Gabapentin Abuse
If you've been considering taking Gabapentin for seizures or other conditions, you may be concerned that this mild tranquilizer has the potential to become addictive. But it can also cause lethal overdoses and seizures. So, how do you protect yourself? Here are some things to remember:
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Gabapentin is a mild tranquilizer
Despite its mild, sedative effects, gabapentin has many medical uses. It has proven useful for people with phantom pain, chronic pain, epilepsy, and restless leg syndrome. It also helps manage pain associated with diabetes, spinal cord injury, and Fibromyalgia. Although it is a safe drug, Gabapentin abuse can cause serious side effects, such as addiction and fatal overdose.

Although its effects are similar to those of marijuana, gabapentin does not appear to be psychoactive. However, it does provide a mild euphoric high similar to that of cannabis. It is also not tested on drug tests, so it is popular in the street as a "gabby" or "johnny." Although gabapentin is considered mildly addictive, it is still classified as a Schedule 5 controlled substance.

It can cause seizures
While gabapentin does not normally cause seizures if used correctly, excessive use of the drug can lead to seizures. Other side effects of gabapentin abuse include weight loss, body shakes, and anxiety. Abuse of gabapentin can lead to an overdose and severe effects on the brain and nervous system. It is important to contact a rehab center for assistance if you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from seizures.

Overdose of gabapentin is similar to opioid overdose. The body loses oxygen and brain cells. Without sufficient oxygen, brain cells die rapidly. The first step in treating a gabapentin overdose is to make sure that the airway is open and the person is breathing. Treatment for gabapentin abuse can include a series of supportive measures, such as supportive treatment, monitoring, and detoxification.

It can lead to addiction
If you or someone you know has developed a gabapentin addiction, there is help. Intensive treatment is available to those suffering from addiction. During an inpatient rehab, the patient lives at the facility. These programs provide a high level of structure, minimizing triggers to abuse gabapentin. Counselors and therapists work with the patient to determine the root cause of the addiction and implement changes to their lifestyle.

Despite its low potential for abuse, gabapentin is often prescribed to combat alcoholic dependence. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, 16.6 million adults in the United States suffered from alcoholism in 2013. Gabapentin may cause withdrawal symptoms similar to those of marijuana, such as tremors, anxiety, and irritability. Because gabapentin is not a controlled substance, it is unlikely to become an addiction unless combined with other drugs.

It can cause lethal overdoses
There are numerous dangers associated with gabapentin abuse, including lethal overdoses. This drug interferes with the body's vital functions, including breathing. Respiratory depression is a common complication of CNS depressants. These drugs reduce the rate at which the body breathes, which slows down breathing and can cause respiratory arrest. The effects of abuse can be life-threatening, especially with each subsequent use.

While gabapentin is considered generally well-tolerated, there are instances of excessive use or abuse. In one reported case, a 32-year-old man ingested 91 grams of gabapentin with valproic acid, beer, and whiskey. The patient displayed symptoms that were similar to alcohol intoxication. However, it took eleven hours for the symptoms to occur.

It can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors
While gabapentin is generally considered safe, many patients experience unexpected side effects and deteriorating mental health. People who abuse gabapentin may become depressed, aggressive, or suicidal. While gabapentin abuse is a serious mental health issue that requires medical treatment, it can also be treated successfully with the help of supportive therapy and aftercare options.

Treatment for gabapentin addiction should not consist of just detox and withdrawal management. Rather, a professional detoxification program should focus on the patient's specific needs and provide individualized treatment. Professional detoxification also emphasizes adequate treatment length to improve overall outcomes. In addition, rehab programs should include counseling and behavioral therapy. This type of care should be considered only after all available medical therapies have been tried.