Drug Education: Gabapentin Addiction And Withdrawal Symptoms

Warning Signs When Using Gabapentin

Anticonvulsants like Gabapentin were taught to have incredibly low abuse potentials once. Hence, it was not classified alongside other addictive drugs like opiates and narcotics. However, recent studies have found out that more and more people are getting addicted to the drug.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription drug which was created to treat epileptic seizures. Its application has spread to other ailments like postherpic neuralgia, restless leg syndrome, and hot flashes. Some claim that it can be used to treat migraines, and anxiety, however, there are not enough studies or evidence to back up these claims. (1)

It was approved for marketing by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2013 under the brand name Neurontin. Neurontin was one of Parke-Davis, a Phizer subsidiary, best-selling drug. However, it went under fire after Parke-Davis was sued for promoting Neurontin for off-label purposes.

It was noted that almost 90% of the sales of the drug came from advertising the drug for uses that were not proven or are not on the drug’s packaging. (2)

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Gabapentin is structured similarly to of one of our brain’s neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA affects our brain in a way that it slows down the electrical impulses that are fired within or central nervous system. There have been no studies that were able to formally conclude how Gabapentin works.

Gabapentin was not categorized by the FDA as a scheduled substance due to its low abuse potential. However, users have reported that the drug can replicate some of the features of an addictive drug in a way that it can cause withdrawal symptoms and some psychoactive effects.

Some users of Gabapentin have reported that they have felt psychoactive effects such as euphoria, increased sociability, relaxation, and sense of calm. Coupled with the withdrawal symptoms that can be caused by the drug, some users end up becoming dependent on Gabapentin. (3)

Symptoms of Gabapentin Addiction

Drug addiction occurs when a person becomes physically dependent on a certain substance. This happens mostly because of the drug’s rewarding and reinforcing properties. In Gabapentin’s case, this may be the euphoria, high, or other sensations users report they feel when taking it.

Consult a doctor if you see yourself or someone you love exhibit these following symptoms: (4)

Increased Dosage– Addiction of often results to a person becoming numb from the effects of the drug. To cope with this, the user would most likely increase his or her daily dosage above what was prescribed by his doctor.
False Reasoning- Once addicted, the user may lie in order to get more of the drug. Some examples of this would be saying that they lost their supply, or that dosage given by the doctor is no longer enough.
Overspending- As the addiction worsens it can be noticed that the individual would start spending a huge chunk of their budget on buying the drug. This can damage a person both mentally and financially.
Withdrawal Symptoms- These are adverse symptoms often experienced by drug addicts who abruptly stop taking their drug. Most of which are not fatal, however, there have been instances where they have been.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

As mentioned above, people who suddenly stop taking a drug they’ve grown accustomed to can result in various withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are the most common reason why drug addicts slide back to their addictions.

Most withdrawal symptoms can be dampened with the use of other medications. However, caution must be taken as some of these drugs can cause addiction themselves if misused or abused.

Anxiety- it is a feeling of unease as if something bad is about to happen.
Nausea- an uncomfortable in the stomach which can urge someone to vomit
Sweating- excessive sweating often occurs throughout the body.
Insomnia- inability to sleep or sleep continuously throughout the night.
Mood swings- the patient may become depressed or have suicidal thoughts during detoxification.

Abusing Gabapentin increases the possibility of a person getting addicted to the drug. However, withdrawal symptoms are not limited to addiction, people who have used the drug for a long period of time, even if they follow the doctor’s prescription may still experience it.

Immediately consult a doctor if someone you know shows the signs of addiction.

References

“Neurontin, Gralise (gabapentin) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more”. Medscape Reference. WebMD. Retrieved 6 August 2017.

Drug addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2017, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/basics/symptoms/con-20020970

Gabapentin. (n.d.). Retrieved August 6, 2017, from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14208-8217/gabapentin-oral/gabapentin-oral/details

Tansey, B. (n.d.). Huge penalty in drug fraud / Pfizer settles felony case in Neurontin off-label promotion. Retrieved August 6, 2017, from San Francisco Gate: http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Huge-penalty-in-drug-fraud-Pfizer-settles-2759293.php

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