Gabapentin, also known by its brand name as Neurontin, is an anticonvulsant, prescription painkiller. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of gabapentin for the treatment of epileptic disorders and neuropathic pain. It is a relatively new medication, as Neurontin was introduced in 1993 and its generic version (gabapentin) was introduced in 2004. Currently, gabapentin is most frequently prescribed as treatment for epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, seizures, neuropathic pain, and/ or hot flashes. It is also used to help treat nerve pain and discomforts associated with cocaine and/ or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Medical News Today explains that Gabapentin works “altering electrical activity in the brain and influencing the activity of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which send messages between nerve cells.” An individual that habitually abuses gabapentin will build a tolerance to the abused substance, which means he or she must increase the dose and/ or frequency of gabapentin use to achieve the same effects. The longer an individual abuses gabapentin the more his or her brain relies on functioning with it present in his or her system, and an increased likelihood of withdrawal symptoms ensuing in its absence.
Detox
Detox is the process that rids one’s body of all foreign substances. Individuals that are detoxing from gabapentin are encouraged to undergo a detox method with the maximum amount of support, such as a medically supervised detox. Stopping gabapentin abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and dangerous side effects. Individuals are typically advised to taper off gabapentin. Tapering off a medication is when the prescribing medical professional slowly decreases the dosage of the medication that an individual is taking over time. This is usually the safest method for an individual detoxing from gabapentin. Tapering off the substance will allow one’s body to slowly acclimate to the reduced amount of medication present in his or her system and can minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Every person is different and will experience a unique combination of withdrawal symptoms with varying levels of severity when it comes to detoxing from gabapentin. Healthline provides a list of common withdrawal symptoms some of which include, but are not limited to the following examples:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Sensitivity to light
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea
- Pain
- Confusion
Gabapentin withdrawal can cause panic attacks in some individuals and not others. The risks of experiencing panic attacks as a withdrawal symptom from gabapentin are greater for individuals who have been taking high doses and/ or have been on gabapentin for longer than six weeks.
For Information and Support
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous and can result in severe short and long-term consequences. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone, and we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.
