Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that can help with seizures and nerve pain. However, it can lead to withdrawal if used too often. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about gabapentin withdrawal.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily to treat nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety. The medication works by affecting the way nerves transmit signals in the central nervous system, though its exact mechanism is not fully understood.
Gabapentin acts on the brain’s nerve cells, reducing the frequency of messages sent between them. This calms the brain down, helping to mitigate seizures in epileptics. It’s often started at a low dose and increased gradually to minimize side effects such as gabapentin withdrawal. While gabapentin is not addictive, gabapentin withdrawal is possible and something to watch out for.
Does Gabapentin Help with Opiate Withdrawal?
Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label to help manage symptoms of opiate withdrawal, although it is not FDA-approved for this purpose. It can treat anxiety and improve sleep, which are common symptoms of opiate withdrawal. It can also help with body aches or nerve pain.
However, as stated, it’s no substitute for FDA-approved, research-based opioid withdrawal drugs like buprenorphine or methadone. However, it might be used to complement those other drugs.
Does Gabapentin Help with Alcohol Withdrawal?
Gabapentin is also used off-label to help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, particularly in mild-to-moderate cases, or as an adjunct to other treatments.
Like with opiate withdrawal, gabapentin can treat the anxiety and insomnia that can result from alcohol withdrawal. And as an anticonvulsant, it can be helpful in treating withdrawal seizures like delirium tremens. However, it’s not as reliable for this as benzodiazepines.
Gabapentin has been shown in some studies to reduce alcohol cravings and help maintain abstinence.
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Call 866-881-1184Does Gabapentin Have Withdrawal Symptoms?
Yes, gabapentin abuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly. While gabapentin is not considered as addictive as some other substances, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, it can still lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms in some individuals.
Here are some common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Sweating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Pain
In severe cases, gabapentin withdrawal can also lead to symptoms like seizures, disorientation, and rebound nerve pain
How Long Does Gabapentin Withdrawal Last?
According to a study of 18 cases, gabapentin withdrawal commences between 12 hours and 7 days after gabapentin detox. The duration of gabapentin withdrawal varies depending on factors like the dose, length of use, individual physiology, and whether the medication is tapered or stopped abruptly.
On average, withdrawal symptoms typically last 1 to 2 weeks, but some lingering effects can persist longer in certain cases.
Risks and Challenges of Gabapentin Withdrawal
There are a couple of things to watch for when it comes to gabapentin withdrawal. If gabapentin was used for neuropathic pain, the pain may return or worsen during withdrawal, something known as rebound pain. Abruptly stopping gabapentin can also trigger seizures, especially in individuals with epilepsy.
Some psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression can also occur. Gabapentin withdrawal can cause heightened emotional distress, particularly if gabapentin is being used for anxiety or mood stabilization. Difficulty sleeping is another common withdrawal symptom and can exacerbate other issues.
Managing Gabapentin Withdrawal Safely
If you want to avoid the worst gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, it’s vital to take a tapering approach. Gabapentin tapering means reducing the dose gradually over the course of a few weeks or months. Your doctor will create a tapering schedule based on your dose, duration of use, and individual needs.
To address symptoms such as pain and anxiety, non-opioid pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and anti-anxiety drugs can help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also help with anxiety.
Always consult a healthcare provider before reducing or stopping gabapentin, particularly if you are using it to manage seizures or chronic pain.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with gabapentin withdrawal but wonder how long treatment at a recovery and detox center takes or have other questions, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, verify insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have about our treatment plans for drug addiction.
- Gabapentin for alcohol use disorder: A good option, or cause for concern? | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
- Gabapentin: Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal – PubMed
- Gabapentin Withdrawal: Case Report in an Older Adult and Review of the Literature – Mah – 2013 – Journal of the American Geriatrics Society – Wiley Online Library
