrawal symptoms and how to safely stop taking the medication. How can I avoid gabapentin withdrawal? The best way to avoid gabapentin withdrawal is to only take the dose prescribed by your doctor, for the shortest time possible. When it comes time to stop it, talk to your healthcare provider about a tapering schedule. Do not misuse substances or alcohol while you are taking gabapentin. What is gabapentin used for? Gabapentin is a prescription medication Gabapentin is safe for cats and is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat pain, anxiety, and feline hyperesthesia syndrome. It has a low risk of side effects when taken at the correct dosage. Mild sedation and lethargy are the most common side effects but these tend to get better with continued dosing. What is gabapentin used for in cats? Gabapentin can reduce chronic pain caused by Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 hours to 7 days after quitting the medication and last up to 10 days. Symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include nausea, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Yes, gabapentin can lead to dependency with long-term use, and sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering under veterinary supervision is crucial to avoid complications. Gabapentin is being prescribed more and more to dogs and cats for a number of reasons. What are they and just how safe it is gabapentin? If you notice any unusual symptoms or if your cat seems to be in pain or distress after stopping gabapentin, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide further advice and adjust the treatment plan if needed. All I want to say is that the withdrawal symptoms of gabapentin are the worst bitch you could imagine (from my own human experience), so please keep that in mind as you’re giving it to your cat **Withdrawal symptoms in cats have been widely documented and are similar to humans. One misconception is that Gabapentin is a highly addictive drug for cats, but research suggests otherwise. Cats who have been prescribed Gabapentin for chronic pain or anxiety have shown minimal to no signs of addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug after chronic use has led to withdrawal-precipitated seizures - which is what you are probably seeing. A typical course of action would be to resume the original dose and then reduce by 25% every 3-7 days. Gabapentin is a medication commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat various conditions in cats. It is an anticonvulsant drug that was initially developed to control seizures in humans. However, its use in cats has expanded due to its effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, and behavioral issues. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the uses, benefits, risks, and proper Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms may appear as agitation and anxiety, sweating/panting, body aches, confusion, tremors, gastrointestinal distress, and heart palpitations. Is it possible for cats to experience withdrawal? My cat was on it for 3 weeks after surgery and I didn’t give any to him last night. Today he is a bit uncoordinated, very restless, and occasionally twitches his head. I called the vet and they said it’s not possible since it’s not an opioid.. but all of these symptoms are signs of withdrawal in humans why wouldn’t it apply to cats? An update: My regular vet said he believed Tigger is having withdrawal symptoms and said to wean him off gradually. However, they had no Gabapentin. So, I had to get it from the ER vet or wait for it to be sent from an online pharmacy which would take days and defeat the purpose of weaning Tigger off it slowly. My cat was on it for 3 weeks after surgery and I didn’t give any to him last night. Today he is a bit uncoordinated, very restless, and occasionally twitches his head. I called the vet and they said it’s not possible since it’s not an opioid.. but all of these symptoms are signs of withdrawal in humans why wouldn’t it apply to cats? Greetings, all! There should be some signs and symptoms that would help you know that is your cat is taking Gabapentin as a cure or just addiction. Some common physical and mental behaviors exhibited by your feline could be as follows: I would taper off the dose if possible. It can cause withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. You would want to reduce the dose by 25% over 2 weeks. But for sure talk to your vet about this. Abruptly stopping gabapentin in cats who have been taking it long-term can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, tremors, and even seizures. Therefore, it’s crucial to discontinue gabapentin gradually and under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |