Hi Adamo,

Sorry to hear that your taper is still problematic. You really don't sound good. In these circumstances, it could be useful to choose the "in between" route of using a benzo as a rescue med every 5 days or so (i.e. on the second day after you decrease your gabapentin dose)

Unfortunately, to be able to use a benzo, you need a prescription so it is essential to find a supportive doctor. It wouldn't need to be a specialist though. If you have a good relationship with your GP, he or she might help you.

Many doctors do resist the notion of "withdrawal" from gabapentin, regardless of any documentation. As I've suggested before, you'll do yourself a favor if you use vocabulary that is compatible with their mindset. Specifically, I'd avoid the word "withdrawal" when it comes to gabapentin.

You could describe your situation thus:

• You are undergoing gradual suspension of Gabapentin, using reductions of only 100 mg every few days.
  
  
• You have severe anxious symptoms after each reduction. Describe the symptoms -- they speak for themselves.

You'd then need to ask if the doctor can give you a rescue medication to use only on an occasional basis, for the severe bouts of anxiety.

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IF you are given something, ask the doctor for precise instructions on the time between doses, in order to avoid addiction.

waves