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Gabapentin addiction is a problem that is now on the rise. Gabapentin is being prescribed more often currently for epilepsy treatment and pain management; the increased use and the fact that it is not regulated may be why its abuse has risen. Although Gabapentin abuse was only noted in 1% of the general population, in people who use opioids, the percentage was much higher between 15 to 20%
Suppose you think someone around you is addicted to Gabapentin. In that case, you must recognize its signs and symptoms so you can get Gabapentin addiction treatment immediately and before things get out of hand.
What is Gabapentin, and why is it addictive?
As mentioned previously, Gabapentin is a medicine given to manage seizures and nerve pain. It is also used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, but this use is not that common and is usually an alternative to other medicines. Some doctors also prescribe it for restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, and fibromyalgia.
Gabapentin is not a controlled drug, and often, when it is used alone, it is not addictive. But, if patients mix it with opioids, muscle relaxants, and anxiety medicines, they can get addicted to gabapentin as it can produce a strong high with these drugs. In such cases, an overdose is more likely, too, and that is a medical emergency that requires immediate Gabapentin overdose treatment.
At high doses, Gabapentin alone can be addictive, too, as it gives relaxation and euphoria to the patient. So, the person can become dependent on the medicine to relieve their pain or symptoms and eventually develop an addiction to gabapentin.
What are the symptoms and signs of Gabapentin addiction?
Signs of addiction behavior
When someone is involved in Gabapentin abuse and is addicted, you can see some signs in their behavior. Here is what you may find:
- They will have intense cravings for gabapentin.
- They will use increasing quantities of Gabapentin and more than what is prescribed by the doctor.
- They will go to great lengths to get more Gabapentin, such as visiting many doctors to get prescriptions.
- They might have difficulty keeping up with their home and work responsibilities without using Gabapentin.
- They might get irritated and agitated if they do not get Gabapentin.
- If they try to stop using Gabapentin, they might have difficulty doing so and may even experience withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of drug use
There are many gabapentin abuse symptoms, but these are the most commonly seen ones:
- Tolerance to the dose being used previously and using more drugs.
- Behavior change and frequent mood swings.
- Isolation from loved ones and avoidance of social settings and events.
- Inability to function without using Gabapentin.
- Restlessness and agitation.
- Diarrhea.
- Extreme sleepiness.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Gabapentin
One of the major Gabapentin abuse effects is experiencing withdrawal symptoms when it is not used. Withdrawal symptoms should be a red flag. These are the most common ones for Gabapentin abuse:
- Cravings
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbance
- Pain
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts
What are the side effects of Gabapentin addiction?
Short-term effects of Gabapentin dependence
Like any other drug, there are side effects of Gabapentin abuse, and these are ones that you can see very quickly:
- Impaired coordination or ataxia
- Dizziness
- Having trouble speaking
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Excessive sleepiness
- Double vision
- Abnormal eye movement
- Jerky movements
- Restlessness
- Irritability and agitation
Some people might start showing suicidal behaviors as one of the side effects of gabapentin abuse. You must recognize these signs and get them to help immediately. Symptoms of increased risk of suicide include:
- Talking about suicide
- Isolating from loved ones
- Saying that there is no reason to live
- Excessive feelings of hopelessness
- Taking part in reckless behaviors
- Severe depression or low mood
- Not participating in activities they previously enjoyed
Long-term effects of Gabapentin addiction
If someone is involved in Gabapentin abuse for a long time, they can have the following long-term gabapentin abuse side effects:
- Mood changes
- Behavioral changes
- Muscle weakness
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Blood pressure changes
- Peripheral swelling or edema
Symptoms of Gabapentin overdose
One of the most severe and problematic complications of Gabapentin abuse is an overdose, as it can be deadly. If you think someone has overdosed on Gabapentin, you should get them help immediately, as timely management is essential in gabapentin overdose treatment.
A gabapentin overdose can present with these symptoms:
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Impaired coordination
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Lethargy
- Coma
How and why does Gabapentin addiction start?
The exact mechanism with which Gabapentin works is not known, but it is very similar to a neurotransmitter known as GABA. Gabapentin seems to work by reducing things like pain and anxiety and seems to cause relaxation and a feeling of calmness in the user.
Unlike other highly addictive drugs, it does not cause a very strong high. Still, when mixed with opioids or anxiety medications, it can cause euphoria, and that can increase the risk of Gabapentin abuse.
People can also become dependent on Gabapentin or develop tolerance, so they need more doses of Gabapentin to feel the relief of symptoms. They can even have withdrawal if they don’t use it, and that is one of the Gabapentin addiction symptoms.
If this is the case, it is likely that the person is already addicted, and then they have to keep using Gabapentin to keep feeling relaxed and to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What is the treatment for Gabapentin abuse?
Like any other addiction, Gabapentin abuse effects can be seen not only in the individual but also in those around them.
So, If you notice Gabapentin abuse signs in yourself or a loved one, you should seek help immediately. The person must realize their problem, or they will not be open to getting treatment.
There are many options for Gabapentin addiction treatment, but the most common ones are:
- Detox programs
- Group therapy
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
Although there are various options, the best treatment choice depends on the person’s needs.
How to start treatment of Gabapentin addiction?
If you have recognized Gabapentin abuse symptoms in a loved one, you should first talk to them about the problem and get them ready for treatment. Once the person agrees to get the treatment needed, you can visit a doctor and discuss which Gabapentin abuse treatment option is best for your loved one.
It is a good idea to visit a specialized center like Dr Vorobjev’s clinic to meet with an expert and develop a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan.
Сost of Gabapentin addiction treatment
The cost of treatment for Gabapentin abuse treatment depends on which treatment option you choose. The cost of treatment depends on the patient’s choice of treatment, how severe their gabapentin addiction is, and how long the treatment lasts.
Gabapentin addiction treatment, including Gabapentin overdose treatment, is usually not covered by insurance providers. You can get an estimate of treatment costs by meeting with the doctors at Dr Vorbojev’s clinic.
Doctors
Dr. Vorobjev Clinic has an excellent panel of doctors who are experienced in Gabapentin abuse addiction treatment and various other drug addiction treatment plans.
From providing Gabapentin overdose treatment to helping control Gabapentin abuse side effects, our doctors aim to provide our clients with the best services and treatment options that are specific for each individual.
Patents and Certificates
Dr Vorobjev Clinic is certified to provide you or your loved ones with the latest gabapentin addiction treatment options. We are working to get even more patents and certifications to offer the best treatment programs for various addictions.
