Gabapentin Addiction: Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment Options
What Is Gabapentin Used For?
Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant used to treat epileptic seizures and nerve pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia1 Postherpetic neuralgia is pain caused by shingles, which can last many months after having the illness.2 Brand names for gabapentin include Gralise, Horizant, and Neurontin, though several generic formulations are also available by prescription.
Gabapentin also has several off-label uses, including being used as an adjunctive medication to treat alcohol use disorder by helping to manage alcohol withdrawal and cravings, improving rates of abstinence, and delay returns to heavy drinking.
Is Gabapentin Addictive?
Gabapentin misuse can lead to dependence, especially in individuals with a history of polysubstance use (e.g., alcohol with gabapentin).1 Gabapentin is not a controlled substance and it was thought that it posed minimal risk for dependence or addiction because it works differently than many other addictive drugs.1,6 However, more recent evidence suggests that gabapentin is more frequently being misused and people are becoming dependent on it.6
People may use drugs like gabapentin to get high, change the effects of other substances, or to self-medicate pain, distress, sleep issues, or withdrawal from other substances.6
Physical dependence on gabapentin can develop with regular, prolonged use, especially at doses exceeding prescribed recommendations.1 This occurs as the body adapts to the drug, after which abrupt reduction or discontinuation of the drug can trigger withdrawal symptoms.1
Symptoms of gabapentinoid dependence include rapidly building tolerance and a severe withdrawal syndrome that can involve psychiatric symptoms. Misuse has also been linked to issues like feeling disconnected, loss of consciousness, and overdose, often when combined with other substances.6
While doctors may be more cautious when prescribing gabapentin, further research is necessary to better understand how likely gabapentin is to be misused.6
Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal
Gabapentin withdrawal occurs when stopping use of the drug after becoming physically dependent on it. Symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal include:1
- Agitation.
- Disorientation.
- Confusion.
Symptoms of withdrawal typically begin within 12 hours to 7 days after the last use of the drug.5 For individuals using gabapentin to manage seizures, sudden discontinuation can elevate the risk of increased seizure frequency.1 Gabapentin, like other seizure medications, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.1 This risk applies to everyone taking these medications, regardless of their condition, and can start soon after beginning treatment.1
Gabapentin can also cause mood changes like depression and anxiety.1 These effects, and the risk of suicidal thoughts, can happen while taking the medication and also during withdrawal, especially for young people.1
Managing Gabapentin Withdrawal
Though there are no medications specifically approved to manage gabapentin withdrawal, given the evidence for more prevalent misuse and associated severe withdrawal experiences, clinicians may be increasingly vigilant about it, and primary management may be supportive medical care, with pharmacological intervention, when needed to keep people as safe and comfortable as possible.6,7
Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose
Severe withdrawal isn’t the only risk of gabapentin misuse. As with most medications, overdose is also a risk. Overdose and other adverse effects may be even more of a risk when polysubstance misuse involves alcohol or other sedating substances, like benzodiazepines.
Symptoms of gabapentin overdose may include:1
- Double vision.
- Tremor.
- Slurred speech.
- Drowsiness.
- Altered mental status.
- Dizziness.
- Lethargy.
- Diarrhea.
If you suspect someone has taken too much gabapentin, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help. While rare, serious health risks, including fatal respiratory depression can occur.1 Don’t hesitate: call 911 right away.
Detoxing from Gabapentin
The symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal can be managed in various ways, and depends on a range of factors such as how long the drug has been used or misused, and how significant a level of physiological dependence has developed from such use.5-7
Given these various situations, a clinician may mitigate withdrawal risks through a gradual reduction in gabapentin dose over time, or in cases of more severe withdrawal, may attempt to manage the symptoms with other medications.5
It could be risky to stop taking gabapentin abruptly, even if its use has been part of a therapeutic regimen. Quitting “cold turkey” can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and other health risks.1
If you’re struggling to stop using gabapentin, there’s hope. Effective treatment options are available to support you on your journey to recovery.
Treatment Options for Gabapentin Addiction
If you’re struggling with substance use, recovery is possible. There are effective treatments to help you reclaim your life and well-being. If you’re ready to get on the road to recovery, you have many options, including:7
- Inpatient Treatment: This involves living at a facility where you receive 24/7 care, including medical attention, therapy, and support groups. It’s often recommended for individuals with severe substance use or co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Also sometimes referred to as High-Intensity Outpatient (HIOP), partial hospitalization programs offer a more intensive level of care than IOP, with treatment provided for most of the day, several days a week. It is often utilized as a step down from inpatient care and can be helpful for those transitioning back to their daily lives.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP): IOP provides a structured treatment program while allowing you to live at home. You attend therapy sessions and groups several times a week, typically for a few hours each day. This option offers flexibility for those with work or family commitments.
- Traditional Outpatient Treatment: This involves individual therapy sessions and/or group counseling, usually on a weekly basis. It offers flexibility and can be tailored to meet individual needs. Outpatient treatment can be a good option for those with mild to moderate substance use or those who have completed a more intensive program.
If you would like to learn more about your treatment options, give us a call at . Our navigators are on hand to listen to your story and help you find the path to recovery that’s right for you.
Why Choose AAC
At American Addiction Centers, you’ll find a comfortable and supportive environment where you can focus on healing. Our experienced and compassionate team provides personalized, evidence-based care that has helped thousands achieve lasting recovery. Our nationwide network of treatment centers offers comprehensive treatment options, including detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, and aftercare planning.
AAC believes that recovery is possible for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one start the journey to recovery.
