Planned inpatient withdrawal of pregabalin and gabapentin
A person may seek rapid inpatient withdrawal of pregabalin or gabapentin if a specific circumstance (eg the start of rehabilitation) requires abstinence. Rapid inpatient withdrawal may also be required for some patients using multiple substances (polysubstance use) as part of rationalising their use. Evidence is lacking to guide inpatient rapid withdrawal of high-dose pregabalin or gabapentin. Seek specialist advice and do not undertake without monitoring by clinicians experienced in withdrawal management.
For inpatient rapid withdrawal of high-dose pregabalin, expert opinion suggests a reasonable approach is:
pregabalin 900 mg (or usual total daily dose if it is less than 900 mg) orally, daily in 3 divided doses on the first day. Then reduce total daily dose by 75 mg each day. Use 2 divided doses for total daily doses lower than 600 mg. pregabalin pregabalin pregabalin
If a benzodiazepine is required to manage withdrawal symptoms, add: