Gabapentin has been increasingly associated with drug abuse, particularly in people who mix it with opioids, alcohol or other substances. Illegal diversion of gabapentin has led to its illicit availability on the streets, as well. Using gabapentin with opioids can be dangerous. Gabapentin abuse may begin with a legitimate prescription, be diverted from someone else with a prescription, or be taken illicitly or recreationally without a medical need or prescription. Signs of gabapentin abuse can include: Going through a prescription of the drug too fast; Taking higher doses at one time or more often than prescribed Health professionals and prescribers should be aware of the risk for misuse of pregabalin and gabapentin, which eventually could lead to abuse, substance dependence, and intoxications. Gabapentin Abuse is a Serious Issue. There is a commonly held belief that gabapentin is non-addictive. Whether that’s the case or not, gabapentin abuse may be a symptom of self-destructive behavior associated with depression or other mental health issues that can lead to addiction. Gabapentin is not likely to cause addiction, but it may lead to dependence or misuse under certain conditions. As such, doctors prescribe gabapentin carefully to avoid withdrawal symptoms and Long-term or high-dose abuse of gabapentin can lead to more serious risks, including: Physical dependence; Addiction; Respiratory depression; Withdrawal symptoms; Overdose; It is important to understand that abusing gabapentin can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Since its market release, gabapentin has been presumed to have no abuse potential and subsequently has been prescribed widely off-label, despite increasing reports of gabapentin misuse. This review estimates and describes the prevalence and effects of, motivations behind, and risk factors for gabapentin misuse, abuse, and diversion. Gabapentin (Neurontin) carries a risk for abuse, can get you high if mixed with drugs, causes adverse side effects, and can lead to overdose. 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. Medicines like gabapentin can help with different kinds of pain as well as some seizure problems. Gabapentin treats various conditions, including neuropathic pain, seizures, and restless legs syndrome. Some people also use gabapentin recreationally, which can lead to the potential for addiction or abuse. Is Gabapentin Addictive? Yes. However, It does appear that gabapentin has a higher abuse potential than previously thought, which may be a result of large doses being prescribed to patients for both indicated and non-indicated uses such as for neuropathic pain and migraine prophylaxis. As providers dole out the drug in mass quantities for conditions such as restless legs syndrome and alcoholism, it is being subverted to a drug of abuse. Gabapentin can enhance the euphoria caused Unfortunately, our clinical experience suggests that gabapentin is now prevalent as a drug of abuse. The drug’s effects vary with the user, dosage, past experience, psychiatric history, and expectations. Gabapentin, a medication commonly prescribed for nerve pain and epilepsy, has become increasingly misused in recent years. While this drug serves an important therapeutic purpose when taken as directed, its potential for abuse can damage your overall well-being. Gabapentin Abuse in the Prison System. Neurontin abuse among prisoners is a serious problem. Many inmates with drug addictions already know its street uses. They often view it as a “jail substitute” for their drug of choice. Gabapentin’s popularity in prison predates recent widespread abuse. 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. However, more extensive research is necessary before these uses can receive FDA approval or use as part of treatment for a wider range of substance use disorders. Gabapentin Side Effects. As with many medications, gabapentin can have certain side effects, including the following: 1,2. Headache. Drowsiness. Loss of coordination. 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. That occurs when the brain gets used to having gabapentin present and functions in an unregulated manner if it doesn’t receive gabapentin. This dependence can occur even when someone is using gabapentin as prescribed. The misuse or abuse of gabapentin can result in even greater levels of physical dependence, with significant withdrawal symptoms. Many gabapentin users in early recovery abuse gabapentin because, at high doses (800mg or more), they may experience a euphoric-like high that does not show up on drug screens. Gabapentin abusers typically take the drug in addition to opioids to produce their desired high, a dangerous and potentially deadly combination.
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