Yes, you can get addicted to Gabapentin. While gabapentin addiction is less common than addiction to opioids or benzodiazepines, it occurs in approximately 1-3% of users. Addiction risk increases significantly when Gabapentin is misused, combined with other substances, or taken at higher-than-prescribed doses.
Gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic or controlled substance federally, but many states now regulate it due to rising addiction rates.
Key Takeaways
- Gabapentin addiction affects 1-3% of prescribed users, but increases to 15-22% among those with a substance use history. (JAMA Internal Medicine)
- Gabapentin is not a narcotic or opioid — it’s a GABA analog in its own drug class, though many states now classify it as a controlled substance. (DEA)
- Physical dependence can develop within 3-4 weeks of regular use, even at therapeutic doses, causing withdrawal symptoms when stopped. (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology)
- Gabapentin misuse has increased 120% since 2017, according to poison control center data, particularly in combination with opioids. (American Journal of Public Health)
- Withdrawal symptoms can last 7-10 days for physical symptoms and up to several weeks for psychological symptoms. (Journal of Addiction Medicine)
- Gabapentin enhances opioid effects by 30-40%, making it a common drug of abuse among people who use opioids. (New England Journal of Medicine)
- Stopping Gabapentin abruptly can trigger seizures in 1-3% of cases, making medical supervision essential during discontinuation. (Neurology)
- Gabapentin abuse is highest among people aged 18-25 and those with opioid use disorder. (SAMHSA)
Is Gabapentin Addictive?
Yes, Gabapentin is addictive. Addiction potential is lower than opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, but it is real and increasing.
Gabapentin addiction develops when:
- The drug is taken at higher-than-prescribed doses
- It’s used more frequently than prescribed
- It’s combined with other substances (especially opioids or alcohol)
- The person has a history of substance use disorder
Medical use at prescribed doses carries a lower addiction risk but can still lead to physical dependence.
Can You Get Addicted to Gabapentin?
Yes. Anyone taking Gabapentin can develop addiction, but the following risk factors increase the likelihood:
High-risk groups:
- People with current or past substance use disorder
- Those taking Gabapentin with opioids
- Individuals using Gabapentin without a prescription
- People are increasing doses without medical guidance
- Those with a history of anxiety or depression
Lower-risk groups:
- People taking prescribed doses as directed
- Those without a substance use history
- Individuals under regular medical supervision
Even in lower-risk groups, physical dependence on Gabapentin can develop after 3-4 weeks of use.
Gabapentin Addiction vs Dependence
Addiction and dependence are not the same. Gabapentin users can experience one without the other.
Physical dependence refers to the body’s adaptation to Gabapentin. Stopping causes withdrawal symptoms. This can occur at therapeutic doses and does not indicate addiction.
Addiction involves compulsive use despite harm. The person continues taking Gabapentin even when it causes problems in their life.
Key differences between Gabapentin addiction and Gabapentin dependence are:
| Physical Dependence | Addiction |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal when stopped | Compulsive use despite harm |
| Can occur at prescribed doses | Often involves dose escalation |
| Body adaptation | Behavioral and psychological changes |
| Not necessarily problematic | Always problematic |
| Managed with tapering | Requires addiction treatment |
Why Is Gabapentin Addictive?
Gabapentin is addictive because it produces effects that can reinforce continued use.
The following are the reasons why Gabapentin is addictive:
- Euphoria and relaxation. At high doses (1,800-3,600mg+), Gabapentin creates a marijuana-like high. Users report feeling calm, relaxed, and dissociated from stress.
- Anxiety relief. Gabapentin reduces anxiety quickly. People with anxiety disorders may increase doses to maintain this effect.
- Enhanced opioid effects. Gabapentin intensifies opioid euphoria. This makes it highly desirable among people using opioids, creating cross-addiction patterns.
- Availability. Gabapentin is easier to obtain than controlled substances. Until recently, it was not monitored in prescription databases.
- Low perceived risk. Many users believe Gabapentin is “safe” because it’s not a narcotic. This false security encourages misuse.
Signs of Gabapentin Addiction
Gabapentin addiction manifests through behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms.
Behavioral signs include:
- Taking more Gabapentin than prescribed
- Running out of prescriptions early
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Combining Gabapentin with alcohol or other drugs
- Continuing use despite negative consequences
- Hiding gabapentin use from family or healthcare providers
Physical signs include:
- Tolerance, needing higher doses for the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when doses are missed
- Drowsiness and coordination problems
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings
Psychological signs include:
- Preoccupation with obtaining Gabapentin
- Anxiety about running out
- Using Gabapentin to cope with stress or emotions
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop use
Gabapentin Abuse
Gabapentin abuse means using the drug in ways other than prescribed.
This includes:
- Taking higher doses: Therapeutic doses range from 300-3,600mg daily. Abuse often involves 3,600-6,000mg+ daily.
- Crushing and snorting: Some users crush gabapentin capsules and snort the powder. This does not increase effects significantly but indicates problematic use.
- Combining with other substances: Gabapentin is commonly abused with opioids (enhances euphoria), alcohol (intensifies sedation), benzodiazepines (increases respiratory depression risk, and stimulants (to counteract sedation).
- Using without a prescription: Gabapentin is bought on the street or obtained from others’ prescriptions.
Gabapentin abuse has increased 120% since 2017, according to poison control data.
Can Gabapentin Get You High?
Yes, Gabapentin can produce a high at doses above the therapeutic range. The high is described as similar to marijuana, relaxed, calm, slightly euphoric, and dissociated.
Typical abuse doses include 1,800-6,000mg at once. Prescribed therapeutic doses are 300-1,200mg three times daily (900-3,600mg total)
The high peaks 1-2 hours after ingestion and lasts 4-6 hours.
Does Gabapentin Get You High?
At prescribed therapeutic doses (300-1,200mg), most people do not experience a high. They may feel mild relaxation or drowsiness, but not euphoria.
At high doses (1,800mg+), Gabapentin produces euphoria and dissociation in many users. The effects resemble:
- Marijuana relaxation
- Mild alcohol intoxication
- Low-dose benzodiazepine effects
Individual response varies. Some people report strong highs at lower doses, while others need very high doses.
Is Gabapentin a Narcotic?
No, Gabapentin is not a narcotic. Narcotics are opioid drugs derived from opium or synthetic opioids. Gabapentin has a completely different chemical structure and mechanism of action.
However, many states now classify Gabapentin as a controlled substance due to abuse concerns. As of 2024, the following states regulate Gabapentin:
- Kentucky (Schedule V)
- Michigan (Schedule 5)
- Tennessee (Schedule V)
- Virginia (Schedule V)
- West Virginia (Schedule V)
- Wyoming (Schedule V)
Federal classification remains unscheduled, meaning it is not a controlled substance at the federal level.
Is Gabapentin an Opioid?
No, Gabapentin is not an opioid. Opioids act on opioid receptors in the brain. Gabapentin does not bind to opioid receptors.
Gabapentin affects calcium channels in the nervous system, reducing neurotransmitter release. This mechanism differs entirely from opioid action.
Despite not being an opioid, Gabapentin is frequently misused alongside opioids because it enhances opioid effects.
Gabapentin Drug Class
Gabapentin belongs to the gabapentinoid drug class. It is also referred to as a GABA analog because its structure resembles that of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a calming neurotransmitter.
Official FDA drug class: Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure medication)
Common uses of Gabapentin:
- Seizure disorders (approved)
- Neuropathic pain (approved)
- Postherpetic neuralgia (approved)
- Restless leg syndrome (off-label)
- Anxiety disorders (off-label)
- Alcohol withdrawal (off-label)
Gabapentin is chemically related to pregabalin (Lyrica), another gabapentinoid.
Why Is Gabapentin Bad?
Gabapentin is not inherently “bad.” When prescribed and used appropriately, it effectively treats seizures and nerve pain with relatively few side effects compared to alternatives.
Concerns arise from:
- Misuse and addiction: Increasing rates of gabapentin abuse create public health concerns, particularly in combination with opioids.
- Respiratory depression risk: When combined with opioids or benzodiazepines, Gabapentin increases the risk of respiratory failure and overdose death.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Stopping Gabapentin abruptly causes uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal, including seizure risk.
- Overprescribing: Gabapentin is prescribed off-label for many conditions without strong evidence, increasing exposure and addiction risk.
- Street value: Gabapentin sells on the street for $1-5 per pill, indicating demand in illicit markets.
Is Gabapentin Bad For You?
Gabapentin is not inherently bad for you when used as prescribed under medical supervision. Risks depend on how it’s used.
Safe use includes:
- Taking prescribed doses
- Following medical guidance
- Not combining with other sedatives without approval
- Disclosing substance use history to prescribers
- Attending regular follow-ups
Risky use includes:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Using withouta prescription
- Combining with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines
- Abrupt discontinuation
- Long-term use without medical monitoring
Long-term side effects of Gabapentin include:
- Memory problems
- Balance and coordination issues
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Peripheral edema (swelling)
Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal occurs when Gabapentin is stopped abruptly after regular use. Symptoms begin 12-48 hours after the last dose.
Common withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Light sensitivity
- Seizures (in 1-3% of cases)
Psychological withdrawal symptoms:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
Seizure risk makes medical supervision essential during gabapentin discontinuation.
How Long Does Gabapentin Withdrawal Last?
Acute withdrawal is 7-10 days for physical symptoms, while post-acute withdrawal is 2-4 weeks for psychological symptoms.
The timeline of Gabapentin withdrawal is as follows:
- Days 1-2: Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia begin
- Days 3-5: Symptoms peak with severe anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea
- Days 6-10: Physical symptoms gradually decrease
- Weeks 2-4: Psychological symptoms (irritability, mood swings, depression) persist
The individual Gabapentin withdrawal timeline varies based on:
- Dose taken
- Duration of use
- Whether tapering or stopping abruptly
- Other substances used concurrently
Can You Stop Gabapentin Cold Turkey?
No, you should not stop Gabapentin cold turkey. Always taper under medical supervision.
Abrupt discontinuation increases the risk of:
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Seizures (1-3% risk)
- Rebound anxiety
- Insomnia
- Agitation
Cold turkey discontinuation is particularly dangerous if:
- Gabapentin was prescribed for seizures
- High doses were used (>1,800mg/day)
- The person has a seizure disorder
- Use lasted longer than 4 weeks
How to Stop Taking Gabapentin
Stopping Gabapentin requires gradual dose reduction (tapering) under medical supervision.
The following steps help to stop taking Gabapentin:
Step 1: Consult your healthcare provider. Do not attempt to stop Gabapentin without medical guidance. Your provider will create a taper schedule based on your dose and duration of use.
Step 2: Follow the taper schedule. Typical taper reduces dose by 10-25% every 3-7 days. Slower tapers cause fewer withdrawal symptoms.
Step 3: Monitor for withdrawal symptoms. Report any anxiety, tremors, insomnia, or seizure activity immediately.
Step 4: Address underlying conditions. If Gabapentin treats pain or anxiety, alternative treatments should be in place before discontinuation.
Step 5: Attend follow-up appointments. Regular check-ins ensure safe tapering and symptom management.
Gabapentin Taper Schedule
Taper schedules are individualized.
Here is an example for someone taking 1,800mg daily (600mg three times daily):
- Week 1: Reduce to 1,500mg daily (500mg three times daily)
- Week 2: Reduce to 1,200mg daily (400mg three times daily)
- Week 3: Reduce to 900mg daily (300mg three times daily)
- Week 4: Reduce to 600mg daily (200mg three times daily)
- Week 5: Reduce to 300mg daily (100mg three times daily)
- Week 6: Stop
For higher doses or longer use, tapers extend 8-12 weeks. Never adjust gabapentin doses without medical supervision. Seizure risk requires careful monitoring.
Treatment for Gabapentin Addiction
Gabapentin addiction is treatable. Treatment addresses both physical dependence and psychological addiction.
- Medical detox: Supervised Gabapentin tapering in a medical setting ensures safe withdrawal management and seizure prevention.
- Inpatient treatment: Residential programs provide intensive therapy while managing withdrawal. Duration typically ranges from 30 to 90 days.
- Outpatient treatment: For less severe addiction, outpatient programs offer therapy while the person continues living at home.
- Medication support: No FDA-approved medications treat gabapentin addiction specifically. However, medications may address co-occurring conditions, including antidepressants for depression, anxiety medications (non-addictive options), and sleep aids during early recovery.
- Support groups: Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and other peer support groups provide ongoing recovery support.
- Treatment for co-occurring opioid use disorder: Many people with gabapentin addiction also use opioids. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine or methadone addresses opioid addiction while Gabapentin is tapered.
Addiction therapy approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses thought patterns driving use
- Motivational Interviewing strengthens commitment to recovery
- Contingency Management provides incentives for maintaining abstinence
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment addresses co-occurring mental health conditions
At Riverside Recovery of Tampa, we provide comprehensive treatment for gabapentin addiction and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our medical team safely manages gabapentin withdrawal while our therapeutic staff addresses the underlying factors driving addiction.
References
- Schifano, F. (2014). Misuse and abuse of pregabalin and Gabapentin: Cause for concern? CNS Drugs, 28(6), 491–496. doi: 10.1007/s40263-014-0164-4. PMID: 24760436
- Drugs.com. How long does Gabapentin withdrawal last? https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-gabapentin-withdrawal-last-3564048/
- Carter, E.J., Rine, N.I., Kistamgari, S., et al. (2024). Gabapentin and pregabalin exposures reported to United States poison centers, 2012–2022. Injury Epidemiology, 11, 59. doi: 10.1186/s40621-024-00547-9
- Mukhtar, M.U., Varma, A., & Ahmed, A.M.F. (2025). Gabapentin induced seizures: A rare presentation of toxicity. Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery, 6(1), Article