Neurontin, also known as gabapentin, is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain. In adults, Neurontin treats neuropathic pain, nerve pain caused by the herpes virus, or shingles (herpes zoster). In the US, gabapentin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a non-controlled substance.
It will not show up on drug tests like other substances unless it is specifically tested for. However, if it were tested for, Neurontin could show up in a blood or urine test for around two days after it was last taken. By altering the way nerves work, gabapentin may reduce your pain. You should notice that your pain starts to improve over one to two weeks after beginning gabapentin, but it may take longer in some people. However, some feel the benefits straight away.
Is Neurontin Addictive?
Gabapentin is an addictive drug because it causes physical dependence in those who take the medication over time. With regular use, a person’s body adapts to the Neurontin and essentially expects the substance to be present and will rely on it to function normally.
Many people use gabapentin for legitimate medical conditions, but some become addicted to the drug and misuse it. Frequent use of gabapentin can lead to physical dependence on the drug. To date, and despite empirical evidence suggestive of diversion and abuse with opioids, gabapentin remains a non-controlled substance at the federal level.
What Are Neurontin Withdrawal Symptoms?
People who develop a physical dependence on gabapentin may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to come off it. These symptoms can begin within 12 hours to 7 days after quitting the medication and last ten days. Symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, dizziness, headache, sensitivity to light, sweating, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and pain. The factors affecting withdrawals are age, dose, length use, medical or mental problems, and concurrent use of other drugs.
The withdrawal symptoms are like those of alcohol or benzodiazepine. They create similar withdrawals because Neurontin, gabapentin, like alcohol and benzodiazepines, all act on gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. If someone uses Neurontin for seizures and stops taking it, they may experience a rebound in or increased frequency of seizure activity, including continuous, uncontrollable seizures. The Center for Disease Control has found high percentages of links between unintentional death by overdose in those who use Neurontin, also known as gabapentin.
Benzodiazepines and gabapentin were detected in 51.6% and 21.6% of prescription opioid–only deaths, respectively. (CDC)
Even though Neurontin, gabapentin, is a nonopioid medication commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, it was found in nearly one in five prescriptions opioid–only deaths and in almost one in 10 deaths in the other groups of overdoses. According to the Studies of the CDC, the combined use of Neurontin and opioids might be an indicator of high-risk opioid misuse and overdose.
How Can Allure Detox Help with Neurontin Addiction?
Allure Detox is conveniently located 10 minutes from the West Palm Beach International Airport. We are an hour’s drive from Miami and walking distance from beautiful South Florida Beaches. We want you to know that you do not have to stay addicted. We are available around the clock to consult with you. We will explain to you exactly how our inpatient detox program works. We offer detox from opiates, heroin, alcohol, benzos, and Neurontin. We understand addiction correctly; we know it is not a moral failing; it is a disease. We are ready to answer all your questions about healing from Neurontin abuse. Our admissions team is standing by for your call.