Treatment for Gabapentin Withdrawal
Gabapentin is a prescription medication commonly used to treat health conditions such as epilepsy, postherpetic neuralgia, and restless leg syndrome. Patients who take gabapentin for an extended period of time can become physically dependent on the drug, and experience problems with quitting on behalf of severe withdrawal symptoms. Common treatments for gabapentin withdrawal include tapering, counseling, and therapy.
If you’re addicted to or physically dependent on gabapentin, understand that detox and rehab centers can help you achieve sobriety and improved health.
Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) for more information about addiction treatment centers that can help you overcome gabapentin withdrawal.
Understanding How Gabapentin Affects the Body
Gabapentin alters neurotransmitters, or chemicals in the body that can trigger central nervous system conditions such as seizures, herpes, and pain. Some patients report feeling euphoria upon taking gabapentin, while others report feeling a sense of calm and well-being. Patients who take gabapentin long-term can eventually become physically dependent on the drug due to these effects, and face a higher risk for addiction and overdose.
Research suggests that those who abuse gabapentin also frequently abuse other substances in an effort to maintain an ongoing, euphoric high. These individuals can benefit from going to rehab centers that treat other addiction types, including opioid addiction, methamphetamine dependence, and marijuana use disorder.
Withdrawing From Gabapentin
Since gabapentin can be addictive, those who suddenly stop using the drug can experience one or more mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, patients relapse and start using again in an effort to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Patients who resume their previous doses of gabapentin after having stopped using for one or more days face a higher risk for overdose — especially when using more their bodies can physically handle.
Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms may include one or more of the following:
Depression and changes in appetite are common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Changes in appetite
- Itching
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Irritability
Treatments for Gabapentin Withdrawal
At present, there are no medications approved for use by the FDA in treating gabapentin withdrawal. Those who struggle with overcoming gabapentin withdrawal often fare best at detox facilities and rehab centers that offer close medical supervision. In many cases, patients can be prescribed medications that treat certain gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
There are two main treatments for gabapentin withdrawal. The first involves tapering, which is when patients resume taking gabapentin, but at a slightly lower dosage. Gradually, as treatment progresses, patients are prescribed lower doses of the drug until they’re no longer using or physically dependent on the medication.
Another common treatment for gabapentin withdrawal involves replacing the medication with a different drug that mimics the physical effects of gabapentin. This helps patients stop using gabapentin without experiencing adverse side effects associated with withdrawal. Patients struggling with gabapentin addiction may also benefit from behavioral interventions such as therapy and counseling that address the underlying causes of addiction.
If you are struggling with gabapentin withdrawal and/or physical dependency, understand there are several rehab centers in your area that can help.
Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to learn more about your treatment options for overcoming gabapentin withdrawal.
