Gabapentin has the potential for misuse and the rates it is prescribed are alarming.
Gabapentin isn’t a household name yet prescriptions for this medication are on the rise. While it is technically an anticonvulsant, there are other uses for this drug. If you are wondering about this drug, we have all you need to know about Gabapentin. What it is, what it is used for, and any risks that come along with taking it.
This is a prescription drug that is listed in the anticonvulsant category. It is available as capsules, an oral solution, and tablets and known also as Neurontin. While the main effect is the treatment of seizures, this drug also treats other conditions. These include things like pain from Shingles, called postherpetic neuralgia. It also treats restless leg syndrome and pain from diabetic neuropathy. Yet, one last medical condition used by Gabapentin is treatment-resistant anxiety and mood disorders.
You might wonder why the sudden interest in Gabapentin if it is simply a drug used to treat seizures and a few other conditions. According to Stat News:
Last December, Ohio’s Board of Pharmacy began reporting sales of Gabapentin prescriptions in its regular monitoring of controlled substances. The drug, which is not an opioid nor designated a controlled substance by federal authorities, is used to treat nerve pain. But the board found that it was the most prescribed medication on its list that month, surpassing oxycodone by more than 9 million doses. In February, the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network issued an alert regarding increasing misuse across the state.
The problem is that Gabapentin has the potential for misuse and the rates it is prescribed are alarming.
By itself, this drug isn’t one that has potential for addiction or abuse. In fact, it is not even a controlled substance. So then why is it an issue to be concerned about?
The issue is that combined with other drugs, it may indeed produce a high. Common drugs combined with Gabapentin include opioids, muscle relaxers, and even anxiety medications.
A study of illicit Gabapentin users found that:
This is because when it is combined with other medications such as those mentioned, it can create feelings of euphoria, relaxation, a feeling of calm and serenity, and a high that mimics the effects of marijuana.
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While it’s rare, there has been a suicide by overdose with Gabapentin. Most overdoes though, are due to mixing Gabapentin with other opioids.
The main problem of an overdoes with Gabapentin is that there is no antidote, much like opioids. This is also why it is crucial that Gabapentin is not misused. The only recourse for an overdose with this drug is that sometimes the hospital can remove it from the person’s system with kidney dialysis called hemodialysis.
It is imperative not to suddenly stop Gabapentin if you are using it regularly. This is because an abrupt stop can lead to seizures – the very thing it is meant to minimize. For those with abuse issues with this drug, there are important steps to take to ensure better success and fewer issues with getting of of it.
Detoxing via a medical professional is the first step in becoming less dependent on this drug. This ensures that you do not face withdrawal symptoms by yourself.
Whether you choose inpatient, outpatient, or residential treatment depends on the severity of the issue and if you have co-occurring disorders.These include anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression or grief.
Inpatient treatment is for the most severe dependence on Gabapentin or if you have one of the co-occurring disorders mentioned above. This is where you reside at the facility and get intensive treatment. There are also programs that help including family, individual, and group therapy.
For those who need a more intensive program that is structured, residential treatment is an option that is ideal. You get monitoring 24 hours a day and seven days a week and are surrounded by professionals who know your needs. It’s a safe environment that is helpful to your recovery.
Outpatient programs are ideal as either a stepping stone after inpatient or residential treatment. Or, for those who do not have a strong addiction or co-occurring disorder. This way you get to live at home and still continue your treatment plan.
There are also support groups afterwards as well and these are helpful to give you insight on how others handle their addiction or to just have someone there who knows what you’re going through. And of course, aftercare is imperative to maintain sobriety. This includes 12-step programs, meetings, and anything that helps you
It may seem as if Gabapentin abuse isn’t an issue or that you cannot get the help you need. Nothing is further from the truth. This is an issue that can be fixed with the proper care.
At Transformations Treatment Center, we specialize in the treatment of substance use disorders, Gabapentin abuse and co-occurring disorders. Our team of caring counselors and therapists take the time to develop personalized care plans for each client enrolled in our treatment programs. This individualized approach allows us to meet the challenges of addiction treatment in the most effective way possible.
