While not a drug that’s commonly on most people’s radar as an addictive substance, gabapentin is frequently misused. Also known by its brand name Neurontin, this medication is widely prescribed for various health concerns, including nerve pain, seizures, and even anxiety disorders. Its availability has led to increased misuse, especially among those seeking its calming or euphoric effects. However, misuse of gabapentin can lead to dependency, and abrupt discontinuation or improper management can result in uncomfortable and sometimes serious withdrawal symptoms. Taking any medication involves health risks, and gabapentin is no exception. Take a closer look at gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, exploring what they are, why they happen, and how to manage them safely to avoid complications.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs, but it also has other uses, such as in managing restless legs syndrome, hot flashes, and certain types of nerve pain.
As a medication, gabapentin is known for its sedative effects. It is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in recent years, providing pain relief for multiple conditions without the same overdose risks as opioids.
How Does Gabapentin Work?
Gabapentin works by affecting the chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in seizures and some types of pain. It is often prescribed to treat conditions such as:
- Epilepsy
- Neuropathic pain
- Restless leg syndrome
- Anxiety disorders
The medication treats these disorders by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain and calming overactive nerves. This can help to prevent seizures, alleviate pain, and improve mood and sleep patterns.
While gabapentin is primarily used for these conditions, it has also been found to be effective in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms, particularly in individuals with a history of heavy drinking. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for feelings of anxiety and cravings for alcohol. This can make it easier for individuals to cope with the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
Is Gabapentin Addictive?
While gabapentin can be an effective medication for these conditions, it also has a high potential for abuse and addiction. This is because it can produce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and sedation when taken in large doses or combined with other substances.
In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of individuals misusing gabapentin for its recreational effects. Some may take it to enhance the effects of opioids or alcohol, leading to a dangerous combination known as “gabapentinoids polydrug use.” Others may use it to self-medicate for anxiety or depression, without a prescription from a healthcare professional.
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How Does Gabapentin Prescription Use Turn Into an Addiction?
Despite its usefulness in medical settings, the ease of obtaining Neurontin makes it appealing to people seeking a high, particularly among people with a history of substance abuse.
Even though it carries a moderate abuse potential, Gabapentin is not currently categorized as a controlled substance. Because of the looser regulations associated with non-controlled substances, there are fewer hoops to jump through to acquire this medication from medical providers.
People may start with a Gabapentin script to treat nerve or other physical pain but begin taking higher doses when pain levels increase. Over time, higher doses increase tolerance to the drug and can create physical dependence.
Some people who are prescribed Neurontin might develop a psychological reliance, using it to cope with stress and anxiety. This can further establish a problematic habit of taking the medication improperly.
Dangers of Gabapentin Abuse
Gabapentin abuse is dangerous and can lead to severe health risks. Although gabapentin is often prescribed to treat nerve pain, seizures, or other medical conditions, using it outside of prescribed guidelines can have serious consequences. Potential dangers of gabapentin abuse include:
- Respiratory depression: Taking high doses of gabapentin can slow your breathing to dangerous levels, especially if combined with other substances like opioids or alcohol.
- Seizures: Ironically, using gabapentin improperly can trigger seizures, even in individuals without a prior history of epilepsy.
- Death: In extreme cases, gabapentin abuse can lead to fatal overdoses, particularly when mixed with other depressants.
Misusing gabapentin puts your health and life at significant risk. Life-threatening side effects of gabapentin are more likely when combined with other central nervous system depressants like opioids or benzodiazepines. Additionally, long-term abuse of gabapentin can cause physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly stopped.
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
Common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increased anxiety or panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Excessive sweating, often accompanied by chills
- Generalized pain, including muscle aches and cramps
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme tiredness or lethargy
- Depressive symptoms, including feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Cognitive difficulties, including confusion and difficulty concentrating
Seizures in rare cases, particularly if the person has a history of seizures
Factors that influence the intensity of gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include:
- The age of the user
- Dosage of medication used
- Medical history and current health status
- How long gabapentin was used
- If other drugs were used alongside gabapentin
The experience of withdrawal from using gabapentin will vary for each person. The intensity of withdrawal and the expected timeline are dependent on the duration of use and how much the person dosed the medication.
Why Does Gabapentin Cause Withdrawal Syndrome?
When someone suddenly stops taking gabapentin after chronic use, they can experience a withdrawal syndrome due to its effects on the central nervous system and the body’s adaptation to its presence over time.
Gabapentin modulates neurotransmitters, mainly by affecting the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and other neurotransmitters in the brain. With extended use, the brain adjusts to the presence of gabapentin, altering its neurotransmitter production and regulation.
Withdrawal syndrome associated with ceasing gabapentin use mimics the withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepine medications.
Avoiding withdrawal syndrome when ending the use of gabapentin is possible. Careful and supervised tapering of the medication can reduce the impact of withdrawal effects.
Gabapentin Detox and How to Manage Symptoms
Even when a person uses gabapentin as prescribed, withdrawal symptoms are likely. A medical detox is essential in most cases when this medication is going to be stopped. Because the risk for withdrawal syndrome exists, supervised detox will likely include gradually tapering the dosage of Gabapentin over time. The gabapentin detox process can last weeks or months depending on a variety of factors.
Gabapentin detox involves several key steps including:
- A healthcare provider will evaluate the person’s medical history, the dosage and duration of gabapentin use, and any co-occurring health conditions. Based on the evaluation, a customized detox plan will be created.
- A tapering schedule is provided to help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Depending on the initial dosage and the person’s response, the dose will progressively decrease over weeks or months.
- Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals ensures that any withdrawal symptoms are promptly managed.
- In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, or insomnia.
After a supervised medical detox, you can participate in a comprehensive treatment program to address your addiction concerns. At Vogue Recovery Centers in Las Vegas and Phoenix, you can find the help you need. You can address underlying issues and prevent relapse with access to therapy, counseling, or rehabilitation programs.
Does Insurance Pay for Gabapentin Rehab?
Most major insurance providers cover behavioral health care in much the same way they handle medical care. This often involves meeting a deductible, paying co-insurance, or covering a copay. If you’re unsure about your drug rehab insurance benefits, contact our admissions specialists. They will work directly with your insurance company to clarify your coverage, benefits, and any potential out-of-pocket costs for gabapentin rehab.
Gabapentin Addiction Treatment
Chances are, your introduction to gabapentin involved seeking support for pain relief or other medical needs, and you noticed your use got out of control. If you notice that you’re addicted to this medication, you’re not alone.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction to gabapentin, you may realize it’s not enough to stop taking the drug on your own. Reach out to Vogue Recovery Centers today, and an admissions team member will guide you to your options for recovery.
- Gabapentin misuse – PMC
- Gabapentin misuse, abuse and diversion: a systematic review – PubMed
- Controlled Substances – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Gabapentin Withdrawal: Case Report in an Older Adult and Review of the Literature
- Gabapentin withdrawal syndrome in the presence of a taper – PubMed
- Gabapentin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
