Can You Overdose on Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication mainly used to treat seizures and nerve pain. Gabapentin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. People commonly use it for things not listed on the label, such as treating restless leg syndrome and some mental health issues.

Gabapentin is safe when used correctly. Misuse or taking too much can be harmful. It can even cause an overdose.

It is important to understand the risks of gabapentin, especially when taking it with other medications. This will help prevent overdose and ensure safe use.

Gabapentin is being used more often in substance abuse cases, even though it has many other uses as well. Gabapentin was thought to be a safe painkiller, but now people are misusing it for its calming effects. Mixing gabapentin with opioids or alcohol can be dangerous and increase the risk of a deadly drug overdose. It’s important to avoid combining these substances.

Still, the growing popularity of gabapentin for off-label uses has raised concerns among healthcare professionals. Off-label prescribing can be beneficial for certain conditions

However, patients may be unaware of the potential risks without clear guidelines. These include using the medication for an extended period of time or taking higher doses than recommended.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication classified as an anticonvulsant, meaning it helps control seizures. Gabapentin works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, making it effective for treating epilepsy. Additionally, gabapentin is commonly used to alleviate nerve pain associated with conditions such as shingles or diabetic neuropathy. The drug can treat restless leg syndrome.

It is also used for anxiety and other mental health disorders. Sometimes, people use it off-label.

Gabapentin’s mechanism of action involves mimicking the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which inhibits nerve activity in the brain. Although gabapentin does not directly act on GABA receptors, it influences how calcium channels function, ultimately reducing the excitability of neurons. This makes it effective in managing neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by nerve damage or dysfunction.

Gabapentin’s Potential for Abuse

Despite its therapeutic benefits, gabapentin has the potential for abuse, particularly when taking in higher doses of gabapentin than prescribed or when mixed with other drugs such as central nervous system depressants like opioids or alcohol.

This misuse can increase the likelihood of severe side effects and health complications, including overdose. Gabapentin is sometimes used recreationally to enhance the effects of other substances, which increases the risks associated with its use.

Effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin affects the central nervous system by altering how the brain processes pain signals. It can provide significant relief from seizures and nerve pain when used appropriately. However, like all medications, gabapentin comes with a range of side effects, which can vary depending on the dose and personal response.

Desired Effects

Gabapentin is widely recognized for its ability to control seizures and alleviate nerve pain. It is particularly effective in treating conditions like epilepsy, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and restless leg syndrome. By stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing neuronal excitability, gabapentin helps manage these conditions effectively.

Common Side Effects

Gabapentin can be helpful. However, it may cause side effects. These side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, high blood pressure, and weight gain. These side effects are usually mild but can become more pronounced if the drug is taken in higher doses than prescribed.

Severe Side Effects

In some cases, gabapentin can lead to more adverse effects. Respiratory depression, confusion, and a higher risk of suicidal thoughts are serious problems.

These issues are especially concerning when the drug is misused. They can also occur when the drug is taken with other depressants. Severe allergic reactions, though rare, may also occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose

An overdose of gabapentin can be life-threatening, particularly when it is combined with other central nervous system depressants. Knowing the signs of a gabapentin overdose is important for quick help and can save lives from a potential overdose death.

The early signs of a gabapentin overdose include:

• Severe drowsiness or sedation
• Tremors
• Altered mental state
• Slurred speech
• Double vision

The symptoms show that the central nervous system is affected. Quick action needs to be taken to prevent the situation from worsening.

As the overdose progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty or slow breathing
• Unresponsiveness or coma
• Respiratory depression
• Respiratory failure, a condition that is often fatal if not treated immediately

If you suspect someone has overdosed on gabapentin, it is crucial to act quickly. Call 911 immediately and provide basic first aid while waiting for emergency responders.

It is important to keep someone awake and breathing. If they are unconscious but breathing, putting them in the recovery position can prevent choking. Inform the paramedics about the amount of gabapentin taken, any other substances used, and when it happened.

Mixing gabapentin with opioids or alcohol can increase the risk of a deadly overdose. This is because it has stronger effects on the central nervous system. In the United States, more people are misusing gabapentin, especially with other drugs. This has worried doctors because of the rising number of gabapentin overdose deaths linked to this medication.

Gabapentin Addiction Treatment at Northridge Addiction Treatment Center

At Northridge Addiction Treatment Center (NATC), we know prescription drug addiction is complex and affects people and families. Our comprehensive addiction treatment programs are designed to address the unique challenges posed by substance abuse and overdose.

NATC provides a holistic approach to substance use disorder treatment, focusing on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of recovery. Our experienced team of experts is trained to manage the specific challenges associated with addiction, including withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.

We provide a full spectrum of evidence-based treatment options, including medical detox and intensive residential treatment. Our treatment programs are tailored to meet each person’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. We provide help for mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which are often connected to gabapentin misuse, with our dual diagnosis program.

NATC prioritizes creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where people can focus on their recovery without distractions. We focus on treating the entire person, not just the addiction.

Recovering from gabapentin addiction takes time. At NATC, we provide our residents with the tools and strategies to help avoid relapse in the long term and achieve life-long recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gabapentin addiction, don’t wait to seek help. The dangers of gabapentin abuse and overdose are real, but recovery is possible with the proper treatment and support.

Contact NATC today. Learn about our programs and discover how we can support your recovery journey.