Taking too much of a drug, regardless of which substance, can lead to an overdose, and Gabapentin overdose is no different. It’s helpful to know that this medication, used at therapeutic doses to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, has the potential for both addiction and overdose in some cases.
When taking a medication, it is crucial to understand its potential for adverse health risks and side effects. Knowing the difference between adverse effects and a true medical emergency can help you or a loved one avoid a preventable medical crisis like an overdose.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs and can help prevent seizures. It’s also prescribed to treat restless legs syndrome, hormonal hot flashes, and peripheral nerve pain.
Gabapentin affects the neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system. This medication is usually taken orally in capsules, tablets, or oral solutions. The dosage and frequency depend on the treated condition, the patient’s age, and the response to treatment.
Side Effects of Gabapentin
Even when used appropriately, medications like Gabapentin can cause side effects. Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Swelling of the legs
- Significant mood changes
- Confusion
- Depression
Can You Overdose on Gabapentin?
Between 2019 and 2020, 1 in 10 overdose deaths in the U.S. involved gabapentin–this is a shocking statistic when we consider this well-known medication’s relatively benign side-effect profile.
An overdose can occur when taking much more than the prescribed amount or combining gabapentin with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. People with impaired kidney function are at greater risk of toxicity from gabapentin, as the substance is excreted through the kidneys.
Overdoses on gabapentin can happen if a person accidentally takes too much or is abusing the medication. Some individuals use this medication recreationally to achieve a euphoric effect, taking higher doses to achieve desired effects. Over time, increasing doses can also significantly escalate the risk of overdose.
Overdose is most likely to occur in cases when the medication is misused in combination with other substances.
Signs of Gabapentin Overdose
Gabapentin overdose signs are challenging to spot because other types of drug and medication overdoses have similar symptoms. Signs to look for include:
- Severe drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Unresponsiveness
- Mental disorientation or confusion
- Agitation or restlessness
- Shallow or labored breathing
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What to Do About an Overdose of Gabapentin
If you suspect someone has overdosed on Gabapentin, seek emergency medical help immediately. Overdose can be life-threatening, especially if it is accompanied by slowed or difficult breathing.
Once someone receives medical care, overdose intervention typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms, such as intravenous fluids, oxygen support for breathing, or medications to reverse effects in severe cases. There’s no specific antidote for Gabapentin overdose, so the treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient and preventing complications.
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
Gabapentin withdrawal can occur when someone who has been using the medication regularly, particularly at high doses or for a prolonged period, abruptly stops taking it or significantly reduces their dosage. Even though it’s a commonly prescribed and relatively safe medication, gabapentin requires an intentional taper when stopping use to help alleviate potential withdrawal effects with a more comfortable experience.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the duration of use, dosage, and individual factors. Common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include:
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbance
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body temperature regulation issues
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme tiredness or lethargy
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures in rare cases
The duration of gabapentin withdrawal varies but generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Acute withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12-48 hours after the last dose and may peak around the third day. Symptoms usually start to subside after a week, though in some cases, they can persist longer, particularly in individuals who were on high doses for extended periods.
Gabapentin withdrawal can be emotionally taxing, so mental health support (such as therapy or counseling) can help manage anxiety, depression, or irritability that may arise.
Gabapentin Detox
Detoxing from gabapentin involves gradually tapering the medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms and avoid more severe complications, like seizures. A doctor and nursing staff supervise this process, especially if gabapentin is prescribed for an individual’s seizure management, as abrupt discontinuation could cause serious health risks.
The most common method of detox involves slowly reducing the dosage over several weeks or even months, depending on the starting dose and how long gabapentin has been taken. The tapering schedule varies from person to person and is usually individualized based on medical history.
During detox, healthcare providers might also offer additional medications or therapies to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Short-term use of anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants to help with anxiety or irritability and non-addictive sleep aids may be prescribed to help with insomnia.
Gabapentin Addiction Treatment at Vogue Recovery Centers
Gabapentin is not traditionally classified as an addictive substance like opioids or benzodiazepines, but dependence can develop in some individuals, particularly those taking high doses or using it recreationally. Those with mental health conditions who turn to substance abuse are putting themselves at risk for drug overdoses. Dual diagnosis treatment from a professional facility care team can help anyone overcome substance use disorders and mental health issues. Our levels of care include inpatient rehab, our partial hospitalization program, our intensive outpatient program, and traditional outpatient care. These treatment programs can be your guide to a brighter future free from drug and alcohol addictions.
Treatment for gabapentin addiction at Vogue Recovery Centers employs a holistic approach: medical detox, therapy, and support groups can address the physical, psychological, and emotional features of addiction. At Vogue, you can get the help you need from a treatment team who will treat you with dignity as you fight addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with gabapentin misuse, contact Vogue Recovery Centers today. An admissions specialist will walk you through our various treatment programs to help you determine how we can help you. Get on a hopeful path toward recovery today.
Questions about treatment options?
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
References
Vogue Recovery Editorial Staff
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