How Long Does Gabapentin Last? Risks and Effects of Gabapentin Abuse

How Long Does Gabapentin Last?

Gabapentin, also known by the brand name Neurontin, is an anticonvulsant used for seizure disorders and certain neuropathic pain conditions. It belongs to its drug class known as Gabapentinoids. It is most commonly used to treat epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, hot flashes, and neuropathic pain. Gabapentin abuse tends to happen in people who already have an addiction to opioids or other drugs. The effects of Gabapentin intoxication have been described as a sense of calm, euphoria, and a high similar to Marijuana.

Gabapentin is available in immediate-release and extended-release versions. It is most often taken as a pill. Information on the drug suggests that the half-life of gabapentin in most individuals is between 5-7 hours. The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes a person’s system to break the drug down to half of its original or beginning concentration in the bloodstream.

Gabapentin would be totally eliminated from most people’s systems after a span of five to eight half-lives has transpired. If we consider that the average half-life of gabapentin is around seven hours in most people, it will take about 48 hours for the drug to be eliminated from the system; however, there are other factors that can affect this process. For instance, extended-release versions of gabapentin would continue to release the drug over time, and the detectability of the drug would be extended.

Gabapentin Abuse Statistics

Prevalence of gabapentin misuse in the general population was reported to be 1%, 40– 65% among individuals with prescriptions, and between 15–22% within populations of people who abuse opioids. An array of subjective experiences reminiscent of opioids, benzodiazepines, and psychedelics were reported over a range of doses, including those within clinical recommendations. Gabapentin was primarily misused for recreational purposes, self-medication, or intentional self-harm and was misused alone or in combination with other substances, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and/or alcohol. Individuals with histories of drug abuse were most often involved in its misuse.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

How long do gabapentin withdrawals last? Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours to 7 days of stopping the drug

How long do side effects last after stopping gabapentin? The timeline of symptoms, based on case studies, is as follows:

12-48 hours

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Palpitations

• Sweating
• Nausea
• Itchy skin
• Headaches

Day 3

• Restlessness
• Disorientation
• Confusion

• Agitation
• Anxiety

Days 4 and 5

• Increasing confusion, agitation, and anxiety
• Headaches

• Light sensitivity
• Nervousness

How long do gabapentin withdrawal symptoms last? There is little information on how long gabapentin withdrawal lasts. Some studies have noted symptoms for up to 10 days, at which point person may develop severe changes in mental status, chest pain, and high blood pressure. However, it’s possible that people could continue to have symptoms beyond this point.

How long does withdrawal from gabapentin last? People who wish to quit gabapentin should work with a physician to taper off the medication. Going “cold turkey” can lead to severe complications. One example of this stems from the fact that gabapentin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of seizures. If someone prone to seizures suddenly stops taking gabapentin, they may begin to have seizures that do not stop (status epilepticus). This condition is life-threatening and requires hospitalization.

Undergoing a gradual taper as part of a supervised medical detox can minimize the risk of these complications as well as facilitate the management of any medical problems that you may experience during withdrawal.

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How Long Does It Take for Gabapentin to Kick In?

Normally, it takes one to two weeks for gabapentin to reach its full effects, but this also depends on the condition it’s being taken to treat. The effective dose of gabapentin is also different for everyone, varying from 300 mg per day to 3,000 mg per day.

As with many medications, gabapentin doses usually start off low and are gradually increased depending on the person’s condition. For instance, when used to treat nerve pain, a gabapentin dose may begin at 300 mg and, over the course of several days, be increased by 300 mg until it reaches 600 mg three times per day.

How long does a dose of gabapentin last? Once someone has been taking gabapentin for a few weeks, its side effects may take 2 to 3 hours to kick in regularly. It may take longer to kick in simply because doses are started off low and

Does Gabapentin Show Up on a Drug Test?

How long does gabapentin last in your system? Pre-employment and random drug tests do not typically test for gabapentin. However, some addiction centers may order a special test for gabapentin if there is suspicion this medication is being misused.

How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Urine?

Gabapentin can be detected in urine for 1–2 days.

How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your Blood?

Gabapentin is detected in the blood several hours after use and can be detected for up to two days depending on how much was used.

How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your Hair?

While hair follicle tests usually measure within the previous 90 days, gabapentin is not typically included unless it is specifically requested.

Factors Affecting How Long Gabapentin Stays in Your System

While gabapentin is not a federally controlled substance, some U.S. states have started regulating it as a result of increasing misuse. One study estimated the prevalence of gabapentin abuse and misuse to be 40–65% among people with prescriptions and 15–22% in populations abusing opioids, compared with 1% in the general population.

Gabapentin can stay in the system for about 45 hours in most people. Some factors that may impact metabolism include:

• Amount used: Gabapentin accumulates in the body when taken in high amounts. Taking large doses may prolong the time it stays in the body.
• Frequency of use: Gabapentin will stay in the body longer in people who use it frequently as the concentration in the blood is increased.
• Age: In general, kidney function declines with age. Therefore, older adults metabolize gabapentin more slowly because the kidneys are responsible for metabolizing gabapentin.
• Overall health: The length of time gabapentin stays in the body is directly proportional to kidney function. The half-life of gabapentin in people with kidney failure can be up to 132 hours, meaning it can stay in the body for 28 days without dialysis.

Effects of a Gabapentin Addiction

Effects of excessive Gabapentin use include:

It is important to try to recognize these symptoms and to be wary of other red flags, such as the presence of an abundance of pill bottles. These effects can be detrimental to one’s health, livelihood, and overall safety.

Many Gabapentin users in early recovery abuse Gabapentin because, at high doses (800mg or more), they may experience a euphoric-like high that does not show up on drug screens. Gabapentin abusers typically take the drug in addition to Opioids to produce their desired high, a dangerous and potentially deadly combination. It is possible to fatally overdose on Gabapentin, both on its own or in conjunction with other drugs.

There is currently no antidote that can be administered to someone in the case of a Gabapentin overdose as there is with Opioid overdoses. If you find a loved one showing signs of an overdose–drowsiness, muscle weakness, lethargy and drooping eyelids, diarrhea, and sedation—seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of a Gabapentin Addiction

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Gabapentin Detox and Addiction Treatment

Suddenly discontinuing Gabapentin can boost the probability of seizures, so it’s vital to seek assistance when looking to quit. Suppose you are getting treatment for a gabapentin addiction problem. In that case, you will likely begin with a medically-assisted Gabapentin detox so that you can slowly eradicate the drug from your body in a controlled way. After completing the Gabapentin detox, you need medical clearance before transitioning into an inpatient treatment program. There are several gabapentin addiction treatment options available, including:

Medically-assisted Gabapentin Detox

After heavy or extended use of this drug, your system becomes dependent on Gabapentin and needs it in its system to function and avoid a possible dangerous withdrawal symptom. Getting medically-assisted Gabapentin detox helps you slowly wean off gabapentin while under medical care.

Inpatient Treatment

If your gabapentin addiction is severe or you have co-occurring mental health or medical issues, an inpatient program can provide intensive care. Inpatient treatment demands that you live at the facility for the entire duration of your treatment. These programs provide a safe environment and a high level of structure that minimizes triggers to use the drug. Before starting treatment, medical professionals will assess your situation and your addiction to create a tailored treatment plan. This may include group and individual therapy, family therapy, relapse prevention lessons, support groups, and aftercare planning.

Support Groups

Before, during, or after treatment, you may attend 12-step meetings like AA/NA or other support groups. When you go to a support group, you will be welcomed by individuals who know what you’ve been through because they’ve gone through it too. Feeling accepted can make a massive difference in your healing because you will create a new support network of sober people and learn from individuals who have been abstinent from drugs for a longer period of time.

Aftercare Addiction Treatment Program

While in rehab, you will get ready for your transition out of treatment by developing an aftercare plan. This will look different for every person and may include:

• Transitioning into a sober living facility
• Locating a counselor or therapist outside of treatment
• Regularly attending 12-step meetings or other support groups

After you leave treatment, you must stay involved with aftercare recovery treatment to prevent relapse.

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 methods of coping with stress. 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.