Gabapentin is not a certified controlled substance, but it is still addictive. Treatment may help those living with a gabapentin use disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin<\/a> is commonly prescribed to treat seizures in adults and children. It can also treat nerve pain in adults, but it is associated with a risk for abuse. As prescribers across the country unite to combat the opioid epidemic that has plagued countless communities, gabapentin use<\/a> has increased dramatically over the last decade. A study conducted<\/a> in Florida highlights that many adults misuse this medication with or without a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although its primary use is for specific types of seizures, gabapentin<\/a> can also be used to treat pain related to nerve damage from a variety of conditions, including shingles. People who experience numbness or tingling from nerve damage as a result of severe diabetes may be prescribed gabapentin to alleviate those symptoms. It also helps treat restless leg syndrome (RLS). Studies have demonstrated that gabapentin is also effective in improving pain associated with fibromyalgia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact method<\/a> associated with this drug relieving pain is unknown; however, it is believed to block the body\u2019s pain response from nerve pain and inflammation. Gabapentin is structurally related to a neurotransmitter found in the body called GABA<\/a>, which helps block pain impulses. Although this medication does not affect GABA directly, scientists believe that its ability to decrease pain may be related to their structural similarities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n There are a variety of names associated with gabapentin. These brand names include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n See Related: <\/strong>Lyrica vs. Gabapentin<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This medication is prescribed as a tablet, capsule or liquid. Each formulation comes in different strengths. Examples of gabapentin dosages and appearance<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capsules<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tablets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Oral solution <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As with any medication, side effects may occur. Some common side effects of gabapentin<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although weight gain<\/a> is possible when taking gabapentin, it is rare. After six weeks of therapy with this drug, a person may gain approximately five pounds. Symptoms and complications of weight gain with gabapentin include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sexual problems<\/a> may arise when taking a total daily dose of 300 mg or more of gabapentin. Symptoms and complications of sexual side effects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The elderly population<\/a> generally has reduced liver and kidney function, so lower doses of gabapentin may be recommended. Common side effects like dizziness and unsteadiness may be more pronounced in older adults. Complications of gabapentin in the elderly include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with many pain medications, long-term use<\/a> of gabapentin can lead to tolerance, where a higher dose is required to provide the same pain-alleviating effects. Long-term side effects of gabapentin may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabapentin is not a controlled substance, which may lead someone to think it may not be addictive, but this is not the case. There is a risk of abuse associated with gabapentin. Someone taking gabapentin may experience<\/a> increased relaxation, a feeling of calm, improved sociability and euphoria. These feelings can lead to addiction, where the person seeks out and uses the drug despite negative consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabapentin may be misused alone or in combination with opioid medications. There has been an increase in gabapentin prescriptions as physicians and practitioners fight opioid abuse. The number of prescriptions filled for gabapentin rose from\u00a08.3 million\u00a0<\/a>in 2012 to\u00a013.1 million<\/a>\u00a0in 2016, and this number continues to grow. The number of people obtaining this drug without a prescription is also on the rise. It is reported that of the 1% of the general population that uses gabapentin, only\u00a040\u201365%<\/a>\u00a0take this drug with a valid prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Because gabapentin can already cause dizziness, drowsiness and altered mental state, alcohol should not be consumed with this medication. Alcohol can increase<\/a> these side effects and lead to physical injury from the risk of falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person can overdose on gabapentin<\/a> when taken alone or in combination with opioids. Signs of a gabapentin overdose include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a gabapentin overdose is suspected, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. If the individual is unconscious, has difficulty breathing or collapses, call 911 immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gabapentin can remain in the body up to two days after ingestion<\/a>, but gabapentin may stay in the system for up to one week for people with kidney issues, or the elderly. Because gabapentin is not legally a controlled substance, there is no data confirming how long this medication can be detected in the urine, blood or hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It would be reasonable to assume that it is not detectable in the blood or urine after around two days, since the medication is eliminated from the body within that time. The most effective way to detect gabapentin use would be through hair samples, which generally detect drugs up to 90 days<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abruptly stopping gabapentin can have serious effects, particularly when taken at high doses. The medication needs to be tapered slowly to reduce harm to the body. Reports show that withdrawal symptoms occurred in patients taking as little as 400 mg per day. Withdrawal symptoms may begin as soon as 12 hours<\/a> after suddenly stopping the medication or they can take as long as seven days<\/a> to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Withdrawal symptoms associated with gabapentin include<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Detox<\/a> is your first step to recovering from dependence and addiction to gabapentin. This involves clearing the drug from the body under the direct supervision of a medical professional. Withdrawal symptoms can be managed as the dose is lowered gradually and eventually stopped. The patient will be as comfortable as possible with or without the use of other medications to facilitate the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a person is struggling with dependence or addiction to gabapentin, help is within reach. The Recovery Village is dedicated to helping anyone with a substance use disorder begin and maintain their recovery journey. Their facilities offer a complete continuum of care, beginning with detoxing the substance from the body under the care of medical professionals. Upon finishing detox, the client, in consultation with our credentialed staff, may opt to continue treatment in an inpatient, partial hospitalization or outpatient program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During an inpatient stay<\/a>, patients have fully-programmed days of therapy, guidance and medical support as they live onsite. A partial hospitalization program (PHP<\/a>) provides more independence and accountability, while maintaining the necessary support this stage requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outpatient care<\/a> provides psychotherapy, including teletherapy, and medical care on a scheduled basis. The team at the Recovery Village includes a broad range of licensed healthcare professionals, each with individual credentials and expertise to accommodate the full spectrum of the client\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Recovery Village Network of facilities, including those in Lake Worth in Palm Beach<\/a>, Miami<\/a> and beyond<\/a> are conveniently located near major airports for ease of travel. If you or someone you love is struggling with a gabapentin use disorder, contact us<\/a> today to speak with our staff to learn more about how our treatment programs can help you work toward a successful future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Gabapentin is not a certified controlled substance, but it is still addictive. Treatment may help those living with a gabapentin use disorder. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed to treat seizures in adults and children. It can also treat nerve pain in adults, but it is associated with a risk for abuse. As prescribers across the country unite […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11261,"parent":481,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3418","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gabapentin"],"acf":{"written_by":287,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":347,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"Last Updated<\/i> - 08\/09\/2022<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20220809","page_last_edit_date":"20220809","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling 888-648-0738<\/b><\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"Durbin, K. \u201cGabapentin<\/a>.\u201d Drugs.com, March 3, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nClinCalc.com. \u201cGabapentin<\/a>.\u201d September 15, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nButtram, M; Kurtz, S. \u201cDescriptions of Gabapentin Misuse and Associated Behaviors among a Sample of Opioid (Mis)users in South Florida.<\/a>\u201d Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, August 4, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nU.S. National Library of Medicine. \u201cGabapentin<\/a>.\u201d MedlinePlus, May 5, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nGroch, J. \u201cGabapentin (Neurontin) Eases Chronic Pain in Fibromyalgia.<\/a>\u201d MedPage Today, June 13, 2007. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). \u201cNeurontin<\/a>.\u201d Pfizer, Inc., April 2009. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. \u201cPutting the brakes on pain: Researchers protect GABA neurons from oxidative stress.<\/a>\u201d ScienceDaily, August 5, 2013. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). \u201cHighlights of Prescribing Information: Neurontin<\/a>.\u201d Pfizer, Inc.,October 2017. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nChao, S. \u201cDoes gabapentin cause weight gain<\/a>?\u201d Drugs.com, October 4, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nKaufman, K; Struck, PJ. \u201cGabapentin-induced sexual dysfunction<\/a>.\u201d Epilepsy & Behavior, May 25, 2011. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nMeds Safety. \u201cSide Effects of Gabapentin In The Elderly<\/a>.\u201d January 2022. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nMiller, J. \u201c20% of older patients prescribed gabapentin after surgery use it long term.<\/a>\u201d Healio, July 8, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nSmith, B; Higgins, C; et al. \u201cSubstance misuse of gabapentin<\/a>.\u201d British Journal of General Practice, August 2012. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nArnold, N. \u201cFDA In Brief: FDA requires new warning for gabapentinoids about risk of respiratory depression.<\/a>\u201d U.S. Food and Drug Administration, December 19, 2019. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nSmith, R; Havens, J; et al. \u201cGabapentin misuse, abuse, and diversion: A systematic review<\/a>.\u201d U.S. National Library of Medicine, March 18, 2016. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nDrugs Details. \u201cHow long does Gabapentin stay in your system<\/a>\u201d Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nDrugs.com. \u201cHow long does gabapentin withdrawal last?<\/a>\u201d November 13, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2022.\r\n\r\nGryczynski, J; Schwartz, RP; et al. \u201cHair Drug Testing Results and Self-reported Drug Use among Primary Care Patients with Moderate-risk Illicit Drug Use<\/a>.\u201d Drug and Alcohol Dependence, May 17, 2014. Accessed February 2, 2022."},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":287},{"staff_member_title":"Medical Reviewer","select_staff_member":347}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/3418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3418"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/3418\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/481"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/347"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/287"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Is Gabapentin Used For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin Brand Names<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Dosage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Side Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Weight Gain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Sexual Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Side Effects in Elderly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Long-Term Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Is Gabapentin Addictive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin and Alcohol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin Overdose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your System?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin Withdrawal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Gabapentin Detox<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treatment Programs for Gabapentin Abuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n