withdrawal hell feels like a punishment!!

[PINGLINA]

A bit of history…

Fractured my spine 14 years ago, housebound for months on Codeine that made me zombie like. Changed to Tramadol which allowed me to return to work, driving etc. GP added Gabapentin approx 10 years ago because body got used to dose of Tramadol and couldn’t go any higher on dose, it was increased gradually to 500mg daily.

Fast forward to 3 weeks ago, was told by the receptionist at GP surgery that my repeat prescriptions will not be done because GP has stopped prescribing both medications. Panic set in and I demanded to speak to GP. I was spoken to as if I was a drug abuser/ junkie and told that I needed to come off the meds. I explained to him that I would suffer with nasty withdrawal symptoms and would not be able to do my job as a mental health nurse for CAMHS. (I reduced to 300mg daily approx. 4 years ago and it was hell). GP did not appear to care but reluctantly prescribed half daily dose for both Tramadol and Gabapentin for 4 weeks.

I have been an absolute mess for the past 3 weeks and have been advised by Occupational Health that I’m not fit for work. I feel positive about getting off these medications because I’ve been well aware that I’m dependent on both just would have rather planned this with GP with his support.

Thank you if you’ve read this far my question is has anyone gone through this and any tips with managing the awful physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. GP plans to stop prescribing next week and I’m really anxious about this. I also want to get back to work…

[Bananas5]

GPs who thinks its OK to just stop meds should go back to med school. It is NOT OK.

Gabapentin is one of the hardest to come off an must be done extremely sloe ly> in fact tjis med should be built up equally as slowly

wHAT DOSE ARE YOU ON NORMALLY? Was gabapentin prescribed by pain consultant?

it should be reduce 1 tablet of `100mg a week.

Sorry about content....my computer is having few blips/ amd I am so angry for you.

x

[PINGLINA in reply to Bananas5]

Thank you for your reply

This isn’t my usual GP and he’s shown no empathy at all.

Gabapentin was prescribed by another GP years ago. I was prescribed 600mg x3 daily and for the last 3 weeks have been prescribed 400mg x3 daily.

The GP should have looked at guidelines but hey ho the more I argued the more I came across as an ‘addict’ it’s been so difficult.

[Bananas5 in reply to PINGLINA]

Is it possible to see another GP?

His duty of care should be about reducing any effects on you

600 x a 3 day should go down to 2 x 600 and 1 x 500 for first week. Then 1 x 600 and 2 x 500 and so on

Never think you are an addict./

x

[PINGLINA]

Thank you It’s a nightmare trying to get an appointment but will keep trying because I’m a mess and really not managing this very well. X

[Kinga2500]

omg, I can’t believe they said that! U have to push them to make plans they can’t just stop prescribing this! I’m so sorry to hear that. I had opposite situation. In nearly half year they said to me they can’t give me anything stronger than hydrocodein because they worried about drugs abuse. Finnaly after end in hospital because of pain they start more carrying about me and and stop saying about how lot of pple are addicted. In fact they making prescriptions but someone else higher than gp doctors have to approve it

[Paris1700]

go to pain mgmt. Im on hydromorphone and it works

[Konagirl60]

I agree, see someone in pain management.

You are not an addict. If a diabetic is dependent on insulin to survive, why can’t your pain be controlled?

Anyone with intractable long term pain and requiring opioid meds or other meds is NOT an addict . They are dependent on their meds to function, have some quality of life and if lucky to keep working.

Don’t let these doctors gas light you. Your pain is not emotion based. It’s debilitating physical pain. Good luck.

[PINGLINA in reply to Konagirl60]

thank you so much

[strongmouse]

Totally unacceptable level of medical care.

I'd ask for an urgent appointment. The Nice Guidelines are clear that withdrawal should be an agreed process - nice.org.uk/guidance/ng215

with a plan drawn up, such as goals and reviews. I would take a copy of the NICE guidelines with you and ask why he isn't following them. You need an agreed management plan. If this isn't agreed then contact PALS - patient Advice and Liason Service . They provide a service in the community and can advise you what you can do.

nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospita...

[PINGLINA in reply to strongmouse]

Thank you!!

I’ll print off and shove it under his nose.

The more I think about it the more angry I get. The irony is he has offered to prescribe Codydromol as a replacement “if I need pain relief” so replacing an opioid for another opioid for me to become dependent on, told him to shove it!!

Thanks again 😊

[strongmouse in reply to PINGLINA]

Hope you are successful. I've found it helps to keep in mind my goal so that any anger is channeled into that!

[PINGLINA]

I’m only angry that I had no say in this and the way it was done. I’m really positive about coming off both medications. Back pain has got to be more manageable than the way I’ve been feeling with the withdrawal symptoms, it’s been a nightmare but I’m getting through it and feeling that I’ve hopefully got over the worst

I’m on half the dose I was and will insist I stay on this for another few months and then drop another dose. I will speak to my GP about NICE guidelines and hope to educate him to not put anyone else through this.

I’m really grateful for the advice given on here 😊