What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication classified as an anticonvulsant. According to MedlinePlus, it is commonly used to help control certain seizures and treat postherpetic neuralgia, a type of nerve pain that can happen after shingles. Some forms of gabapentin may also be prescribed for restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin works by affecting certain signals in the nervous system and brain. While it is not considered an opioid, it can still affect mood, alertness, coordination, and sedation levels in some people. Like many medications that affect the brain and nervous system, gabapentin may lead to tolerance or dependence in some situations, especially when it is misused or taken differently than prescribed. If you want to better understand the difference, read our article on drug tolerance vs. dependence.What Does Gabapentin Feel Like When Taken as Prescribed?
When taken as prescribed, gabapentin does not typically create an intense “high.” Many people take it simply to manage symptoms like nerve pain or seizures and may not notice major mental or emotional effects. However, some people do experience side effects, particularly when first starting the medication or adjusting doses. Common effects may include:- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Feeling calm or relaxed
- Trouble concentrating
- Blurry vision
- Coordination problems
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea
- Swelling in the hands or feet
What Does a Gabapentin High Feel Like?
Some people who misuse gabapentin report feelings of:- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Sedation
- Feeling “floaty” or disconnected
- Calmness
- Increased sociability
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Risky decision-making
Why Do People Misuse Gabapentin?
People misuse gabapentin for many different reasons. In some cases, someone may initially begin taking it for legitimate medical reasons before use becomes unsafe over time. Reasons people may misuse gabapentin can include:- Trying to feel calm or sedated
- Attempting to intensify the effects of opioids or other substances
- Trying to manage withdrawal symptoms without medical support
- Self-treating anxiety, pain, insomnia, or emotional distress
- Seeking euphoria or dissociative effects
- Taking someone else’s prescription
- Taking more than prescribed after tolerance develops
Signs of Gabapentin Misuse
Gabapentin misuse may not always be obvious at first. Some warning signs can overlap with side effects or other health concerns, but patterns of unsafe use can become more noticeable over time. Possible signs of gabapentin misuse include:- Taking more gabapentin than prescribed
- Taking gabapentin without a prescription
- Using someone else’s medication
- Taking it to feel high or emotionally numb
- Mixing gabapentin with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines
- Running out of medication early
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple providers
- Hiding use from loved ones
- Feeling unable to cut back
- Cravings or constant thoughts about taking gabapentin
- Continuing to use despite falls, confusion, or sedation
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing use
Can Gabapentin Be Addictive?
Gabapentin can become habit-forming for some people, especially when it is misused or combined with other substances. It is important to understand the difference between medical use, tolerance, dependence, and addiction:- Tolerance means the body adapts over time, and a person may feel like the medication works differently than it once did.
- Dependence means the body has adjusted to the medication, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if use suddenly stops.
- Addiction, or substance use disorder, involves compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
Gabapentin Overdose Risk and Dangerous Drug Interactions
One of the biggest risks associated with gabapentin misuse is combining it with other substances that slow the central nervous system. Higher-risk combinations may include:- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Sleep medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Other sedating medications
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slowed or difficult breathing
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- Severe dizziness
- Poor coordination
- Vomiting while heavily sedated
- Unresponsiveness
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Emergency Warning Signs
Call 911 immediately if someone:- Is difficult to wake up
- Stops breathing or has slowed breathing
- Has blue or gray lips or fingertips
- Becomes unresponsive or severely confused
- May have mixed gabapentin with opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives
What Does Gabapentin Withdrawal Feel Like?
Withdrawal symptoms may happen if someone who has been taking gabapentin regularly suddenly stops or reduces use too quickly, especially after long-term or heavy use. Possible withdrawal symptoms can include:- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Increased pain
- Confusion
- Cravings
- Return to substance use
When to Seek Help for Gabapentin Misuse
It may be time to seek professional support if someone:- Takes gabapentin differently than prescribed
- Uses gabapentin without a prescription
- Mixes gabapentin with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines
- Feels unable to stop or cut back
- Experiences cravings or withdrawal symptoms
- Runs out of medication early
- Uses gabapentin to get high or emotionally numb
- Continues using despite medical, emotional, or relationship problems
- Has experienced overdose symptoms or dangerous sedation
- Counseling
- Group therapy
- Case management
- Peer support
- Recovery planning
- Care coordination
- Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate
