Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline: Signs, Symptoms + Treatment

gabapentin withdrawal timeline

Gabapentin is often viewed as a “safer” medication because it isn’t classified as a controlled substance in most states.

It’s commonly prescribed for nerve pain, seizures, anxiety, and even alcohol withdrawal. But when gabapentin is taken regularly, especially at higher doses or for long periods, stopping it abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable and in some cases medically concerning.


Understanding the gabapentin withdrawal timeline can help people recognize what’s happening in their body, avoid unnecessary fear, and seek the right level of support when stopping or reducing use.

If you or someone you love has been misusing gabapentin, help is available.

Learn more about our Southern California mental health programs or all us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance now.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication that affects how nerve signals communicate in the brain.

While it was originally developed to treat seizures, it is now widely prescribed for as a mental health medication that helps:

  • Chronic nerve pain
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Anxiety and mood symptoms
  • Migraine prevention

Because gabapentin influences the central nervous system, the body can become dependent on it over time.

Dependence does not mean someone has done anything wrong, it simply means the brain has adapted to the medication’s presence.

Can You Experience Withdrawal From Gabapentin?

Yes. Gabapentin withdrawal is real, and it can occur when the medication is stopped suddenly or tapered too quickly.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on these factors.

Withdrawal risk tends to be higher for people who:

  • Take high daily doses
  • Have used gabapentin long-term
  • Take it multiple times per day
  • Use it alongside other substances
  • Have a history of substance use disorders

Gabapentin Withdrawal Overview

The gabapentin withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, but symptoms typically follow a general pattern.

While some people experience only mild discomfort, others may have more intense symptoms that require medical monitoring.

Early Withdrawal: 12–48 Hours After Last Dose

For most individuals, withdrawal symptoms begin within one to two days after stopping gabapentin. These early symptoms can feel similar to anxiety or flu-like illness, which sometimes leads people to underestimate what’s happening.

Common early symptoms include:

  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Irritability

Peak Withdrawal: Days 2–5

Symptoms usually intensify over the next few days as the nervous system struggles to regain balance.

For individuals who were taking gabapentin for seizure control or who used very high doses, there is also a risk of rebound seizures during this phase.

During this phase, people may experience:

  • Heightened anxiety or panic
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Mood swings or depression
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Subacute Withdrawal: Days 5–10

As the body begins to stabilize, physical symptoms often start to ease. However, emotional and neurological symptoms may linger. This phase can feel frustrating because symptoms are less intense but still disruptive.

Ongoing symptoms may include:

  • Persistent anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Brain fog
  • Low mood
  • Sensitivity to stress

Protracted Withdrawal: Weeks to Months (In Some Cases)

While many people feel significantly better within one to two weeks, some experience longer-lasting symptoms, especially after prolonged or high-dose use. This extended phase is not permanent, but it can benefit from structured support and professional guidance.

These may include:

  • Ongoing anxiety
  • Sleep issues
  • Mood instability
  • Difficulty managing stress

What Makes Gabapentin Withdrawal Worse?

Several factors can increase the severity or duration of withdrawal symptoms, including:

Because of these variables, there is no one-size-fits-all experience, which is why medical oversight is often recommended.

Is Gabapentin Withdrawal Dangerous?

Gabapentin withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, but it can become medically serious in certain situations. People with a seizure history, polysubstance use, or underlying medical conditions should never stop gabapentin without professional guidance.

Risks include:

  • Seizures
  • Severe anxiety or panic attacks
  • Dangerous spikes in blood pressure
  • Dehydration from vomiting or sweating

Gabapentin Support At The Meadowglade

The Meadowglade offers comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals navigating mental health disorders in Southern California.

Our clinical team understands that medication dependence can happen unintentionally and that withdrawal is a medical issue that deserves professional care.

Our services include:

Find Help For Mental Disorders in Southern California

Understanding the gabapentin withdrawal timeline can help reduce fear and uncertainty, but you don’t have to manage the process alone. Withdrawal symptoms are temporary, but trying to push through them without support can make the experience harder than it needs to be.

If you or someone you love is struggling with gabapentin dependence or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the Meadowglade is here to help.

Our team provides clear guidance, medical safety, and compassionate care every step of the way.