Hmm. I found something.
Can You Overdose on Gabapentin?
In recent years, gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin, has become abused more regularly by those seeking a calming high similar to that brought on by opioid drugs. Gabapentin even has a street name — "gabbies" — for recreational use. When a prescription drug is abused, it's often ingested in amounts much higher than originally intended and (even worse) mixed with other drugs.
Despite the well-known withdrawal side effects, it's difficult to overdose on gabapentin. Studies have shown that even at very high levels of ingestion people have only suffered mild to moderate physical and mental side effects that are rarely life threatening. So far there has been only one report of death from gabapentin toxicity (related to gabapentin overdose). While this means gabapentin is a relatively safe drug, it still should not be ingested in large amounts. Those taking gabapentin should keep in mind that gabapentin withdrawal symptoms will be that much worse if they continue to abuse the drug and take larger amounts than medically necessary.
Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose
Most side effects of a gabapentin overdose will be related to an overall deceleration of the body's systems. Drowsiness, muscle weakness, lethargy and drooping eyelids can be expected. Other gabapentin overdose symptoms include diarrhea and sedation. These symptoms arise because gabapentin is formulated to slow down misfirings in the brain that cause seizures.
Those who use gabapentin should be aware that stopping gabapentin abruptly can actually increase the chance of experiencing seizure activity. While it may seem ironic that a drug approved to treat seizures can cause them, gabapentin is a powerful drug that must be tapered slowly in order to avoid some of its more severe withdrawal side effects.
If you think you or a loved one could be struggling with substance use disorder involving gabapentin or other drugs, we invite you to contact our compassionate and well-trained team at The Recovery Village®. We're here to answer your questions and ready to help in any way we can.
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