Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medication, is generally considered to have a low risk profile for addiction, but some people may still misuse and abuse it to get high. Chronic gabapentin abuse can increase the risk of developing a gabapentin addiction. Gabapentin (Neurontin) carries a risk for abuse, can get you high if mixed with drugs, causes adverse side effects, and can lead to overdose. Common side effects of gabapentin abuse include dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and increased risk when mixed with other drugs. Gabapentin withdrawal can be difficult and include symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness, making recovery without professional help challenging. While gabapentin can be helpful in a number of circumstances, some of the common side effects associated with taking the drug as directed include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, weight Treatment for Gabapentin addiction requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of the disorder. The initial step in treating Gabapentin addiction often involves medically supervised detoxification, which is crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms and ensuring medical stabilization. This page will discuss what gabapentin is, side effects of the drug, its misuse liability, symptoms of gabapentin addiction, gabapentin withdrawal, and how a gabapentin rehab program can help with addiction recovery. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are both gabapentinoids—psychotropic medications that cross the blood-brain barrier and mimic the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gabapentin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 as an adjunctive treatment for partial seizures. In 2002 Side Effects of Neurontin Abuse. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Neurontin use may be associated with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Other Neurontin side effects include: 2. Agitation. Restlessness. Irritability. Panic attacks. Insomnia. Mania. New or worsening anxiety and/or depression. Changes in mood or behavior. Gabapentin side effects include: In some cases, gabapentin can also lead to mood and behavior changes, depression or anxiety. If gabapentin is used over long periods of time, more serious side effects and an increased risk of dependency can occur. Long-term side effects of gabapentin can include the following: Some side effects of gabapentin use may include: Is Gabapentin Addictive? The Drug Enforcement Administration does not classify gabapentin as an addictive drug, so gabapentin is not a controlled substance at the federal level. Even though it is not a controlled substance, gabapentin abuse can be dangerous, addictive, and life-threatening. Additionally, people who snort the drug or combine it with other drugs may be at an increased risk of addiction and severe side effects compared to those who take the medication as advised by their doctor. Understanding Gabapentin Abuse Such tapering schedules are commonly used with medications like gabapentin that have the potential to produce adverse withdrawal effects when being discontinued. Gabapentin use can be phased out over a period of one week , but the exact schedule will depend on the person’s particular situation. When taken as prescribed for an intended medical condition, gabapentin is well-tolerated and not considered addictive. However, addiction can occur or worsen when misused illicitly, at higher doses, or combined with opioids. Common Side Effects of Gabapentin. On its own, gabapentin has a lower risk for abuse than similar benzodiazepines and opioids; but like any drug, gabapentin causes side effects, the nature and severity of which depend on how much of the medication is consumed, and for how long. Gabapentin requires a prescription, but generally has no additional controls (66–69); however, pregabalin, its close structural relative, which was approved after gabapentin, was placed into Schedule V (abuse potential) in the US and included in the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)-Europol annual report on new In this article, we delve into the dangers of Gabapentin, scrutinizing its side effects, possible addiction risks, and the reasons behind its prescription. What are the Side Effects of Gabapentin? Understanding the negative effects of Gabapentin can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options. While Gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance, evidence suggests that it may lead to misuse or dependency in some individuals. Cases of withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, and nausea, have been reported when discontinuing the drug after long-term use. Side Effects of Gabapentin. Thirty-five percent of people on gabapentin had to stop taking it due to side effects, particularly dizziness and gastrointestinal problems. While gabapentin can be helpful in a number of conditions, it also causes side effects that can be debilitating for many people, and even deadly for some. Gabapentin is a popular medication for treating multiple conditions, particularly to reduce seizures and mitigate nerve pain. 1 Physicians also prescribe gabapentin for off-label situations to treat various physical and mental ailments, with varying levels of success. 2 However, gabapentin side effects do occur and can be mild to severe In addition to potential addiction, gabapentin is associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, mood swings and sudden significant changes in behavior. The Drug and Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that prescriptions of gabapentin doubled from 2011 to 2017 and it was in the top 10 of the most prescribed medications in 2021.
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