Can You Get Addicted to Gbapentin?

Nerve pain as well as other nerve-related problems may occur in people with autoimmune conditions like diabetes; moreover, people living with an injured / damaged spinal section and those who have shingles may develop a nerve condition. For these nerve problems, medications forming part of a category known as anticonvulsants / antiepileptics are commonly prescribed. Gabapentin is a leading drug in this category. But, is gabapentin addictive? It is important to know about this before commencing your treatment plan.

The federal medication approving authority in the US – FDA – has cleared a few meds for treating nerve-linked problems. These meds are categorised as antiepileptic drugs or anticonvulsants. Active ingredients present in these drugs help ease up your central nervous system. This action help curing fits / seizures. Drugs of this genre work by suppressing pain signals and thus reduce discomforts.

What is gabapentin?

This drug is prescribed for controlling and preventing episodes of seizures or fits. This medication belongs to a family of drugs known as anti-epileptics or anticonvulsant meds. You can get it either as a generic or branded offering. You also get its immediate-release form and an extended-release form in drugstores and online pharmacies.

Gabapentin is administered for nerve conditions like neuralgia, epileptic fits and / or seizures. This med can also be taken for treating nerve pains caused by the onset of shingles. Essential chemicals present in gabapentin aid in numbing your pain; in case of fits or convulsions, the drug helps maintain needful amount of calcium level in the body.

Can you get addicted to gabapentin?

In some users, gabapentin has exhibited evidence of addiction and dependencies. Risks of addiction are more pronounced among those who use this drug along with alcohol or opioids. Studies reveal that those who take opioids are more likely to use gabapentin as they get a boosted level of high / euphoria.

The signs of being addicted to gabapentin are – intake of larger doses, cravings to take this med, consulting with many physicians to get prescriptions of gabapentin, inability to stop taking this med despite your desire to discontinue, etc.

If you have been taking this drug in doses of 2600 mg (or above) per day, you need to exert added caution while discontinuing this med. Those who took gabapentin in doses exceeding 3000 mg each day may observe withdrawal effects to last for more than 6 days form the time of your last dose.

Those who are stopping gabapentin in an abrupt manner may experience a few signs of withdrawal; while stopping gabapentin side effects such as severe spells of migraine, agitation or anxieties, dizziness, rapid heartbeats or spells of convulsions, may show up. It is a safe thing to taper the last few doses of gabapentin to avoid most of aforesaid signs.

Pointers for the safe use of gabapentin

Gabapentin helps in the treatment of painful nerves – especially in adults who have diabetes mellitus. People who took this this med noticed relief from weakness and tiredness. Also, users report of better sleeping patterns, healthy moods and overall wellbeing.

This drug may take a few days’ time to work on nerve-related pains. You may get needful relief in ~ 12 – 14 days from the start of your medication plan. However, if you are not witnessing much improvement in your nerve condition, consult with your treating doctor as soon as you possibly can.

Lastly, initial doses of gabapentin are often maintained at a lower level; first few dosages are at 300 milligrams per day. If your body does not exhibit adverse effects, strength is gradually increased. You are advised to take gabapentin as per the instructions of a professional clinical practitioner.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Emily Harris

Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.