Key Takeaways
- Gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic federally but can be addictive when misused, especially in high doses or without a prescription.
- Abusing gabapentin may cause serious side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and increase the risk of overdose, especially when combined with other substances.
- My Time Recovery offers medically supervised detox and comprehensive treatment programs to help individuals safely overcome gabapentin dependence and start lasting recovery.
If your doctor prescribed gabapentin to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, or another condition, you might be wondering if it’s safe to take. You may also be curious whether it’s considered a narcotic. Gabapentin began being prescribed in 1993. It impacts the GABA neurochemical but doesn’t affect the receptors related to other substances like opioids. As a result, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has not classified gabapentin as a controlled substance. However, it is considered a Schedule V drug in some states, which means that it does have a small potential for abuse and addiction.
While gabapentin isn’t commonly associated with substance abuse, it does have depressant properties. These effects are similar to those of other drugs that are frequently misused. It also produces withdrawal symptoms in individuals who stop using it after becoming physically dependent upon it.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin, also known by the brand name, Neurontin, is a prescription pain reliever that has its own drug class called Gabapentinoids. Its chemical formula is similar to that of the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a brain chemical that affects the nervous system. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that is used primarily for the treatment of epilepsy. However, it is also prescribed for neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, hot flashes, and alcohol, opioid, and cocaine withdrawals. It’s frequently used as an alternative to opioid painkillers because it is less addictive, but gabapentin still can and does lead to abuse and addiction in many users.
Gabapentin works by altering the body’s calcium channels to reduce seizures and alleviate nerve pain. It produces calm and relaxing feelings, which eases nerve pain, anxiety, and poor sleep.
How is Gabapentin Abused?
Gabapentin abuse happens when the medication is taken in higher or more frequent doses than prescribed. It can also occur when someone uses it without a valid prescription. Essentially, anytime it is taken outside of its intended use, it is considered abuse. Gabapentin is particularly attractive to individuals who are dependent on other substances, like alcohol or opioids. It is often taken to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms of these substances between uses. Gabapentin may help reduce anxiety and provide relaxation during withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, or other substances. Gabapentin is also sometimes abused recreationally by individuals seeking a sense of relaxation. This is especially common among those who already misuse other drugs or alcohol.
Gabapentin is typically abused by taking higher doses than would normally be prescribed. Tablets may be chewed up and swallowed or crushed and snorted to achieve the desired euphoric high quicker. Taking higher doses of gabapentin or using it in a way other than intended increases the risk of overdose. This can lead to serious medical emergencies, including the possibility of death.
Side Effects of Excessive Gabapentin Use
When gabapentin is abused, taken in larger doses, or taken more frequently than prescribed, it may cause some or all of the following side effects:
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Anxiety and depression
- Suicidal ideations or behaviors
- Problems with coordination
- Mood swings
- Tremors or shaking
- Memory loss or forgetfulness
- Difficulty speaking
- Inability to feel pleasure
All of the above can be harmful to an individual’s health, employment, relationships, and overall safety.
Many people abuse gabapentin because, at higher doses (800mg or more), it can produce a euphoric-like high. This effect often goes undetected on standard drug tests, making it more appealing to some users. Oftentimes, people who abuse gabapentin take it along with opioid painkillers to produce the desired effect. This is a potentially dangerous, even fatal, combination. It is possible to overdose with gabapentin on its own or when combined with other drugs.
Unfortunately, there isn’t currently an antidote available to people suffering gabapentin overdose, as there is for opioid overdoses. Signs of a gabapentin overdose may include drowsiness, lethargy, diarrhea, muscle weakness, or sedation. If these symptoms appear, it’s important to take them seriously. Medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent serious complications.
Signs of Gabapentin Addiction
Along with physical symptoms, there are some behaviors that may indicate someone is abusing gabapentin, including:
- Change in social habits or circle of friends
- Change in grooming habits and personal hygiene
- Continuous preoccupation with the medication
- Anxiety at the possibility of the medication being unavailable
- Seeking multiple physicians to get more of the drug
- Exaggerating or lying about symptoms to doctors
- Changing doctors when the original prescriber will no longer prescribe the medication
- Refusal to stop using the drug despite negative social, legal, health-related, or financial consequences
- Failed attempts to stop using the medication
Is Gabapentin Addictive?
Gabapentin is often prescribed to manage nerve pain, seizures, and even anxiety. However, there’s a growing conversation around its potential for misuse. So, is gabapentin addictive? Gabapentin isn’t classified as a controlled substance at the federal level. However, it can become habit-forming for some individuals, especially when taken in higher doses or without a prescription.
Unlike traditional opioids or benzodiazepines, gabapentin doesn’t typically cause a euphoric “high.” However, some people misuse it to enhance the effects of other substances or to self-medicate mental health issues. Over time, misusing gabapentin can lead to psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and insomnia may occur when the drug is reduced or stopped suddenly.
It’s important to understand that addiction doesn’t always mean physical dependence alone. Relying on gabapentin to cope with daily stress, emotional pain, or to sleep may be a sign of a deeper issue. It’s important to pay attention to these patterns of use. If you’re concerned about your gabapentin use, don’t ignore the warning signs. Reaching out to a medical professional or treatment center can offer clarity, guidance, and support.
Treatment for a Gabapentin Addiction
Excessive or frequent use of gabapentin can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. Over time, this dependence may develop into a full addiction to the drug. Quitting gabapentin abruptly can be dangerous and cause withdrawal symptoms that vary in severity. Such symptoms include nausea, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and pain. It may also lead to seizures, which can cause physical injuries, medical issues, and even life-threatening emergencies.
As a result, treatment for gabapentin addiction should start with a medically supervised detox program. This ensures that withdrawal symptoms can be treated promptly, making the process safer and more comfortable. Inpatient or outpatient drug addiction treatment will likely be recommended following detoxification. The important thing to remember is that addiction is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible. You just have to take the first step and seek help to begin your recovery. Call My Time Recovery Today!
FAQs
1. Is gabapentin a very strong painkiller?
Gabapentin is not a traditional painkiller like opioids. It’s used to treat nerve-related pain and is effective for conditions like shingles or diabetic neuropathy, but it’s not considered very strong for general pain relief.
2. Why is gabapentin a narcotic now?
Gabapentin is not officially classified as a narcotic, but some states have reclassified it as a controlled substance due to its increasing potential for abuse and misuse, especially when combined with opioids.
3. Is gabapentin like Xanax?
Gabapentin and Xanax are very different drugs. Xanax is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety, while gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used for nerve pain and seizures. However, both can cause sedation and dependency when misused.
4. Is gabapentin addictive?
Gabapentin can become habit-forming for some people, especially in high doses or when combined with other drugs. Misuse may lead to dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
5. What is the biggest side effect of gabapentin?
The most common and potentially serious side effect of gabapentin is drowsiness or dizziness, which can impair coordination, thinking, and increase the risk of accidents or falls.
