Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication with legitimate medical uses. However, concerns have grown in recent years about its potential for misuse and addiction. Abstract. This review summarizes current evidence on the abuse and misuse of the gabapentinoids pregabalin and gabapentin. Pharmacovigilance studies, register-based studies, surveys, clinical toxicology studies, and forensic toxicology studies were identified and scrutinized with the goal to define the problem, identify risk factors, and discuss possible methods to reduce the potential for Gabapentin may be used to treat addictions to other substances, but it can also be addictive. If you or someone you know may be abusing gabapentin or struggling with a gabapentin addiction, knowing the side effects, risks, and treatment options may be beneficial. Though it’s recognized as a controlled substance in only a few states and is less addictive than opioids, gabapentin misuse can still lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. This is because the pain relief mechanism involved in taking gabapentin can cause euphoric effects. 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. 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. Though gabapentin was initially marketed as a medication with low potential for abuse and is commonly thought to be safe and effective, a growing body of evidence highlights the potential risks of overprescribing the medication. A variety of motivations behind gabapentin misuse were identified, many that related to substance abuse behaviors in general, which included: recreational use (42–44, 50), control mood and/or anxiety , potentiate the effects of drug abuse treatment , and intentional self harm . Doctors often prescribe gabapentin off-label to treat conditions such as: alcohol addiction. In people with partial seizures, gabapentin works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Experts believe gabapentin may cause brain cells to produce more of a chemical called GABA, which reduces abnormal electrical activity of brain cells. Gabapentin Uses in Addiction Treatment. Gabapentin is sometimes used as a part of addiction treatment for some substances. 3 It is not intended as a sole treatment for substance use disorder; it works best by complementing other addiction treatment modalities, such as behavioral therapy, other therapies, addiction education, and sometimes other 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 While gabapentin is not inherently addictive, misuse can elevate the risk of developing a dependency. Gabapentin is an FDA-approved medication sold under the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant. [3] . The drug’s side effects can be severe, and there is a risk of abuse and dependence on the drug. What Is Gabapentin Used For? Gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin) is a medication originally approved for seizures that is now used for off-label conditionsup to 95%of the time. These conditionsinclude: Alcohol use disorder; Anxiety 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. Understanding this risk and the signs of gabapentin addiction are critical if you use this Gabapentin is a prescription Painkiller that is less addictive than Opioids. Still, addiction and abuse occur; overdosing is possible. When gabapentin is taken alone and as prescribed, there is little potential for abuse or addiction. However, when a person takes gabapentin with other medications—such as muscle relaxants, opioids, or anxiety medications—it can produce a high. The effects of gabapentin intoxication have been variously described as: 4. Relaxation/sense of calm. These findings illustrate the lack of clarity about the efficacy of administration of gabapentin in treatment settings. Additional research about how to best use gabapentin, for whom it may be beneficial, and the effect of prescribed gabapentin on addiction recovery is needed. Keywords: Gabapentin, substance abuse treatment, qualitative, misuse. 1. Gabapentin abuse. Gabapentin abuse tends to occur in people who already have an addiction to opioids or other drugs. While gabapentin is not thought to cause people to get high, some people do report experiencing a sense of calm, euphoria, and effects similar to marijuana. Overall, gabapentin is not considered a highly addictive drug. Many cases of gabapentin abuse occur in people who already haveaddictions to opioidsand other drugs. In response to increased abuse of gabapentin,some statesare classifying gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance. While gabapentin appears to have low abuse potential, it is 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.
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