Can You Get A Gabapentin High? Know The Risks and Considerations

Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain and epilepsy.[1] While considered safe when taken as prescribed, recreational use or excessive dosing of gabapentin can lead to dangerous consequences.

Misuse of gabapentin can result in various adverse effects, including dependence, overdose, and impairment of cognitive and physical functions. It’s important to be aware of these risks while using the medication and to only do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective treatment.

What is Gabapentin Used For?

Gabapentin is a versatile medication that belongs to the class of anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs. Its primary use is in the treatment of neuropathic pain, a type of pain caused by damage or dysfunction in the nerves.

Gabapentin is primarily used to treat neuropathic pain and as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children aged three years and older. Combined with other anti-seizure medications, its ability to modulate neurotransmitter activity contributes to its effectiveness in treating this condition.[2]

While not approved for this use, gabapentin is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat the uncomfortable sensations and urge to move the legs associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS).[3] Some studies have also suggested that gabapentin may help treat certain anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, more research is needed in this area.[4]

Regardless of its intended use, gabapentin must be taken under medical supervision and as directed by a healthcare professional. Like many medications, it can cause side effects and may interact with other drugs, necessitating close monitoring and guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

What are the Effects of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin can produce various effects, both intended therapeutic effects and potential side effects:[5]

Therapeutic Effects of Gabapentin

• Pain relief: Gabapentin is primarily used to treat neuropathic pain, such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia, by reducing neuronal excitability and modulating neurotransmitters involved in pain signaling.
• Seizure control: As an anticonvulsant medication, gabapentin can help control partial seizures when used in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs.

Side Effects of Gabapentin

• Dizziness and drowsiness: Gabapentin can cause sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination, especially at higher doses or when starting treatment.
• Fatigue and weakness: Some people may experience tiredness, lack of energy, and muscle weakness while taking gabapentin.
• Cognitive impairment: Gabapentin may cause cognitive side effects such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
• Peripheral edema: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (known as peripheral edema) is a common side effect of gabapentin.
• Respiratory depression: In cases of overdose or when combined with other central nervous system depressants, gabapentin can cause potentially life-threatening respiratory depression.

Can You Get a Gabapentin High?

Yes, a gabapentin high is possible when taken in excessive doses or when misused.[6] However, it’s important to note that gabapentin is not approved or intended for recreational use, and misusing it can be dangerous.

When taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional for approved medical purposes like neuropathic pain or epilepsy, gabapentin is generally considered safe and non-intoxicating. However, when taken in high doses or combined with other substances, gabapentin can produce a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation, which some individuals may perceive as pleasurable and attempt to reproduce.

What Are the Risks of Misusing Gabapentin?

Misusing gabapentin, which includes taking it without a prescription or in higher doses than prescribed, carries several risks and potential dangers:[7]

• Dependence and addiction: Gabapentin can lead to physical dependence and psychological habituation, especially when taken in high doses or for an extended period. While less common, it also has the potential for abuse. Abruptly stopping gabapentin after prolonged misuse can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and sweating.
• Overdose: Taking excessive amounts of gabapentin can lead to an overdose, which may cause life-threatening complications such as respiratory depression, coma, and even death, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants like opioids or alcohol.
• Impaired cognitive and motor functions: Misusing gabapentin can result in dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: In some cases, gabapentin misuse has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions.
• Interactions with other substances: Combining gabapentin with other medications, alcohol, or recreational drugs can amplify the effects and increase the risk of adverse reactions, overdose, and other serious consequences.

It’s essential to use gabapentin only as prescribed by a healthcare professional and never to share or sell your prescription. If you or someone you know is struggling with gabapentin misuse or addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help and support from healthcare providers or addiction treatment specialists.

Can You Become Addicted to Using Gabapentin?

While gabapentin was initially thought to have a low potential for abuse, mounting evidence suggests it’s possible to become addicted to this medication, especially when it is misused or taken in higher doses than prescribed. The risk of addiction stems from the fact that with regular use, some individuals may develop a tolerance to gabapentin, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects.

This can lead to physical dependence, where the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. When someone dependent on gabapentin tries to stop taking it abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and, in severe cases, seizures.

In addition to physical dependence, psychological dependency can occur, characterized by cravings and a preoccupation with obtaining and using gabapentin, even in the face of adverse consequences.

The risk of dependency increases when gabapentin is misused or taken in doses higher than prescribed, often in an attempt to achieve a euphoric “gabapentin high” or to enhance the effects of other substances. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may be at a higher risk of developing a gabapentin addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gabapentin addiction, it is crucial to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction treatment specialist for proper assessment and management.

Our Rockville addiction treatment guide provides information on our personalized care programs, tailored to meet your unique needs. Alpas Wellness is one of the leading addiction treatment centers in Maryland, dedicated to guiding you toward a healthier, substance-free life.