Gabapentin is a prescription medication that is used to treat certain types of seizure disorders, restless leg syndrome and pain, including neuropathic pain, and diabetic neuropathy. It works by altering the way that the brain perceives pain signals.
Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant medication, and it is also sometimes used as a mood stabilizer. However, gabapentin abuse is very common because of its psychoactive effects. Gabapentin is found in capsule, tablet, and oral solution forms.
Gabapentin is highly addictive as it increases the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in our brains, making us feel more relaxed. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and anxiety. When gabapentin is taken in high doses, it can produce a feeling of relaxation and euphoria, which can lead to abuse. The biology of addiction explains why addictions occur. Gabapentin users who rely on this prescribed medication to treat epilepsy or to treat seizures but can soon find themselves addicted to their gabapentin prescriptions.
The Basics Of Gabapentin
To truly understand why gabapentin becomes addictive, it is important to find the answer to the question of what is addiction. Gabapentin abuse occurs when people take the medication in large doses or more frequently than prescribed in order to achieve a “high.” That “high” provides a temporary state of relaxation and calmness. As small amounts of gabapentin start to become a common substance in other medications, there is an increase in gabapentin misuse amongst those that use the medication to treat nerve pain and other illnesses.
Gabapentin Abuse Side Effects
Gabapentin abuse is a serious problem that can lead to addiction and other health problems. Standard gabapentin side effects can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and problems with coordination. The effects of gabapentin abuse can result in more serious side effects including ataxia, shallow breathing, confusion, unusual thinking or behavior, increased anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and impaired cognitive function and also lead to, in certain cases respiratory depression and death. Combining gabapentin with other medications is also not advised and your treatment provider should be contacted if you feel the need to combine gabapentin. Signs of gabapentin overdose include slurred speech, double vision and extreme drowsiness.
Gabapentin Addiction Treatment Options
A gabapentin addiction treatment process typically involves a combination of medication and counseling. Medications used in gabapentin addiction treatment include anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Gabapentin addiction counseling may be conducted on an individual or group basis and may include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and 12-step programs. Gabapentin addiction treatment is often undertaken on an outpatient basis, but in some cases, inpatient treatment may be necessary. Addiction treatment programs are highly effective in helping individuals with drug abuse with substance misuse. These programs can help spot signs of gabapentin withdrawal and help overcome substance abuse.
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
Gabapentin withdrawal refers to the discontinuing use of the medication and may cause symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating. Gabapentin withdrawal is not considered to be life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable. Gabapentin should be tapered off gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Gabapentin is a medication that can be addictive while having many benefits as it can help treat multiple different types of chronic pain.
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