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Gabapentin Side Effects

Gabapentin can be effective when used as prescribed, but misusing it is dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening. Its side effects include sleepiness, irritability, mood changes, muscle aches, hallucinations, and swelling of the arms and legs.

Gabapentin misuse and addiction have become more common, especially when it is used alongside opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives. Mixing gabapentin with these drugs significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and death.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin (often known by the brand name Neurontin) is a prescription medication used in seizure management and to relieve nerve pain, especially in people with conditions like epilepsy or postherpetic neuralgia. While it can be helpful when taken as prescribed, gabapentin is not without risks. Some people may experience side effects or even withdrawal symptoms, sometimes after just one use or more often with long-term use. These effects can vary widely, from mild discomfort to more serious reactions.

Although gabapentin is not categorized as a controlled substance, there have been reports of its abuse, especially by people trying to enhance the effects of opioids like methadone. Like many medications, when gabapentin is taken outside of medical guidance, it can carry unintended and potentially harmful consequences.

How Common is Gabapentin Misuse?

Gabapentin misuse is more common than once believed. A comprehensive 2016 review of international data published in the National Library of Medicine found that about 1% of the general population reported gabapentin misuse. But among those with a gabapentin prescription, this figure jumps to 40–65% and 15–22% among individuals who use opioids.

Reports show people sometimes take higher doses than prescribed, crush and snort pills, or combine gabapentin with opioids to intensify euphoria. Those with past substance use disorders are especially at risk. Although not everyone will misuse it, gabapentin clearly carries this potential and needs careful prescribing and awareness to prevent serious side effects.

What are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Like all medications, gabapentin has side effects that become even more pronounced when the drug is misused.

Common side effects (may affect over 1 in 100 people)

These are usually mild and go away on their own. They can include:

Feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Headaches
Mood changes or memory problems
Blurred vision or dry mouth
Weight gain
Swelling in the arms or legs
Trouble getting an erection
Getting sick more often than usual

Serious side effects (rare but require urgent medical attention)

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, even within the first week
Yellowing skin or eyes, swollen glands, unexplained bruising or bleeding
Severe tiredness or muscle pain (with or without a rash)
Long-lasting stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting (possible sign of pancreatitis)
Hallucinations (seeing. hearing things that are not there)
Muscle weakness, especially if receiving dialysis

Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Angioedema (swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face)
Trouble breathing or a tight chest
Pale, grey, or blue skin (on palms, soles, or lips)
Confusion, fainting, or being unresponsive
A swollen, itchy, blistering, or peeling rash

Long-term effects:

People can develop a physical dependence on gabapentin. If you stop taking the drug suddenly, it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Gabapentin withdrawal can cause significant distress, especially if the medication is stopped suddenly or after long-term use. Symptoms may begin within twelve hours to seven days of stopping, and their intensity depends on the dose and duration of use. Withdrawal symptoms include:

Agitation or irritability
Anxiety or panic
Restlessness or inability to stay still (akathisia)
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Excessive sweating
Confusion or disorientation
Trouble sleeping
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Seizures, which may be severe in people with epilepsy

Suddenly, stopping gabapentin is risky. In people with epilepsy, it may cause life-threatening, continuous seizures known as status epilepticus.

While there is no specific medication approved for gabapentin withdrawal, tapering slowly under expert guidance helps make symptoms more bearable. Supportive care, like managing anxiety, nausea, or insomnia, along with treatment for any co-occurring substance use disorder, can make the detox process safer and more effective.

Help for Gabapentin (Neurontin) Misuse and Addiction

If you are struggling with gabapentin misuse, whether on its own or alongside opioids or other substances, support is available. Inspire Recovery specializes in LGBTQ-affirming, trauma-informed addiction treatment, and we understand the complex layers that often accompany substance use.

We offer treatment for gabapentin misuse and provide dual diagnose substance use treatment and housing. Wherever you are in your recovery journey, Inspire Recovery provides a safe, inclusive space to begin healing and reconnect with yourself.

Call us at 561-763-9815 today to speak with someone who cares. We will answer your questions and help you explore treatment options that affirm who you are and support your future goals.

Does gabapentin make you sleepy?

Gabapentin can make you feel sleepy or drowsy, especially when you first start taking it or when your dose increases. This is one of the more common side effects and usually becomes less noticeable over time as your body adjusts. Some people also report feeling tired, lightheaded, or less alert while on the medication.

Is gabapentin addictive?

Although gabapentin is not a legally controlled substance, it can still be habit-forming. Its addictive potential is increased when taken in high doses or combined with other substances like opioids. Some people develop a physical dependence on gabapentin. This risk is higher in people with a history of substance use. While not everyone becomes addicted, you should only take gabapentin as prescribed and call Inspire Recovery at 561-763-9815 if you are concerned about dependence.

What are the chances of experiencing side effects with gabapentin?

The chances of experiencing side effects from gabapentin vary from person to person and depend on how the drug is being used. When taken as prescribed, side effects tend to be milder and manageable. However, misusing gabapentin greatly increases the risk of more serious or unpredictable side effects. Interactions with other drugs, like sedatives and narcotics, can make side effects more intense. Pre-existing conditions, like depression or kidney conditions, may also worsen while taking gabapentin.

Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?

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