Am I addicted to medication?

[sunshine991]

I have been taking gabapentin for about 7-8 months for nerve problems in my back and I just went off of it around 3-4 weeks ago. Since then about a week or so after I went off the the nerves in my crotch area wouldn't calm down it felt like it wanted to explode down there and had this horrible sensation feeling and just ran through my body and made me feel really sick. That took about 4-5 days to get over. Then last week my face got really fuzzy once in a while didn't last long. Yesterday my face got really fuzzy again all day and night. Today I got that same feeling in my crotch but, not quite as bad and I am still very fuzzy in my head and hands and kinda light headed and i feel shacky and kinda sickish. My nerves i kind of feel like are irritated just feel shacky. I have looked online to see if you can be addicted to gabapentin but says its very hard to. Does this sound like I am having with draws from the medication and addicted or does something else sound off/wrong?

[luvdolphins58]

Hello. If the nerve damage you have is in low back there is nerves that go to "crotch" area and yes when stopped taking gabba can cause the problem you are experiencing. Definitely speak with Dr about this.

[sunshine991]

Thank You everyone

[overopiates]

U were physically dependent and these r the withdrawals/side effects of quitting.I'm not sure how long they last because I don't have any personal experience with this medication.That whole crotch thing sounds rancid.OUCH.I would call the doctors office to explain this and see if they can give u advice or a time frame of how long this will last.Sounds like u have gotten through a lot of it already.

[refills]

Hey sunshine. I've been on Gaba short of 6 months. While taking this medicine I had weird side effects. Had to quit it twice. Once with a taper. This medicine can act funny in some people. Your timeline to me is a little vague. Like always I would suggest talking with your doctor. Have a great day.

[sunshine991]

do you know how long it can cause side effects and what kind of weird side effects?

[CRSeaside]

I was advised to wean off when I was on that medication. If you stopped abruptly it could cause weird side effects.

[Jade59]

Hello and welcome...there is a big difference between "addiction", and being "physically dependent".  Gaba is an old seizure drug, so your body WILL get dependent on it.  Ideally, Gaba should be weaned, but too late now.  

I took this drug for several months in 2010.  I had to abruptly stop, I had no choice.  I had severe anxiety and insomnia for months.  

You're going to be okay, it's just going to take time.