So I've read a ton on this site about all the various side effects from going on medications and/or various combos of medications.
My question is the reverse: Do people also occasionally or even regularly have side effects from coming off medications?
I've just weaned off gabepentin while continuing this cream that has five or so medications in it, plus tramadol, and I'll be going on a new medication either today or tomorrow. Either I'm coming down with an unrelated illness or I'm starting to have some really bad side effects, like stomach issues, light-headedness, hot/cold, etc. It's similar to the side effects I had when I was stepping up my doses ...
I don't want to freak out for no reason, and I fully recognize that I'm very nervous about all these different pills and drugs that I've taken or may end up taking. So, this could be me making something out of nothing, which is why I figured I'd ask the question: Are side effects common from coming off a medication?
You might have a case of flu, Wrigley. Alternately, if you came off a high dose of Gabapentin all in one fell swoop without tapering down, then you could be having symptoms of mild seizure. If you're in doubt, then call your supervising physician.
As a different thought: what is this "cream" you mention that has five or so meds in it? Are you working with a compounding pharmacist?
I'm hoping it's the flu; I came down from 900 mg of gabapentin in a short taper (I was supposed to stretch it out for I think 9 days, but I lost track and ended up going from 900 mg to nothing from Friday through yesterday).
The cream is from a compounding pharmacist, yes. Basically, my primary care doctor referred me to a physiatrist who connected me with this pharmacist from out of state. It seemed new to her, and my primary care doctor had never heard of it being used in this way, so I'm starting to wonder if I'm maybe a guinea pig.
Anyway, this particular cream has ketamine, clonipine, gabapentin, lidocaine, and imipramine. My primary care and physiatrist are supposed to compare notes and contact me today about the next medicine I am supposed to try. I had an appointment yesterday (which is why I sped up my taper, because I was supposed to be off it by the time my appointment happened) with my primary care, but her suggestion contradicted the other doctor's, so I guess they're trying to get on the same page. Meanwhile, I'm to stick with the cream.
That's a lot of rambling on my part, sorry; but anyway, thanks!
No worries about rambling. Comes with the territory when you're on meds. {:-)
With a three-day taper from 900 mg to zero, some of your side effects could be related to the sudden drop in blood levels. I'd particularly look for mental disorientation, brain fog, and dizziness. If you're not dealing with simple flu, then I'd also expect such effects should taper off within two or three days further. In any event, if you're seeing or talking with one of your physicians tomorrow, then tell them what's going on and let them advise you.
There are other questions I'd recommend for both your primary doc and the psychiatrist:
1. why are they trying so many drugs all at once? It's more common to taper up drug trials one at a time, to be sure the effects are understood before they become additive.
2. Why all of these particular drugs? Ketamine hydrochloride (ketamine hcl) is a nonbarbiturate anesthetic, as is lidocaine. Klonopin is an anti-seizure med, although not one of those most commonly used in chronic face pain. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant in the same general family with Amitriptyline (which would make sense for atypical TN).
3. What is the normal acclimatization period for each of these medications? How long should you be using them and at what doses when administered in topical cream form, before concluding that they are or are not working?
i was curious. i ramble, become hyper, up and down. you know my meds. i am trying to make switches but honestly i cant find a good neuro to testing of some of the nerves. i was on nortrytaline and it was less drying. my mouth gets very dry. i believe its the location of the scar tissue. cant concentrate. repeat things. im driving my hubbie nuts. we share the office. he can scream at his computer or work related issue. theres tension here! do we have a caretaker group.
i can enjoy a show here for even 45 minutes. i tighten up. mainly muscles. the treadmill , i believe created the edema this morning. oy vey!
i dont think i have another way to go but the reconstructive surgery and pain meds. im pretty debilitated. im joining the cryers group here.
Thanks for the compliment, Elaine (I think you intended the remark for me). I'm the husband of a bilateral TN/ATN patient too. So I am intensely aware that "it isn't all about me".
I believe there is a care taker group here, though I haven't observed that it's been very active. I've also heard there is such a group at Brain Talk Communities. And if it will help your husband, you can suggest that he talk to me by phone or email me through ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
I have never taken the meds that you do, but I am weaning off tegratol and I am experiencing some side effects, my Dr has told me that it is normal since your body is so used to having it in your blood stream. I think most people with have some sort of withdrawal type symptoms after being on meds for a while., but i think you should ask your dr or pharmacist,
Thanks for the replies. That's basically what it was for me, not necessarily mega-withdrawal, but withdrawal-like symptoms for a few days. Add in my worry and probably a dose or two of regular allergies, and there were a few sleepless nights in a row where I had convinced myself really bad things were happening.
Thanks again, I'm very glad this site exists so I can stop in and make sure that I'm not totally losing it.