Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant drug prescribed for seizures and nerve pain, carries the risk of physical dependence. Individuals who develop a dependence on gabapentin may face withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. These withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 hours to 7 days after stopping the medication and may persist for up to 10 days. Common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal include nausea, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin, sold under brand names like Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant, is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, and various neuropathic pains. Horizant’s extended-release formula specifically targets restless leg syndrome. Although gabapentin abuse is infrequent, it’s been noted that often occurs with substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Gabapentin initially thought to be non-addictive, has shown a potential for abuse and addiction, particularly highlighted by its high prescription rate – 68 million in 2017 in the U.S. Some states, acknowledging the risk of misuse and dependency, have reclassified it as a controlled substance. This state-level reclassification, in response to its addictive qualities, indicates the need for careful monitoring, even though gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance at the national level by the DEA.

Does Gabapentin Have a Withdrawal Syndrome?

Individuals taking gabapentin, even as prescribed, may develop some level of physical dependence. However, those who misuse or abuse gabapentin recreationally are more likely to experience significant levels of dependence and withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to quit or reduce its usage. Withdrawal symptoms have been documented in people who took daily doses ranging from 400mg to 8000mg for at least three weeks. The withdrawal syndrome associated with gabapentin may exhibit similarities to the symptoms of alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal, likely due to the fact that gabapentin and these substances all act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from gabapentin typically emerge after suddenly discontinuing or quickly reducing the dosage. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Abnormal sweating
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Disorientation
Headache
Insomnia

Less common symptoms reported are:

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
Chest pain
High blood pressure
Restless limb movements

Stopping gabapentin suddenly, particularly for seizure control, can lead to increased seizure activity or continuous seizures (status epilepticus).

Withdrawal typically happens within 12 hours to 7 days after cessation, with symptoms potentially lasting up to 10 days. Factors influencing withdrawal severity are age, dose, duration of use, concurrent medical or mental health issues, and use of other substances. Severe cases may require inpatient monitoring and medical management. Gradual dose reduction is advised, reducing the daily dose by a maximum of 300mg every 4 days, to safely taper off the medication. The tapering duration and schedule should be tailored to individual needs.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline

Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms typically occur within 12 hours to seven days of stopping gabapentin, usually starting after one to two days. These symptoms appear quickly after stopping gabapentin due to its short half-life. Gabapentin’s half-life, the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body, is five to seven hours, though this may be longer in individuals with kidney disease. Approximately five half-lives are needed for gabapentin to be completely cleared from the body, translating to about 35 hours for gabapentin.

Rapid dose decreases or suddenly stopping gabapentin leads to withdrawal symptoms. Gradually tapering the gabapentin dose can effectively reduce these symptoms, with some cases requiring up to 18 weeks of tapering to safely stop taking gabapentin while managing withdrawal symptoms.

Why Gabapentin Cause Withdrawal?

Gabapentin is neither an opioid nor a narcotic. It is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily for treating seizures and nerve pain. Withdrawal symptoms occur because the body becomes physically dependent on gabapentin with prolonged use. This dependence means the body starts relying on the drug for normal functioning. When gabapentin use is reduced or stopped, the body experiences withdrawal symptoms due to the sudden absence of the drug it had adapted to. These symptoms often accompany tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Both dependence and tolerance contribute to the withdrawal experience when gabapentin use is ceased.

How to Stop Taking Gabapentin?

Do not suddenly stop taking gabapentin or rapidly decrease your dose. To taper off gabapentin effectively, a gradual reduction of the dose under healthcare supervision is necessary. This process should extend over weeks to months, with a recommended dose reduction of around 25% at each stage. It must be closely monitored during this tapering, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or the elderly. Adhere strictly to the tapering plan advised by your healthcare provider for safe and effective discontinuation of gabapentin.

Gabapentin Taper Chart

Day	Total Daily Dose (mg)	Directions
1-3	2400 mg	Take 1200 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
4-6	1800 mg	Take 900 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
7-9	1200 mg	Take 600 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
10-12	800 mg	Take 400 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
13-15	400 mg	Take 200 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
16-18	200 mg	Take 100 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
19-21	100 mg	Take 100 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days, then STOP.

Medical Detox For Gabapentin

During medically supervised gabapentin detox, the drug is systematically eliminated from the body. Some individuals may manage detox at home by strictly adhering to a gabapentin tapering schedule, while others, particularly those with severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, should undergo detox in a medically supervised setting. This supervision provides 24-hour care to ensure safety and comfort. Notably, gabapentin detox is often essential for individuals with polysubstance abuse, as 15% to 20% of those with opioid use disorders have also reported misusing gabapentin, indicating a higher risk of abuse among this group.

What Helps Gabapentin Withdrawal?

Managing gabapentin withdrawal involves several strategies, as symptoms can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Options include:

Restarting Gabapentin: Oddly, resuming gabapentin often ceases withdrawal symptoms, typically within three days.
Magnesium Supplements: Taking magnesium at least two hours after a gabapentin dose can alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Magnesium affects calcium channels and neurotransmitters, reducing the severity of symptoms.
Lorazepam Use: While benzodiazepines like lorazepam manage opioid and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, they have shown limited effectiveness in reducing gabapentin withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering Off Gabapentin: Gradually reducing gabapentin doses, similar to opioid tapering protocols, is the most effective way to manage withdrawal. This tapering can be customized based on individual symptom control needs.

Long-term Side Effects After Stopping Gabapentin

These effects are typically due to the body’s adjustment process after the cessation of the medication. The long-term side effects after stopping gabapentin can include:

Mood Changes: Some people report ongoing emotional disturbances like anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Sleep Disturbances: Chronic issues with insomnia or other sleep-related challenges.
Neurological Symptoms: Continuation of headaches, dizziness, or neuralgia.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Persistent stomach upset or digestive problems.
Physical Discomfort: Ongoing pain, particularly if gabapentin was initially used for pain management.
Cravings: A long-term desire to use the medication again, which could be due to either physical or psychological dependence.

For individuals experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult healthcare professionals. They can provide guidance and strategies to manage these long-term effects effectively, ensuring a smoother transition post-gabapentin use.

Gabapentin Addiction Summary

Gabapentin is used for seizure disorders and pain management but has the potential for abuse.
Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include seizures.
Medical supervision is crucial for a safe detox process.
Recovery involves both physical and psychological treatment approaches.

FAQ

Can you just stop taking gabapentin?

Stopping gabapentin abruptly is not recommended, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time or at high doses. Suddenly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and pain. It’s important to taper off gabapentin gradually under medical supervision to minimize these symptoms.

Does gabapentin work like benzodiazepines?

Gabapentin and benzodiazepines have different mechanisms of action. Gabapentin targets calcium channels for managing nerve pain and seizures, while benzodiazepines focus on GABA receptors, which are related to stress and relaxation.

Which medication is used to reduce the severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms?

Medications like gabapentin and antidepressants are sometimes used to reduce the severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Is gabapentin similar to clonazepam?

Gabapentin and clonazepam are different; clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, whereas gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used for different types of neurological issues.

Who should not take gabapentin?

Individuals with allergies to gabapentin, respiratory problems, kidney issues, or mood disorders should consult a doctor before taking gabapentin.

Is it safe to combine kratom and gabapentin?

Combining kratom and gabapentin can be risky and is not typically recommended due to potential interactions and increased side effects.

Can you take Kratom and Neurontin together?

Taking Kratom and Neurontin (gabapentin) together is not advised without medical supervision, due to potential adverse interactions.

What should I taper off first, gabapentin, kratom, or Klonopin?

The order of tapering off substances like gabapentin, kratom, or Klonopin should be carefully planned with a healthcare professional, based on individual health circumstances and the specific effects of each drug.

Is gabapentin a narcotic?

Despite its potential for misuse, gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic. It’s an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication.

What is one of the first signs of withdrawal?

Early signs of withdrawal often include symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, and physical discomfort, signaling the body’s adjustment to the absence of the substance.

Is gabapentin considered a painkiller?

Gabapentin is recognized as a painkiller specifically for neuropathic pain, distinct from common analgesics such as opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Is gabapentin an opioid blocker?

Unlike medications like naloxone, gabapentin does not act as an opioid blocker. Its primary use is for nerve pain and seizures, operating through a different mechanism.

Is gabapentin a high-risk medication?

Given its potential for misuse and dependence, especially when used without proper medical supervision, gabapentin is considered a high-risk medication.

Does gabapentin block methadone?

Gabapentin does not block the effects of methadone; they work differently in the body and may be used together under specific medical circumstances.

What happens to your body when you stop taking gabapentin?

Suddenly stopping gabapentin can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and a potential resurgence of the original symptoms it was treating.

Does gabapentin cause neurological damage?

Long-term use of gabapentin is not typically associated with permanent neurological damage, but side effects can include neurological symptoms.

Does gabapentin cause permanent muscle weakness?

Permanent muscle weakness is not a common outcome of gabapentin use; however, muscle weakness can occur as a transient side effect for some individuals.

How long should I take Gabapentin for nerve pain?

The length of gabapentin treatment for nerve pain should be based on your healthcare provider’s guidance, tailored to your specific condition and needs. The goal is to balance effective pain relief with the minimization of dependence and side effects. Do not stop taking gabapentin abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms; instead, follow your doctor’s advice for the duration and any dosage adjustments.

Gabapentin Detox Programme In Boca Raton, Florida

Gabapentin detox can be overwhelming and taxing, both physically and emotionally. However, you’re not alone in this process. At Still Detox in Boca Raton, Florida, we offer a supportive and professional environment to make your detox experience manageable, safer, and comfortable.

Our facility provides comprehensive care from the initial intake throughout the entire recovery journey. We’re equipped with a team of licensed healthcare professionals delivering 24-hour medical supervision and tailored treatments for withdrawal symptoms.

Beyond detox, our range of services, including inpatient and aftercare programs, counseling, group therapy, and various recreational therapies, supports a transition to a drug-free life. If you or a loved one is grappling with gabapentin addiction, reach out to Still Detox in Boca Raton, Florida. Let us guide you on your path to recovery. Call us at (561) 556-2677 to learn more about our gabapentin detox and addiction treatment options.

How To Wean Off Gabapentin

Understanding how to wean off gabapentin is crucial to manage the withdrawal process effectively. Gabapentin withdrawal, often a result of physical dependence, can manifest as mood changes and physical discomfort, typically starting within 12 hours to 7 days after stopping the medication. These symptoms correspond to gabapentin’s half-life of about five to seven hours. Employing a taper-off chart to gradually reduce the dosage can significantly ease the withdrawal process. For those experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms, a medically supervised detox provides a safer, structured environment, offering essential professional support throughout the detoxification journey.

Sources:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration GABAPENTIN- gabapentin tablet
National Library of Medicine Gabapentin withdrawal syndrome in the presence of a taper
Annals of Pharmacotherapy Gabapentin: Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal
Annals of Pharmacotherapy Akathisia Induced by Gabapentin Withdrawal

Gabapentin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, Taper Chart & Detox