Is Gabapentin Detox Really Necessary?

People who become addicted to gabapentin and want to stop using often try quitting cold turkey. While stopping gabapentin use abruptly may seem like the right thing to do, this cessation method can be dangerous and life-threatening, especially since withdrawal symptoms may include seizures. It can be difficult to accept that one has a problem with addiction, but doing so can open the door to gabapentin detox programs that can safely and comfortably help patients overcome physical dependency.

If you or someone you care about is addicted to gabapentin, understand there are several local rehab centers that offer detoxification services and can help.

Call our 24/7 confidential helpline to consult with an addiction specialist about your rehab options.

800-996-6135
Who Answers?

The Dangers Surrounding Gabapentin Withdrawal

When patients abuse gabapentin for an extended period of time, they become physically dependent on the drug and require larger doses to achieve the same effects. The longer patients use gabapentin and take larger doses, the more severe withdrawal symptoms will be when users quit abruptly. As the brain and body try to rebalance after substance abuse, normal bodily functions are disrupted and lead to a series of withdrawal symptoms.

Common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include:

Gabapentin Detox

Mood swings and depression are common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal.

  • Runny nose
  • Tearing eyes
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Major stress
  • Seizures

Certain withdrawal symptoms can be severe and life-threatening for some individuals. For instance, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration for those unable to care for themselves throughout withdrawal.

On the other hand, depression can increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and actions. But gabapentin detox programs can help these addicts overcome dependency with a far lower risk for health problems and complications.

The Benefits of Gabapentin Detox Programs

Gabapentin detox programs are designed to guide addicts as safely and comfortably as possible through withdrawal with the lowest possible risk for health problems. Inpatient rehab centers offer patients 24/7 access to medical care in the event they experience cravings, pain, and discomfort throughout detox. Having access to around-the-clock medical care also helps lower the risk for relapse and overdose.

Many gabapentin detox centers use tapering as part of treatment, which is when doctors gradually reduce the dosage of gabapentin over time until patients are no longer using the drug.

The tapering process can last up to several weeks or months, depending on a patient’s addiction status and physical dependency level. Gabapentin detox may also involve nutrition, exercise, and therapies such as yoga and meditation that lend to overall improved health. Yoga and meditation have been proven effective complementary therapies for addiction.

Detox services are often combined with counseling and therapy that uncover and address the root causes of addiction. Patients who suffer from mental or behavioral health disorders in addition to addiction can also overcome these disorders at rehab. In many cases, co-occurring disorders such as these can increase the risk for addiction as individuals try to self-medicate to escape their symptoms.

If you’re struggling with addiction to gabapentin, opioids, or another prescription drug, understand you don’t have to overcome addiction on your own without help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) to learn more about drug rehab centers that offer gabapentin detox programs and other addiction therapies.

Sources

  1. Clinical Neuropharmacology. (2001). Gabapentin Withdrawal Syndrome. 
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)- Types of Treatment Programs.
  3. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. (2013). A Narrative Review of Yoga and Mindfulness as Complementary Therapies for Addiction.
  4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2007). Addiction and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders. 
Get Help Today Phone icon 800-779-4314 Info icon Who Answers?