What Does Gabapentin Withdrawal Feel Like?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea, and flu-like feelings. It may also increase the risk of seizures, especially in people taking it for seizure control. Do not stop gabapentin suddenly without guidance from a healthcare professional. The most common symptoms include restlessness, tremors, headaches, and mood changes like irritability or depression. Some people experience confusion, dizziness, or sensitivity to light and sound. Withdrawal severity depends on your dosage and how long you've taken gabapentin - higher doses and longer use periods generally cause more intense symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within days and often improve over time, but their timing and duration vary from person to person. However, some psychological symptoms like anxiety may persist longer, requiring medical supervision for safe tapering.
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