Gabapentin Addiction

You may have never heard about Gabapentin as a potentially addictive substance. It’s helpful to know that this medication, used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, is addictive in some cases.

People who have a history of substance abuse are more likely to struggle with Gabapentin addiction: a reported 15-22% of people who misuse opioids also misuse Gabapentin. Otherwise, the prevalence of Gabapentin misuse in the general population is 1%.

Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs. Read on to learn more about the uses of this medication and signs that make you wonder: “Is gabapentin addictive?”

What is Gabapentin Used For?

Gabapentin works by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system to reduce seizures and alleviate nerve-related pain. Here are the main ways it is used:

Epilepsy

Gabapentin is used as an anticonvulsant to prevent and control seizures. It is usually prescribed as part of a combination therapy for partial seizures in both adults and children over three years old.

Neuropathic Pain

Gabapentin helps manage neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, caused by conditions like diabetes and shingles. The administered dosage varies based on the severity of pain and patient response. Most patients start with a low dose that gradually increases over weeks or months.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Gabapentin reduces the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS), characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them while trying to sleep. In this case, a doctor prescribes gabapentin, which is typically taken in the evening before bedtime.

Hot Flashes

Occasionally, gabapentin is prescribed to manage hot flashes. This symptom occurs most frequently as women transition into menopause or experience other significant hormonal fluctuations. People undergoing breast cancer treatment may also receive a script for gabapentin to help manage accompanying symptoms.

Off-Label Uses

Gabapentin is sometimes prescribed for anxiety disorders and as a migraine prevention tool.

Gabapentin as a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Drug

Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label as part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder.

Gabapentin can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal, such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, and restlessness. In the context of MAT, Gabapentin can help stabilize the nervous system during the withdrawal process. Gabapentin is sometimes used alongside other MAT medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to enhance overall treatment outcomes.

Even when used for MAT, Neurontin carries an addiction potential like many other medications. A detox protocol may be required if someone is prescribed this medication for substance abuse treatment.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

While it carries a lower addiction potential compared to other drugs like opioids and alcohol,
Gabapentin is not entirely free from the risk of misuse and dependency. Individuals with a history of substance use disorder are particularly vulnerable to the addictive effects of this drug.

Some individuals use gabapentin recreationally for its calming, sedative, and euphoric effects. Perhaps their use started with a prescription that evolved into misuse. Inappropriate use was reported to be 40-65% among people with legit prescriptions.

With regular use, individuals may develop tolerance to gabapentin, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the same effect. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur if the drug is abruptly discontinued.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the duration and dosage of use. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Increased anxiety
Insomnia
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive sweating
Muscle aches and cramps
Irritability and mood swings
Headaches
Dizziness
Extreme tiredness
Depressive symptoms
Memory or focus problems

Gabapentin Side Effects

Even when taken in prescribed doses, gabapentin use has some potentially uncomfortable effects. Your medical provider should monitor these side effects.

Reported common side effects of gabapentin include the following:

Excessive sleepiness or lethargy
Dizziness or vertigo
Difficulty with balance and motor coordination
Blurred or double vision
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Swelling in the hands, feet, or legs
Persistent dry mouth
Changes in eating habits, often leading to weight gain
Memory problems
Sleep issues
Excessive sweating, particularly at night
Generalized body aches and muscle pain

Signs of Gabapentin Addiction

Gabapentin addiction affects both physical and behavioral aspects of a person’s life. Recognizing these signs can help in seeking appropriate treatment and support. Remember that some of these signs can describe other common health issues.

Here are the common signs and symptoms of gabapentin addiction:

Using gabapentin more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed
Strong urges or cravings for gabapentin
Visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions
Ignoring personal, professional, or social obligations due to gabapentin use
Hiding or lying about the use of gabapentin
Isolating from friends and family
Amplified mental health symptoms, like anxiety and depression
Intense mood swings and irritability

Dangers of Gabapentin Use

While gabapentin is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, there are dangers associated with its use, particularly if it is misused or taken inappropriately.

Gabapentin can cause excessive drowsiness and sedation, which can cause car accidents due to a lack of alertness. When taken in high doses or combined with other depressants like opioids or alcohol, Gabapentin can depress the respiratory system, potentially leading to respiratory failure. Long-term use may also affect kidney function in susceptible individuals.

Gabapentin has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicidal behaviors and other significant health concerns are most likely to occur during the initial treatment period or when doses are adjusted.

Gabapentin Overdose

Overdoses on gabapentin can happen if a person accidentally takes too much or is abusing the medication. A risky period is also right after withdrawal when someone returns to using Gabapentin and takes a dose their body has tapered off previously.

Overdose is most likely to occur in cases when the medication is misused in combination with other substances.

Overdose symptoms to watch out for include severe drowsiness or lethargy, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms can require immediate medical attention.