Gabapentin (Neurontin) Withdrawal and Detox
While not a drug that’s commonly on most people’s radar as an addictive substance, gabapentin is frequently misused. Also known as Neurontin, this medication is widely available and prescribed for various health concerns but can cause withdrawal symptoms not managed properly.
Taking any medication involves health risks, and Gabapentin is no different. We’ll take a look at Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms to gain more insight.
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 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.
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
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.
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
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 and involves several key steps:
- 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.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
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.
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.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333539/#:~:text=A%20systematic%20review%20found%20that,disorder%20also%20reported%20gabapentin%20misuse
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27265421/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383/
- https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgs.12427
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15898970/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228/
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
