Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is an anticonvulsant prescription medication that is used to treat nerve pain and certain types of seizures. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and some types of substance withdrawal. Although it is not considered a controlled substance, some people do abuse and get addicted to gabapentin.

Over the last 10 years, prescriptions for gabapentin have increased dramatically. In 2017, doctors wrote twice as many prescriptions for the medication as they did in 2011.[1] At the same time, more and more people are abusing gabapentin and becoming addicted to it. Studies have found that 1.1% of the general population have abused gabapentin. Among people who have received treatment for substance abuse, nearly 22% have abused the drug.[2]

Even though gabapentin is sometimes used in the treatment of alcohol and drug dependence, it can be habit-forming. Researchers have recorded numerous cases of gabapentin withdrawal in patients who became addicted to it.[2] Understanding the symptoms that occur during the gabapentin withdrawal timeline can help inform individuals of the risks associated with abusing this medication.

Symptoms of Gabapentin Withdrawal

People who abuse gabapentin may become physically dependent on the medication causing them to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Similarly, regular gabapentin users who take their prescriptions as directed may develop withdrawal symptoms if they skip a dose or run out of their medication. Common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal include:[3]

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Abdominal upset
• Tremors
• Rapid heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure

Because of potentially severe and troublesome symptoms, it is always recommended to detox from gabapentin at a medical facility.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline

Most people who detox from gabapentin begin experiencing symptoms of withdrawal within 24 to 48 hours after taking their last dose. In some people, withdrawal symptoms can appear as quickly as 12 hours after the last dose. Symptoms typically last 7-10 days.

While the exact timeline may vary from one person to the next, gabapentin withdrawal usually occurs as follows:[3]

• 12-48 hours after the last dose – Symptoms will begin appearing and gradually get worse over time. During this time frame, people can expect anxiety, fatigue, sweating, nausea, and headaches.
• 3 days after the last dose – Symptoms usually peak 3 days into withdrawal and may include restlessness, disorientation, confusion, agitation, and anxiety.
• 5-7 days after the last dose – Symptoms of confusion and agitation should begin to subside. Patients may still experience anxiety, headaches, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• 7+ days – Symptoms should continue to subside after 7 days. Most patients begin feeling better after day 10. Some lingering discomfort and agitation may linger for weeks or months.

Factors That Affect the Severity and Duration of Gabapentin Withdrawal

How long withdrawal lasts varies from one person to the next depending on their history of drug abuse and individual health factors. Different variables that influence the severity and duration of the gabapentin withdrawal timeline include:

• How long a person has abused the drug
• How often a person takes the drug
• What dose the person consumes on a regular basis
• Whether or not other drugs and/or alcohol is involved
• Liver and kidney function
• Age, weight, gender, and overall metabolism
• Whether or not there are any co-occurring health conditions at play

Medical professionals take all of these variables into consideration when treating patients for drug withdrawal.

Treatment for Gabapentin Detox

It is never a good idea to try to detox from gabapentin without medical supervision. Doing so can put individuals at risk for potential complications. Instead, a medical detox center can provide around-the-clock care, supervision, and medications to reduce symptoms.

Gabapentin withdrawal is usually managed with a tapering schedule. Since the medication is used to prevent seizures, stopping cold turkey can be dangerous. After evaluating the patient, a physician may develop a tapering schedule to slowly reduce the person’s dose over the course of several days, weeks, or even months. A gradual taper minimizes the risk of complications and helps reduce the severity of symptoms.

Pfizer, the drug manufacturer that makes gabapentin, suggests tapering schedules should last at least one week.[4] When determining how long the taper should last, the physician should consider a person’s medical and mental health status as well as their ability to adhere to tapering instructions.

Find Help for Gabapentin Abuse and Addiction Today

If you are prescribed gabapentin and are considering discontinuing the medication, you should speak with your doctor about tapering off the medication. However, if you are abusing gabapentin and are looking for a recovery-focused solution, our team at South Carolina Addiction Treatment can help.

Our evidence-based drug and alcohol treatment programs can help you detox safely during the gabapentin withdrawal timeline and provide you with ongoing care to help you stay sober after that. Our programs will teach you how to live sober without depending on substances to get through the day. Don’t wait any longer–call now to get started.

References:

1. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/gabapentin.pdf
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1060028015620800
3. https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/67/11/910/5130783?redirectedFrom=fulltext
4. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/M-Protocol_for_Mgmt_of_pregab-gaba_Sussex.pdf