Gabapentin Ruined My Life, Addiction Signs, Withdrawal Effects

Gabapentin Ruined My Life

Gabapentin, which is approved to treat seizures, is frequently prescribed for conditions other than those for which it was originally intended, including anxiety and pain. On the other hand, some people have reported experiencing severe addiction and withdrawal effects from gabapentin, leading them to state that “Gabapentin ruined my life.” Because the effects of the drug on the brain are not always predictable and can differ greatly from one person to the next, it is essential to use the drug with extreme caution and under the close supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Both an immediate-release and an extended-release version of gabapentin are currently on the market. It is most commonly consumed in the form of a pill. According to the available information on the medication, the half-life of gabapentin in most people is between five and seven hours. The amount of time required for an individual’s system to break down a drug to a concentration in the bloodstream that is half of its initial or starting concentration is the drug’s “half-life.”

After five to eight half-lives, gabapentin would have been eliminated from the systems of the majority of people. Considering that the half-life of gabapentin in most people is approximately seven hours, it will take approximately 48 hours for the drug to be eliminated from the body; however, other factors can influence this process. For instance, the extended-release forms of gabapentin would continue to release the drug over the course of time, thereby extending the period during which it would be possible to detect its presence.

Gabapentin Addiction Stories

After suffering nerve damage in a car accident, John was given Gabapentin to relieve his discomfort. At first, it was a relief, but eventually, he needed the pills just to function normally. John began taking excessive amounts of the drug and soon became dependent on Gabapentin.

He knew he needed help when his addiction negatively impacted his personal and professional life. After consulting with John’s physician, a rehabilitation center was suggested. He was able to identify and address the causes of his addiction and develop strategies to deal with relapse while in treatment.

John described himself as “a different man” after finishing the program. He prioritized his health and well-being and found alternative methods to alleviate his pain. John appreciated the help he received and the skills he learned to overcome his Gabapentin addiction, despite the difficulty of his recovery process.

How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is offered in the form of an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. The efficacy of either formulation is contingent upon various factors, including but not limited to age, renal function, and concurrent pharmacotherapy. The onset of gabapentin’s effects may vary due to its diverse indications.

Typically, sleep disturbances caused by neuropathic pain may exhibit amelioration within a week; however, alleviating the pain itself may require up to two weeks to become perceptible. The reduction of seizures can typically be observed within a few weeks of initiating gabapentin treatment. The amelioration of symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome or postherpetic neuralgia, a type of nerve pain that occurs after an episode of shingles, may require a period of several days or weeks to manifest.

Learn More:

• Gabapentin Detox
• Prescription Drug Addiction
• Mixing Prescription Drugs with Alcohol
• Prescription Pill Detox
• What Does Withdrawal Mean?

8%

Neuropathic pain affects up to 8% of the population, causing significant distress and morbidity. Gabapentin is one of the recommended mainstays of evidence-based treatment.

Source: NCBI

40%

40–
65% among individuals with prescriptions and between 15–22% within populations of people
who abuses opioids also abuses gabapentin

Source: SAMHSA

Is Gabapentin Addicting?

Can you be addicted to gabapentin? There is a possibility of addiction to gabapentin. Even though the DEA does not consider it a controlled substance, there is still a risk of abuse and addiction. Some people can become physically dependent on the drug, in which case they would experience withdrawal symptoms if they stopped taking it.

Can you become addicted to gabapentin? Because it can amplify the effects of other drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, gabapentin can lead to the development of an addiction. Additionally, it can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, both of which have the potential to lead to psychological dependence. In addition, taking gabapentin in high doses can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, which increases the likelihood that one will become addicted to the drug.

Factors Affecting How Long Gabapentin Stays in Your System

Despite not being categorized as a federally controlled substance, gabapentin has been subjected to regulation by certain states in the United States as a result of its growing misuse. According to a study, the incidence of gabapentin misuse and abuse was estimated to be between 40-65% among individuals with prescriptions and 15-22% in opioid-abusing populations, in contrast to 1% in the general population.

The elimination half-life of Gabapentin in the human body is approximately 45 hours. Several factors have been identified that could potentially affect metabolism.

Find the Right Treatment Plan at We Level Up NJ

The inpatient treatment approach works best to change the person’s behaviors. Also, it will help clients establish social support systems and better coping methods. However, a person will likely experience many different side effects from the abuse and misuse of Gabapentin. These side effects may be physical, emotional, or mental. For instance, someone in withdrawal will likely experience many uncomfortable feelings and negative thoughts about life during detox. Unfortunately for those with dependency, medically assisted Gabapentin detox is an unavoidable first step towards recovery. 

Please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up NJ provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery. So, reclaim your life, call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.