Is Gabapentin and Alcohol a Safe Mix? Common FAQs

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, anti-epileptic drugs like Gabapentin do not mix well with alcohol. While some people get away with a drink or two, doctors advise against this practice, especially if you struggle with AUD. Here are the reasons why Gabapentin and alcohol should not be taken together:

• Both substances have sedative effects.
• Alcohol increases the frequency of seizures.
• Side effects of Gabapentin increase while effectiveness decreases with alcohol.

Alcohol is a party staple for most people in the US. Even in a regular routine, taking alcohol is not given much thought. However, there are cases when being cautious is very important, for instance, in people with conditions like epilepsy.  To better understand the mechanism of Gabapentin and how alcohol interferes with it is very important. 

Are you worried that alcohol use disorder will interfere with gabapentin? Call 844.445.2565 to contact specialists at a reputable rehab in New Jersey.

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Understanding Gabapentin’s Mechanism

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant, meaning that it is used to treat seizures and nerve pain. Its mechanism is still unknown. However, it treats seizures by reducing abnormal activity in the brain. It is also believed to block the pain messages going to the brain to treat nerve pain. One of the famous brand names for Gabapentin is Neurontin. 

Common Side Effects of Gabapentin and Alcohol Abuse

Gabapentin and alcohol share similar side effects. When taken together, the following common side effects may prevail:

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Forgetfulness
• Clumsiness
• Impaired thinking abilities
• Excessive drowsiness
• Bad coordination

Knowing how your body reacts to Gabapentin is crucial. Most people are advised to refrain from driving or performing other such tasks because their coordination and decision-making skills are not the most effective. 

If you feel like you are misusing gabapentin by adding it to other substances like alcohol, feel free to contact our New Jersey addiction specialists at 844.445.2565. You may enter your information in this form. 

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What Happens if Gabapentin Is Taken With Alcohol?

Those who take Gabapentin are advised not to take alcohol. It is one of the top substances that one needs to stay away from when on Gabapentin. The reasons why you should not mix the two are given below.

Enhanced Sedative Effects

Alcohol and Gabapentin have similar effects on the body. The issue with mixing the two is that the effects will be amplified and become a recipe for accidents during walking, driving, and other daily tasks. 

Moreover, according to a study, Gabapentin can also increase the abuse liability of alcohol. While Gabapentin may be used as an off-label treatment of alcohol use disorder, some studies also warn against the increased side effects of Gabapentin with alcohol. 

Increased Seizures

Since Gabapentin may be used as a treatment for alcohol use disorder, it is not FDA-approved. It is also not the first line of treatment. This is because alcohol has repeatedly been shown to contribute to the occurrence of seizures. 

Gabapentin is also shown to induce seizures in those with no history of epilepsy and among those with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Therefore, it is not used as a first line of treatment for AUD withdrawal. This shows that the two do not mix well together.

CNS Depression

Gabapentin has been shown to cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. This is manifested in how the body reacts to it. However, when alcohol is taken alongside another depressant like alcohol, it may:

• Increases the risk of overdose
• Decreased heart rate
• Blood pressure drops

While Gabapentin is a very effective medication, it does run the risk of overdose when taken with alcohol. Doctors specifically warn patients about this fatal risk. Therefore, following instructions is paramount. 

Call 911 immediately if you see someone overdosing on Gabapentin and alcohol combination. 

Impaired Cognitive Functions

One of the side effects of Gabapentin includes a decline in cognitive functions, especially in older individuals. Alcohol also poses a risk of impaired cognitive function, both in the short term and long term. The results cannot be good if the two are combined or misused. The magnitude of risks will increase. A decline in cognitive functions looks like this: 

• Both alcohol and Gabapentin impair memory.
• Blackouts are common with the combination, especially in cases of misuse.
• Changes in motor functions are also observed due to both substances.

Risk of Misuse

The risk of alcohol and Gabapentin misuse is also possible because of their abuse potential. If someone practices taking it together often, one may become dependent on the concoction. It is always good to practice caution and moderation to avoid issues like being dependent on substances. Another important thing to remember is that Gabapentin’s mechanism is not currently well understood. Therefore, weighing the risks and benefits is very important. You must consult your doctor before self-medicating.

Want to help your loved one struggling with alcoholism? Check out the effective ways in which you can help a recovering addict.

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

Alcohol and Drug Rehab in NJ for Gabapentin Misuse

Struggling with two medical conditions is a challenging task in itself. Don’t let a life-saving medication, i.e., gabapentin, become a source of additional complications. For alcohol or gabapentin dependence, call 844.445.2565. We are located in New Jersey and provide treatment across the state. 

All our treatments are insurance-covered and available in the following care levels:

• Inpatient treatment
• Partial care
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Virtual treatment
• Aftercare

Some treatments offered at the rehab include:

• Rapid detox
• Medication-assisted treatment for alcoholism
• Behavioral therapies

To learn more about our services and free initial consultation, book an appointment at 844.445.2565 or schedule a callback.

Takeaway

Everybody’s bodies react differently to different medications, including Gabapentin. While some do not experience side effects, others may do. Despite personal experiences, it is good to stay on the safe side by not mixing Gabapentin and alcohol. If you must, inform a loved one and try not to engage in activities that can risk your or other people’s lives. 

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Question/Answer Session on Mixing Gabapentin and Alcohol

People have also asked the following questions on the subject:

Can You Overdose on Gabapentin and Alcohol?

When Gabapentin is used alongside alcohol or other depressants, it is likely to result in overdose. While this may not happen every time, there is a possibility for this to happen.

Can You Take Gabapentin When Hungover?

No. Gabapentin is not to be mixed with alcohol, and it is also not a quick fix for alcohol hangovers. It is used to manage alcohol withdrawal, but that is the second line of treatment. That is also exercised mostly in clinical settings. 

How Long After Gabapentin Can I Drink Alcohol?

You should wait at least 24 hours to drink after taking another dose of gabapentin. It is better to avoid taking two such substances together that have sedative-like properties. 

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Gabapentin 300mg?

While 300mg is a low dose of gabapentin, it should still not be taken alongside alcohol. The reaction of mixing the two can be unpredictable and, therefore, should be avoided. 

What Are Serious Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin has been shown to cause respiratory depression, according to the FDA. Some others include vision changes, loss of coordination, and impaired cognitive functions. 

Is Gabapentin and Alcohol Safe Together?

When taken with alcohol, Gabapentin can cause drowsiness, sleepiness, and dizziness. These are the most common side effects associated with the concoction of alcohol and Gabapentin. 

Is Gabapentin a Sleeping Pill?

Gabapentin does not primarily serve the purpose of a sleeping pill. However, its off-label uses include treating insomnia, managing anxiety, depression, etc. It may also be employed to treat insomnia originating from alcohol withdrawal. 

Does Gabapentin Increase Fall Risk?

Gabapentin may affect coordination. If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. It may increase even more if you are using other substances along with Gabapentin.

Sources

1. Alcohol. (2022). Epilepsy Foundation. https://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/managing-epilepsy/health-and-wellbeing/alcohol/
2. Castillo, F., Jones, J. D., Luba, R., Mogali, S., Foltin, R. W., Evans, S. M., & Comer, S. D. (2022). Gabapentin increases the abuse liability of alcohol alone and in combination with oxycodone in participants with co-occurring opioid and alcohol use disorder. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 173482.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173482
3. Oh, Gy., Moga, D. C., Fardo, D. W., & Abner, E. L. (2022). The association of gabapentin initiation and neurocognitive changes in older adults with normal cognition. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.910719