What is Gabapentin?

It is a drug used to treat seizures and some types of pain. It is available only with a doctor’s prescription. There are three brands of the drug on the market. They are NeurontinGralise, and Horizant. The drug comes in the form of capsules, tablets, slow-release tablets, and oral liquids.

Millions of people in America use gabapentin daily. In 2016, the drug ranked 10th on the list of most frequently prescribed drugs in the US. Doctors wrote 64 million prescriptions for the drug in 2016, which was a 164% increase from 39 million in 2012.1 In 2019, the drug climbed to the 4th position in the list.2

Increasing evidence suggests that it is a potential drug of abuse. The number of exposure calls to US poison centers increased from 5,889 in 2012 to 20,064 in 2016. Likewise, exposures involving the drug alone increased by over 300% from 2,141 in 2012 to 7,024 in 2016.3 Gabapentin addiction could require treatment in a rehab facility.

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Street Names

Street names are slang terms that people use to refer to a drug. These names can change over time and may differ from one location to another. It is not as common as other substances on the street. Thus, only a few street names have been reported. They are:

  • Johnnies
  • Gabbies
  • Morontin

What is Gabapentin Used to Treat?

It received FDA approval for treating partial seizures in 1993. Over the next few years, the FDA approved the drug for other conditions.

FDA-approved Uses

  • As an anticonvulsant. Doctors can use it as an adjunct to treat partial seizures. A partial seizure affects a specific area of the brain and does not cause fainting. Brands used: Neurontin
  • As a pain medication. A doctor may prescribe the drug for people who have a painful condition called postherpetic neuralgia, which causes burning pain that persists after shingles go away. Brands used: Horizant, Gralise, Neurontin
  • For restless leg syndrome (RLS). It may help relieve symptoms of RLS in some people. RLS is a sleep disorder. It causes a strong urge to move the legs. People with this condition may struggle to get the required amount of sleep. Brands used: Horizant

Off-label Uses

A doctor may use a drug for conditions other than those mentioned on the label. Such uses are known as off-label uses. Conditions for which it is commonly prescribed off-label include:

  • Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Postmenopausal hot flashes
  • Essential tremors
  • Anxiety
  • Resistant depressant and mood disorders
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Postoperative analgesia
  • Prevention of migraine
  • Painful diabetic neuropathy
  • Social phobia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Refractory chronic cough

How Is It Used?

All preparations of the drug should be taken by mouth. It can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food can help reduce the odds of digestive issues. The dose depends on the patient’s age and general health, and on the condition for which the drug is prescribed.

The usual dosage for adults is 300 mg on the first day of therapy. A doctor can increase the dose to 300 mg two times a day on the second day and 300 mg three times a day on the third day. Depending on how the patient responds, the doctor may change the doses. However, more than 3600 mg of should never be taken in a single day. The FDA has approved the brand Neurontin to treat seizures.

The starting adult dose is 300 mg on the first day of therapy, 300 mg two times a day on the second day, and 300 mg three times a day on the third day. Doctors may change the doses depending on pain control. The maximum daily dose is 1800 mg per day.

For slow-release tablets (brand: Horizant), the starting dose is 600 mg per day for the first three days of therapy. The dose is increased to 600 mg two times a day on the fourth day.

The FDA has approved the brand Horizant for RLS. The usual dose is 600 mg once a day in the evening.

Gabapentin’s Class

It belongs to a class of drugs known as gabapentinoids. Another similar drug in this class is pregabalin (Lyrica). Gabapentinoids are now the main class of drugs prescribed to treat neuropathic pain. The number of gabapentinoid prescriptions for people with cancer almost tripled from 1.2 million in 2005 to 3.5 million in 2015.4

Scientists do not know how these drugs work. They believe that gabapentinoids help relieve pain and control seizures by:5

  • Decreasing the activity of brain cells
  • Reducing substances that cause inflammation
  • Altering the activity of certain brain chemicals (neurostransmitters) such as serotonin

Gabapentin vs. Pregabalin

Both gabapentin and pregabalin (Lyrica) are members of the gabapentinoid class of drugs. Nevertheless, these two drugs are different. The key differences are summarized in the table below.

Drug nameBrand namesCostSide effectsDosing frequency per dayFDA-approved usesAvailability of generic versions
GabapentinNeurontin, Gralise, HorizantLowMoreThree timesPartial seizures and postherpetic neuralgiaAvailable
PregabalinLyricaHighFewerTwo timesPartial seizures, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgiaNot available

Besides, a few studies suggest that pregabalin may be effective in certain anxiety disorders. However, because pregabalin is a relatively new drug, its long-term safety is not well documented.

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Is Gabapentin Safe?

Any drug that has received FDA approval is typically safe. A drug becomes available on the market only after it has passed several safety tests, both in animals and humans. That said, gabapentin carries certain risks. Abusing it is extremely risky. Drug abuse refers to using a drug in ways other than those recommended by a doctor.

Some people taking the drug may be at a greater risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Thus, it is critically important to monitor signs that may show increased suicidal tendencies A patient experiencing any of the following side effects should consult their physician immediately:

  • Severe depression
  • Worsening of existing depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Rapid mood swings
  • Thoughts about self-harm

Most notably, suicidal thoughts can appear within the very first week of treatment. Furthermore, the increased risk of suicide persists as long as a person uses the drug.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Limited studies show that the drug may cause addiction in some people. Notably, most of the findings rely on experiences rather than controlled scientific studies. Besides, the majority of people who have reported the addictive nature of the drug have a history of substance abuse. Using the drug exactly as recommended carries little risk of addiction. Nonetheless, abuse/misuse may cause addiction.

Before using gabapentin, patients should consult their doctors about the potential risks. This is even more important for those who have used other addictive substances. Doctors will prescribe the drug only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Moreover, abuse doesn’t necessarily indicate the drug’s addictive nature. This is because abuse is not the same thing as addiction. Addiction is a long-term disease of the brain which causes compulsive use of a drug despite the known harm which will result.

Where is Gabapentin on the Schedule?

It is not a federally controlled substance. Thus, it does not appear in the list of controlled substances at the federal level. That said, some states have categorized the drug as a Schedule V controlled substance. These states are Michigan, Virginia, Alabama, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Many other states are expected to add it to their list of controlled substances.

Schedule V Controlled Substances have low abuse potential compared to Schedule IV substances. Examples of drugs in Schedule V are pregabalin, certain marijuana-derived chemicals, and preparations containing low doses of narcotics.

Is Gabapentin an Opioid?

It is not an opioid. It belongs to a class of drugs called gabapentinoids. Opioids help relieve pain by blocking pain signals in the brain. It appears to work by reducing brain activity and substances that cause inflammation. Gabapentin may also alter the activity of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

Is Gabapentin a Narcotic?

It is a non-narcotic pain medication commonly used in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Narcotics act on opioid receptors and block pain signals in the brain. Gabapentin is thought to work by preventing excitation in the brain and by altering certain brain chemicals associated with the perception of pain.

Can a Person Abuse Gabapentin?

Gabapentin’s abuse potential is less than that of opioids or other stronger drugs. Nonetheless, increasing cases of both intentional and accidental exposures indicate a looming drug crisis. Even worse, studies suggest that 1 out of every 5 people using prescription gabapentin may abuse the drug.6

Gabapentin abuse is on the rise, especially among people who have used opioids in the past. From 2013 to 2017, abuse/misuse increased by a whopping 119%. Likewise, the number of suicide attempts involving gabapentin increased by 80.5% during the same period.7

When gabapentin is abused, it is typically mixed with cocaine, opioids, marijuana, methadone, or buprenorphine. This increases both sedation and the drug’s effects.

Why Do People Abuse Gabapentin?

People who abuse it mostly report that they are seeking the following effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Improved sociability
  • A high similar to that produced by cannabis
  • Enhanced sense of calm

Besides, some people consider gabapentin a safer alternative to other illicit drugs. This is because urine tests do not detect the drug. Moreover, gabapentin may be used to “cut” heroin.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Abuse?

Abuse can make the side effects of gabapentin worse. Watch out for the following signs and symptoms of abuse:

  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Difficulty remembering things
  • Problems with multitasking
  • Shaking, espcially in the arms
  • Fever
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Persistent low mood
  • Unexplained feeling of anxiety
  • Besides, a person abusing gabapentin may experience certain behavioral changes. These can include:
  • Faking symptoms to get more gabapentin
  • Visiting many doctors to get multiple prescriptions for the drug
  • Using gabapentin originally prescribed for a friend or a family member
  • Having money problems

Effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin has an excellent safety profile. Nonetheless, some people may experience one or more side effects. Side effects are unwanted effects that may appear when patients take a drug in the recommended doses. Some of these unwanted effects may go away on their own. If they persist or become worse, the prescribing doctor should be contacted immediately.

Below is a list of side effects that typically appear within a few weeks of drug use.

  • Diarrhea
  • Enhanced feelings of well-being
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Hyperactivity
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Pain in the lower back or side
  • Shaking
  • Increased appetite
  • Dry eyes
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Dry skin
  • Flushing
  • Changes in breath odor
  • Increased thirst
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Sweating
  • Memory problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Stopped breathing
  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Swelling
  • Weight gain
  • Drowsiness
  • Skin rashes
  • Nausea
  • Hallucinations
  • Blurred vision
  • Involuntary muscle contractions
  • Dry mouth
  • Upset stomach
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue

Some people may develop potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Immediate medical help is required if the following symptoms develop:

  • Itching or hives
  • Swelling in the face or hands
  • Tingling in the mouth or throat
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Other symptoms that call for immediate medical attention include:
  • Uncontrolled eye movements
  • Clumsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Extreme tiredness

Is it Possible to Overdose on Gabapentin?

Both intentional and accidental overdose can occur. Accidental gabapentin overdose rarely causes death. However, intentional overdose can cause death, probably because those who overdose intentionally are more likely to mix the drug with other substances.

People have swallowed up to 49 grams of Neurontin and still survived with supportive care. This is according to Pfizer, the manufacturer of Neurontin.

Of 168 fatal cases involving gabapentin between 2012 and 2016, gabapentin was the main cause of death in 23 cases.3

Mixing gabapentin and other substances, most notably opioids, can greatly increase the risk of death. Compared to using an opioid alone, mixing in gabapentin can increase the risk of opioid-related death by about 60%. Likewise, the risk of opioid overdose is 49% higher in people who mix gabapentin with an opioid.8

In 2016, more than 20% of (prescription) opioid overdose deaths also involved gabapentin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).9 Sadly, opioid prescriptions for gabapentin users are very common. Studies reveal that about half of gabapentin users also receive a prescription for an opioid drug.8

Overdose Symptoms

The symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • Loss of control of muscle movements
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Drooping eyes
  • Excessive sedation
  • Reduced movement or activity
  • Excitation
  • Slurred speech
  • Double vision
  • Diarrhea
  • Coma, especially in people with kidney disease

No antidote for overdose is available. The drug stays in the system for up to 48 hours. Thus, prolonged and intensive treatment is necessary to ensure a full recovery. Some people may need hemodialysis. Hemodialysis uses artificial kidneys to remove toxic substances from the blood.

Bystanders who think an overdose has occurred should dial 911 for emergency assistance or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

How To Stop Using Gabapentin

Patients should not stop taking gabapentin on their own, but should always consult their doctors. Quitting suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Surprisingly, some people report experiencing withdrawal even with gradual dose reduction (tapering). However, this is rare. We will discuss gabapentin withdrawal in the upcoming section.

A withdrawal plan is essential to stopping gabapentin use safely. Doctors create plans before asking patients to stop using the drug. Tapering is the most important component of the plan. The dose is gradually reduced over one week to several weeks. The duration of tapering depends on the initial doses and on how the patient’s body handles the drug.

Patients who experience seizures or breathing problems while coming off the drug should talk to their doctors immediately. Doctors can also give advice about ways to manage common withdrawal effects, such as sleep problems and shaking.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Restlessness
  • Confusion
  • Racing heartbeats while the person is at rest
  • Excessive sweating
  • Shaking
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Problems falling or staying asleep
  • Digestive problems
  • Rarely, abnormal movements and seizures

Withdrawal symptoms typically develop within 24 to 48 hours after the last use. Most people who abuse gabapentin use more than 3000 mg of the drug per day. The abuse dosage can range from 3600 to 7200 mg of the drug per day. However, heavy users may take over 11,000 mg per day.

There is no standard treatment for gabapentin withdrawal. Treatments are supportive and depend on the symptoms. For example, the antipsychotic drug haloperidol may be effective in controlling abnormal movements. Likewise, phenobarbital and phenytoin can help control seizures. Scientists are studying whether drugs like Ativan and clonidine can facilitate withdrawal. Interestingly, the withdrawal symptoms go away when the person experiencing them takes the drug again.

Treatment for Abuse and Addiction

Abuse and addiction can cause potentially fatal effects, such as seizures. Furthermore, abuse may lead to addiction to harder substances. Thus, timely treatment is of paramount importance. There are many addiction treatment options.

Detox or detoxification involves flushing the drug out of the body. People who have used gabapentin chronically or heavily may need medical detox. Detox usually lasts a few weeks. Nonetheless, some may need more time to get their systems clean.

Inpatient treatment programs provide structured care to address issues associated with drug abuse. Patients stay at a treatment facility for the entire period of treatment. These programs are ideal for patients who have used gabapentin heavily or chronically, or who have a co-occurring mental illness.

Outpatient treatment programs require patients to visit a facility for a few hours every week. These programs are ideal for people who have recently begun to use the drug, and for those who have completed treatment at inpatient facilities.

Support groups connect people who have had similar experiences. They can involve face-to-face meetings or online communities. People joining support groups can ask questions, share experiences, and seek emotional support.

Aftercare is a long-term intervention. It focuses on a person’s unique individual needs through medical, psychosocial, and economic programs. Aftercare is essential in preventing relapse and maintaining sobriety.