Yes. Gabapentin can be misused, and repeated use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal in some people. The risk is not the same for everyone, but published evidence shows higher misuse rates among people with current or past substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorder.
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication used for conditions including certain seizure disorders and neuropathic pain. It is not an opioid or benzodiazepine, but it affects nervous-system signaling and can cause sedation or dizziness.
How can gabapentin be misused?
Misuse can include taking more than prescribed, using someone else’s medication, combining it with other substances for psychoactive effects, or taking it in ways not directed by a clinician.
Systematic reviews have documented gabapentin misuse, particularly among people with opioid use disorder or polysubstance use.
Can gabapentin cause dependence?
Yes. Physical dependence can develop after repeated exposure, especially with higher doses or prolonged use. Dependence means the body has adapted to the medication and withdrawal symptoms can occur if it is stopped suddenly.
What can gabapentin withdrawal feel like?
Reported symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, agitation, nausea, sweating, tremor, pain, and in some cases more serious neurologic symptoms. The evidence base includes case reports and observational data rather than one universal withdrawal pattern.
People taking gabapentin regularly should not abruptly stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with the prescriber.
Why is gabapentin with opioids a concern?
FDA warns that gabapentin and related gabapentinoids can contribute to serious breathing problems in people with respiratory risk factors, including those using opioids or other central nervous system depressants.
Research also suggests gabapentinoid misuse is frequently associated with opioid use and polysubstance exposure.
Is gabapentin considered addictive?
Gabapentin has lower recognized abuse liability than many classic controlled substances, but misuse, compulsive use, dependence, and withdrawal have all been reported. Risk appears to be concentrated in certain populations rather than being uniform across all patients.
Who may be at higher risk?
Studies consistently identify people with opioid use disorder, other substance use disorders, psychiatric conditions, or a history of medication misuse as higher-risk groups.
What should someone do if they are taking more gabapentin than prescribed?
Talk with a qualified clinician before making sudden changes. If gabapentin is being combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other sedatives, the risk of dangerous sedation or breathing problems can increase.
Trinity Behavioral Health provides adult addiction-treatment information, including detox and withdrawal-management information. This article does not mean Trinity uses a specific gabapentin-taper protocol.
Frequently asked questions
Is gabapentin a controlled substance?
Gabapentin is not federally scheduled in the United States, although some states have added controls or prescription-monitoring requirements.
Can gabapentin withdrawal happen after prescribed use?
Yes. Physical dependence can occur even when a medication is taken as prescribed, particularly after sustained use.
Can gabapentin cause overdose?
Serious toxicity is more likely when gabapentin is combined with opioids or other depressants. Breathing problems require urgent medical attention.
Should gabapentin be stopped suddenly?
Not without medical guidance. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal and may be unsafe for some patients.
Sources
- Systematic Review Update: Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin
- Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Gabapentin Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal
- Drugs: Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin—Systematic Review Update
- FDA: Serious Breathing Problems With Gabapentinoids
This article is general educational information and does not replace individualized medical advice.