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Gabapentin Misuse and Addiction: Warning Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options
Gabapentin is a prescribed drug that has helped millions of people to overcome pain and seizures. Nevertheless, the issue of gabapentin abuse and dependence has emerged recently as a significant health concern for the population. This blog simplifies and breaks down the warning signs, risks, and treatment choices in simple and clear terms.
What Is Gabapentin and Why Is It Prescribed?
Gabapentin is a rather popular medication in the USA, yet most of the population is not aware of its existence and why abuse is becoming so common. The analysis of the fundamentals is further given below.
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Common Medical Uses for Gabapentin
Gabapentin is prescribed to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and restless leg syndrome. It is also used to treat anxiety and post-surgery pain by doctors.
How Gabapentin Works in the Body
Gabapentin decreases the overactivity of the nerves in the brain. Gabapentin has a calming effect on the body, which is why some individuals misuse it for euphoria or sedation.
The Rise in Gabapentin Prescriptions
Because, at some point, the use of gabapentin was thought to be less harmful than the use of opioids, abuse of this drug grew exponentially. It was a commonly prescribed medication in the country, and over the last 1 decade, prescriptions of the drug increased more than three times.
Recognizing Gabapentin Misuse and Addiction Patterns
Being aware of the early signs of gabapentin misuse and addiction can save your life or that of a loved one.
Behavioral Warning Signs of Misuse
Notice these behavioral red flags that might indicate that there is a problem:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed.
- Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more pills.
- Hiding medication use from family or friends.
- Feeling unable to function without gabapentin.
- Using gabapentin for relaxation or to get high.
Physical Symptoms to Watch For
The signs of physical gabapentin dependence include physical symptoms such as dizziness, memory loss, slurred speech, unusual drowsiness, and inadequate coordination. When one looks drunk, yet they are not taking alcohol, it could be a result of abusing gabapentin.
Why Gabapentin Abuse Is Increasing
Others perceive that gabapentin is a totally safe medication since it is not an opioid. It was not initially a controlled substance, as opioids are, in most jurisdictions, and thus is more readily available and difficult to track. It is abused to enhance the action of other drugs or to self-treat anxiety.
Gabapentin’s abuse potential is particularly large in individuals with struggling substance use disorders.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that abuse of prescription drugs such as gabapentin is a quickly expanding national health epidemic in the United States.
Health Risks Associated with Gabapentin Misuse and Addiction
Gabapentin misuse and addiction have health consequences that range from unpleasant, brief effects to fatal, long-term damage.
Short-Term Physical Effects
Misuse in the short term may cause blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, and loss of concentration. Gabapentin overdose risks, such as dangerously slow or stopped breathing, are greatly enhanced by high doses.
Long-Term Medical Consequences
The table below describes some of the main long-term effects of further using gabapentin:
| Body System | Long-Term Effect |
| Brain & Memory | Cognitive decline, confusion, memory loss |
| Mental Health | Depression, anxiety, and emotional instability |
| Nervous System | Nerve damage, coordination problems |
| Organs | Liver and kidney stress over prolonged use |
| Dependency | Severe gabapentin dependence signs require medical care |
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Dangers of Combining Gabapentin with Other Substances
Gabapentin should not be used together with opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines since the chances of overdosing and complete lack of breathing are high. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) warns that the combination of substances that includes gabapentin is the major cause of overdose mortality across the nation.
Withdrawal Symptoms and the Importance of Medical Supervision
Stopping gabapentin without medical guidance can be dangerous, which is why understanding the withdrawal process is an important part of recovery.
Timeline of Gabapentin Withdrawal
Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms are usually seen in 12-48 hours after the final dose, peak at 3-5 days, and can take up to 2 weeks based on dose and duration of use.
Managing Withdrawal Safely
Do not cancel gabapentin abruptly without medical assistance. A controlled taper program minimizes extreme cases of the gabapentin withdrawal symptoms that include seizures, panic attacks, sweats, and insomnia; both the body and the mind are safe during the process.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options at Tennessee Behavioral Health
Gabapentin misuse and addiction are quite severe aspects, yet they can be addressed with the required assistance. Tennessee Behavioral Health has a compassionate team that provides medication-assisted therapy with gabapentin, personalized therapy, and holistic medical treatment.
We are the experts in the field of Neurontin addiction treatment and tailor recognizable plans to each patient. Whether you are just becoming aware of the problem or are ready to take action, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Tennessee Behavioral Health today to start your recovery.
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FAQs
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How long does it take to develop gabapentin misuse and addiction?
A dependency can develop in a matter of weeks with consistent use. The patterns of misuse are more rapidly developed among individuals who have a history of addiction. Timely identification of red flags will aid in avoiding complete gabapentin misuse and addiction.
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Can you become dependent on gabapentin even when taking it as prescribed?
Yes, the physical dependence may be possible even in the normal prescribed dosages. The body becomes accustomed to gabapentin and begins to have too high a dependence on it. Do not add or subtract from your dosage without consulting your doctor.
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Which medications should never be mixed with gabapentin?
Gabapentin should not be used together with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. These combinations can rapidly escalate to a life-threatening gabapentin overdose. Never omit to report to your doctor all the medications you are taking at the moment.
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Why do people misuse gabapentin if it’s not an opioid?
People misuse gabapentin because it produces euphoria and powerful sedative effects. The recreational use of Gabapentin poses a very serious underestimation by the population. The gabapentin abuse potential has become an issue due to its wide availability.
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Does insurance cover treatment for gabapentin misuse and addiction?
Most insurance-covered prescription drug misuse treatment programs are now fully covered. The coverage is based on your individual plan, provider, and treatment type. You can easily confirm your insurance benefits by calling Tennessee Behavioral Health.
