Gabapentin isn’t inherently dangerous, but it can be habit-forming for those prone to addiction. While gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication with legitimate medical uses, misuse and dependence have become increasingly common. So, why is gabapentin bad for you? The answer depends on how it’s used, who is taking it, and whether it’s being misused. If you or a loved one is struggling with gabapentin addiction, 449 Recovery can help.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescribed medication primarily used to manage nerve pain, seizures, anxiety, or insomnia. You may be familiar with the brand names gabapentin is sold under: Neurontin and Gralise. It’s important to clarify that gabapentin differs from opioids in the way it works, although it does still impact the central nervous system.
While it’s often seen as a safer alternative to opioids, that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. You may be wondering why gabapentin is bad for you if it is considered to be generally safe. But here’s the thing: that’s part of the reason people have begun to misuse it—to achieve feelings of calm, euphoria, or sedation with less risk of dependence or overdose.
Can You Get Addicted to Gabapentin?
Yes, especially if you’re already prone to addiction. Gabapentin was once seen as a safer alternative to opioids, but that perception has shifted as misuse and addiction rates continue to climb. In fact, gabapentin is increasingly found in toxicology reports from overdose cases, often in combination with opioids or other sedatives.
People who have a history of substance use, particularly involving alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, are more vulnerable to developing a dependency on gabapentin. Because it’s widely prescribed and not considered a controlled substance in many states, it’s more accessible and easier to misuse. And while gabapentin is not an opioid, its effects on the brain can still be habit-forming.
For those struggling, gabapentin addiction treatment can be a critical step toward healing and long-term recovery.
Potential Impacts of Recreational Gabapentin Usage
When abused, gabapentin can elicit various altered mental states that may make it attractive for recreational purposes, especially at elevated doses or when combined with other substances.
Some individuals report feelings of euphoria or a pleasurable “high” following the consumption of substantial doses of gabapentin. This sensation can emulate the effects of opioid or alcohol intoxication, appealing to individuals with a history of substance misuse.
Gabapentin acts to reduce nervous system activity, often inducing a tranquilizing, sedative impact. While this can be beneficial in managing nerve pain or anxiety under appropriate use, at higher quantities, it can impede motor skills and cognitive function, leading to risky outcomes.
In excessive amounts, gabapentin has the potential to cause a sense of detachment from reality or a dream-like state. These alterations can cause disorientation and heighten the chances of accidents or hazardous behaviors, especially when users are not fully cognizant of their environment.
Gabapentin is frequently taken alongside opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines to intensify the effects of both drugs. This blend poses severe risks, significantly elevating the chances of respiratory depression, overdose, or fatal outcomes.
Engaging in gabapentin misuse through any of these means escalates the probability of developing a tolerance, encountering withdrawal symptoms, and fostering a substance dependency.
Why Is Gabapentin Misuse on the Rise?
According to a study in Psychiatry Research, gabapentin misuse is linked to a growing number of ER visits and overdose cases. Over time, people who misuse gabapentin may build a tolerance, requiring more of the drug to feel the same effects. This cycle can quickly lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and serious health risks. Let’s look at the key reasons why misuse is becoming more common and why gabapentin is bad for you in these situations:
Gabapentin is often prescribed as a “safer” alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain, especially nerve-related pain. As prescriptions rise, so does the availability of the drug, making it more accessible to those who may misuse it. When wondering “why is gabapentin bad for you”, part of the answer lies in how widely it’s being distributed without proper risk screening.
Although gabapentin is FDA-approved for epilepsy and nerve pain, doctors frequently prescribe it off-label for anxiety, sleep disorders, and mood stabilization. These off-label uses may not always come with the same level of monitoring, increasing the risk of dependency. This growing trend plays a significant role in the rise of gabapentin misuse and highlights why the drug may be more harmful than people assume.
In many states, gabapentin is not yet classified as a controlled substance, meaning it can be prescribed and refilled with fewer restrictions. This lack of regulation makes it easier for the drug to be misused or diverted for recreational purposes. Without tighter oversight, it becomes even more difficult to prevent addiction.
Because gabapentin is not an opioid, many assume it’s completely safe to take long-term or in higher doses. However, its calming effects can be addictive, especially for those with a history of substance use. This misconception fuels misuse and addiction, reinforcing concerns about why gabapentin may be bad for you if not taken as prescribed.
Warning Signs of Gabapentin Abuse
Gabapentin misuse can look different from other forms of addiction, but there are warning signs to watch for:
- Taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Seeking multiple prescriptions through doctor shopping
- Experiencing heightened confusion, memory lapses, or mood fluctuations
- Anxiety, restlessness, or other withdrawal symptoms between doses
- Using gabapentin in combination with alcohol or other drugs
Healing From Gabapentin Addiction at 449 Recovery
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get help, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. At 449 Recovery, we offer evidence-based treatment for gabapentin addiction with a personalized approach that meets you where you are. Contact us today and take the first step toward healing.
Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.
