How to Detox from Gabapentin

Safe Gabapentin Detox: Expert Guidance for Recovery at Purpose Healing Center

What Are Severe Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Gabapentin Detox?

Gabapentin has a relaxing, calming effect on the body in high doses. After quitting gabapentin the body, it’s possible to have full or partial seizures, or muscle pain that intensifies, especially if you were dealing with neuropathic pain or a seizure disorder before being prescribed gabapentin.

The most common symptom of gabapentin withdrawal is physical discomfort, but the mental side effects after quitting gabapentin can be life-threatening. Potential symptoms include delusions and hallucinations from psychosis. There’s a risk of hurting yourself or others in a psychotic state.

How to Detox from Gabapentin: Managing  Withdrawals

The best thing that you can do when going through gabapentin detox is to keep yourself comfortable and hydrated. Treat it like a cold – use blankets, fans, or showers to help moderate your temperature, rest whenever you can, and drink plenty of fluids. You should also try eating when you can, but try to eat foods that support your body instead of sugary, processed, or fried foods.

Do not drink alcohol, take sleeping medication, or use other depressants to ease withdrawal symptoms like restlessness or anxiety. Gabapentin can cause respiratory depression in higher doses, especially when combined with different types of substance use.

Since there is also a risk of psychosis and other severe symptoms, inform a trusted friend or loved one that you plan to detox at home. They can help you reach out to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe physical or mental health symptoms.

Get Accredited Treatment Programs at Purpose

The Benefits of Medical Detox for Gabapentin

Even though gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance at the federal level, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, research shows potential for gabapentin dependence and gabapentin abuse. This is most common in cases where patients are prescribed high dosages of the medication or when they take it for an extended period.

Whether you are taking gabapentin prescribed to you or buying it on the street, there’s a risk of addiction with long-term use. Gabapentin produces feelings of euphoria and calm in high doses. It especially appeals to individuals who may be dealing with co-occurring conditions, ranging from depression and anxiety to chronic pain.

In addition to receiving help with physical dependence and gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, a qualified medical detox program helps with the mental side of substance abuse. Here are some of the benefits.

Help Managing More Severe Symptoms of Detox

For people stopping gabapentin after long-term use, the safest, most comfortable method of detox is tapering. Essentially, you’ll reduce your normal dose slowly under medical supervision.

By gradually reducing gabapentin use instead of suddenly stopping gabapentin, it’s a little easier for your body to adjust. This helps minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Interestingly, medical professionals sometimes prescribe gabapentin to manage withdrawal symptoms. It is most commonly used to treat alcohol withdrawal, but may also be recommended for opioid or benzodiazepine withdrawal.

While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, other medications may be prescribed off-label to prevent complications in people who are displaying severe withdrawal symptoms.

A Safe, Supportive Environment at an Accredited Facility

Recovering from prescription medication, alcohol, or illicit drugs is challenging to do alone. At Purpose, we strive to provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment to all clients, regardless of background. You’ll receive addiction treatment while you go through detox, helping you lay the foundation for continued recovery.

We also offer accredited care that exceeds what you’ll find at other Arizona facilities, meeting or exceeding all requirements for the JCAHO Gold Standard of Care. Reach out to find out how much better things are at our treatment center today!

Laying the Foundation for Continued Sobriety

Even after you’ve navigated the more intense physical gabapentin withdrawal symptoms, you will still have psychological cravings. Learning how to manage these cravings after gabapentin misuse is essential for relapse prevention.

During gabapentin addiction treatment, you’ll learn skills that help you achieve long-term sobriety. Tools like motivational interviewing will help you build and maintain motivation for staying sober, while other key coping strategies help you learn how to deal with stress and cravings positively.

Less Temptation to Use

Gabapentin withdrawal can make you feel physically and mentally unwell. The discomfort of withdrawal can make it tempting to start misusing gabapentin again, just to get some relief. Some people also turn to other drugs, which can have life-threatening side effects.

While in the structured environment of a detox facility, you’ll have your symptoms managed better than you could at home. There is also less opportunity to relapse unless you were to check yourself out of the facility.