Signs and Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, and dependence and withdrawal from marijuana, opioids, and methamphetamine. When taken for an extended period of time, gabapentin can lead to physical dependence, and trigger withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use. Understanding the signs and symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal can help you or your loved one seek the medical attention needed to safely overcome dependence.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gabapentin addiction, dependence, and/or withdrawal, our addiction treatment counselors can help.
Call our 24/7 addiction helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to learn more about rehab centers in your area that treat gabapentin dependency.
Gabapentin and Addiction
Though gabapentin is FDA-approved and effective at treating certain medical conditions, the drug can lead to physical dependence and addiction when misused. Some individuals experience euphoric highs when taking gabapentin, which increases the risk for addiction, physical dependence, and overdose. Additionally, research shows that those who abuse gabapentin are more likely to combine the drug with other substances to enhance its effects.
Individuals who stop taking gabapentin abruptly can experience severe discomfort and side effects that increase the risk for relapse and serious health complications. But individuals who go to addiction treatment centers can overcome dependency on gabapentin under close medical supervision to lower the risk for major health problems.
Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal
Knowing the symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal can help you or your loved one recognize when treatment is needed to safely overcome physical dependency. Withdrawal symptoms for gabapentin usually begin within 12 hours of last use, and can last up to seven days. Those who take gabapentin to treat epilepsy or another seizure disorder may be at an increased risk for seizures when stopping use.
Nausea and fatigue are common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal.
The signs of gabapentin withdrawal are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Itching
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Restlessness
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and bone pain
Treating Gabapentin Withdrawal
At this time, there are no FDA-approved medications effective at treating gabapentin withdrawal. Individuals who seek treatment at inpatient or outpatient rehab centers often overcome gabapentin addiction with a combination of supportive medical care and behavioral counseling. These treatments are designed to address physical dependency on gabapentin, as well as the underlying causes of addiction.
Many rehab centers treat gabapentin withdrawal using the tapering method, which is when physicians put patients back on the drug, then gradually lower the dosage until they’re no longer using. This treatment method requires close medical supervision, since some patients may be at high risk for relapse or overdose.
Another common treatment for gabapentin withdrawal is replacing the drug with another that mirrors the effects of gabapentin. This allows patients to withdraw from gabapentin more comfortably until they are no longer using the drug.
Are you struggling with gabapentin addiction and aren’t sure where to get help? Call our 24/7 confidential helpline immediately at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to consult with one of our caring addiction specialists about rehab centers in your area. We’ll help you find addiction treatment centers that can help you overcome gabapentin withdrawal symptoms.
