Can You Get High on Gabapentin: Major Risks and Treatment

Can Gabapentin cause a high? Although Gabapentin is a safe medication when prescribed, intentional abuse or misuse can lead to a high. Gabapentin has been widely reported to be mixed with opioids to create a high. The U.S poison reports a 104% increase in Gabapentin misuse cases from 2013-2017. Gabapentin has also been detected in fatal cases of drug overdose. Among 58,362 overdose deaths in the District of Columbia, 9.7% had Gabapentin in their system. 

These reports highlight the need to create awareness around Gabapentin’s high, proper usage, and create a confidential space for people struggling with Gabapentin addiction to seek timely help.

Struggling with Gabapentin or polysubstance addiction? ChoicePoint can help with comprehensive addiction treatment and dual diagnosis treatment. Call 844.445.2565 to explore your recovery options.

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Can Gabapentin High Cause a High? Analyzing the Literature

Gabapentin is a safe medication when used as prescribed. However, recreational use can lead to a Gabapentin high. The most common recreational use is mixing it with opioids to enhance the effects of opioids, self-medicating to treat anxiety or insomnia, and snorting Gabapentin to create a high. This practice is extremely dangerous and may result in a fatal overdose that may lead to:

• Respiratory Depression
• Unconsciousness
• Death in extreme cases

The effects of Gabapentin are also dose-dependent. Therapeutic doses (300-900 mg/day) rarely cause a high. But, high doses (1900-300 mg/day) may induce psychoactive effects and may cause a high. 

Reports of Gabapentin Misuse

1. A 2016 study found misuse rates of gabapentin among certain populations. It was prevalent in the population with opioid use disorder, ranging from 15% to 22%.
   
2. In some U.S. states, gabapentin has been classified as a “drug of concern” by public health departments because of rising misuse reports.
3. According to the data collected by the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), there has been an increase in emergency department visits involving gabapentin misuse, both from overdose and from dangerous interactions with other drugs.

Important Considerations

While many studies document gabapentin misuse, some gaps remain:

• Variable Findings: Not all users experience a “high,” and individual responses to gabapentin vary widely.
• Limited Long-Term Data: Most studies focus on short-term misuse rather than long-term outcomes.
• Overlap with Other Drugs: Much of the misuse involves concurrent use with opioids or benzodiazepines, making it hard to isolate gabapentin’s role in causing euphoria. 

How Do I Know I Have Developed Gabapentin Dependence: Signs of Gabapentin Addiction

Gabapentin dependence and addiction are not the same. Gabapentin addiction is a disease that requires a comprehensive treatment plan, whereas Gabapentin dependence is when you are taking the prescribed dosage for a long time and now need a little help to wean off so your body can adjust to Gabapentin. 

Signs of Gabapentin addiction include:

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed.
• Excessive mood swings 
• Seeking multiple doctors to get extra doses.
• Failed attempts at quitting Gabapentin
• Indulging in risky behavior to get a prescription
• Acquiring Gabapentin through illegal means

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Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

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Health Risks of Gabapentin Misuse 

Gabapentin misuse and addiction have been linked to:

1. Sedation 
2. Drowsiness
3. Respiratory Depression
4. Gabapentin Withdrawal and Dependence
5. Chance of overdose
6. Suicidal thoughts and behavior 

1. Sedation and Drowsiness

High doses of gabapentin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which may also increase the risk of falls, accidents, and injuries.

2. Respiratory Depression

If Gabapentin is combined with other central nervous system depressants (like opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines), it can suppress breathing, which may be fatal in extreme cases.

3. Gabapentin Dependence and Withdrawal

Although gabapentin was once thought to have low abuse potential, more recent evidence shows it can cause physical dependence. This may have negative consequences on your physical and mental health. 

4. Mood Changes, Suicidal Thoughts, and Psychiatric Effects

Some people may experience depression, mood swings, aggression, or even suicidal thoughts when misusing gabapentin. In response, some U.S. states (like Kentucky and West Virginia) have classified gabapentin as a controlled substance to better monitor its prescribing and reduce misuse.

4. Increased Overdose Risk

On its own, gabapentin overdose rarely causes death, but when Gabapentin is combined with alcohol and other drugs (especially opioids), there may be a risk of fatal drug overdose.

How To Safely Use Gabapentin?

To prevent the side effects of Gabapentin, it is important to follow the doctor’s guidelines. 

1. Take the Gabapentin dose exactly as prescribed.
2. Stick to a regular schedule.
3. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet.
4. Do not abruptly stop using the medication without a doctor’s consultation
5. Tell your doctor about other medications you are using, especially opioids and muscle relaxants.
6. Do not take alcohol with Gabapentin
7. Limit alcohol and antidepressant use
8. Watch for side effects and consult your doctor immediately. 

Common Use of Gabapentin

How To Treat Gabapentin Dependence?

Treating Gabapentin dependence requires a comprehensive treatment approach that involves Gabapentin detox, mental wellness therapy, and dual diagnosis treatment. An overview of treatments is as follows:

1. Medical Detox To Get Gabapentin Out of Your System 

A medical Gabapentin detox helps to flush the drug out of your system. If you are diagnosed with severe Gabapentin addiction, then you may be advised to undergo rapid detox. Otherwise, you may be recommended: 

a. Gradual Tapering

Instead of quitting suddenly, which can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, doctors slowly lower the gabapentin dose over days or weeks. This allows your body to adjust without the medication and results in less withdrawal. 

b. Gabapentin Withdrawal Management

Medications like clonidine (to ease anxiety or high blood pressure) or anti-nausea medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms. Common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Pain or hypersensitivity
• Irritability
• Rarely, seizures (especially if used for epilepsy)

These symptoms are managed through a medical detox under the supervision of a licensed doctor.  

2. Behavioral Therapy To Improve Mental Wellness 

Dual Diagnoses Treatment: If Gabapentin is Combined With Alcohol and Opioids 

Dual diagnosis treatment for individuals misusing gabapentin alongside opioids or alcohol focuses on addressing both substance use and mental health disorders at the same time. Care typically starts with medically supervised rapid detox to manage withdrawal safely, using medications like Suboxone for opioid dependence or supportive therapies for alcohol withdrawal, while gradually tapering gabapentin to avoid seizures or severe anxiety.

Alternative Medications if You Were Using Gabapentin to Manage Alcohol Withdrawal

If gabapentin is being used to treat alcohol dependence but is not a good fit (due to misuse risk, side effects, or ineffectiveness), there are several alternative MAT medications that doctors often consider. These include:

• Naltrexone: Naltrexone blocks the rewarding and euphoric effects of alcohol and reduces cravings. It can be taken as a Naltrexone daily pill or a monthly Vivitrol injection.
• Acamprosate (Campral)
  Acamprosate helps stabilize brain chemistry disrupted by long-term alcohol use and reduces cravings. It is especially helpful after flushing alcohol out of your system faster to maintain sobriety.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse)
  Disulfiram causes an unpleasant reaction (flushing, nausea, heart palpitations) if alcohol is consumed. It does not reduce cravings but discourages drinking by creating unpleasant symptoms.

ChoicePoint Virtual and In-person Rehab is Serving Clients Nationwide

ChoicePoint virtual and in-person rehab also offers specialized treatment for gabapentin addiction, helping individuals overcome dependency. The treatment programs offer a combination of virtual and in-person options, providing flexibility for those who prefer remote care or require in-person support. For gabapentin addiction, our services typically include:

• Gradual Tapering Plans: To safely reduce gabapentin dependence, avoiding the risks of abrupt withdrawal and minimizing discomfort.
• Same-day Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Prescription: If gabapentin misuse is combined with other substances (like alcohol or opioids), MAT options such as Buprenorphine or Naltrexone may be used for holistic treatment.
• Therapy and Peer Support: Whether virtual or in-person, peer support offers an opportunity to connect with other peers who face similar struggles, which can enhance motivation and commitment to treatment.

All commercial insurances are accepted within the network of major insurance plans. Verify your insurance now and get started with your treatment at a certified and top-rated drug rehab.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapentin High

More of your questions related to Gabapentin addiction and high are answered below:

Is 900 Mg of Gabapentin a High Dose?

A dose of 900 mg of gabapentin is considered moderate. Gabapentin is typically prescribed in doses ranging from 300 mg to 3,600 mg per day. This depends on the condition being treated and the patient’s response.

Is Gabapentin a Controlled Substance?

Gabapentin is not yet federally classified as a controlled substance in the U.S., but several states have designated it as such due to its potential for misuse and abuse. These include Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan, and a few others.

Is Gabapentin Similar to Xanax?

Gabapentin and Xanax are not chemically similar, but both can have calming effects. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant, while Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety. 

How Does Gabapentin High Make You Feel?

Gabapentin can cause a calming or sedative effect. Some users report feeling relaxed, slightly euphoric, or even mildly “high,” especially at higher doses. However, side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, or confusion.

Why is Gabapentin a Narcotic Now?

Gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic, but it is sometimes referred to as a narcotic informally due to its potential for misuse. 

How Long Does it Take for the Gabapentin High to Kick In?

The effects of gabapentin usually occur within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion. The recreational use of Gabapentin is highly discouraged as it can increase the risk of fatal overdose. 

Sources

1. Smith, R. V., Havens, J. R., & Walsh, S. L. (2016). Gabapentin misuse, abuse, and diversion: a systematic review. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 111(7), 1160–1174. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.13324
2. Peckham, A. M., Ananickal, M. J., & Sclar, D. A. (2018). Gabapentin use, abuse, and the US opioid epidemic: the case for reclassification as a controlled substance and the need for pharmacovigilance. Risk management and healthcare policy, 11, 109–116. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S168504
3. Crane, E. H. (2013). Highlights of the 2011 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Findings on Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits. In The CBHSQ Report. (pp. 1–9). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US).