Millions of people in the US use prescription drugs to manage medical and mental health conditions. Some of the medications people rely on to manage these conditions have the potential for dangerous side effects, abuse, and addiction.
Gabapentin is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of pain and other conditions. People who take this drug may like the way they feel while using it, which can lead to abuse.
Snorting gabapentin is one form of prescription drug abuse. Snorting gabapentin is very dangerous and can have severe consequences.
This article will explore the dangers of snorting and misusing gabapentin.
What you will learn:
- The effects and risks of gabapentin
- The dangers of snorting gabapentin
- How to recognize gabapentin abuse
- What to expect in addiction treatment
- Where to find treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with gabapentin or other drug use, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to explore our holistic treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant medication. It is available in capsules, oral solutions, or tablets. Doctors prescribe gabapentin to help patients manage physical conditions, including:
- Epileptic seizures
- Postherpetic neuralgia (pain after a shingles infection)
- Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
- Restless leg syndrome
Medical experts believe gabapentin decreases excitatory activity and signals in the brain. This reduction in central nervous system (CNS) activity can result in less perceived pain and reduced seizure activity.
People who take gabapentin may also experience sedation, less anxiety, and a reduction in agitation. These side effects may cause people to take it differently than prescribed.
Misusing a prescription medication is a form of drug abuse. People who abuse prescription drugs may develop addiction and other serious complications.
The Effects and Risks of Gabapentin Abuse
People may experience unwanted or dangerous side effects when taking gabapentin, even as prescribed. Some side effects of gabapentin include:
- Excessive sedation
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Increased appetite leading to weight gain
- Unsteadiness
- Vision problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Memory problems
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Fever
- DizzinessRed or itchy eyes
- Unusual thoughts
- Ear pain
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Swelling in arms and legs
- Back and joint pain
People who abuse gabapentin by taking large doses or ingesting it differently than prescribed are more likely to have unwanted or adverse side effects.
People may also experience euphoria, a feeling of intense happiness, pleasure, and well-being. People who experience euphoria may be more likely to take larger doses or misuse the drug in other ways.
Do People Snort Gabapentin?
People may abuse gabapentin by using it differently than prescribed. In some cases, people may crush and snort their pills or snort the powder inside a capsule.
Misusing gabapentin in this way is a sign of substance use disorder. Misusing prescription medications can lead to severe short and long-term consequences. Other signs of prescription drug abuse include:
- Taking a larger dose of a drug than prescribed
- Taking a drug more often than prescribed
- Using a prescription drug recreationally (without a prescription)
- Taking a prescription medication longer than prescribed
People who abuse gabapentin may run out of their prescriptions early and feel anxious if they don’t know how to get more. People may resort to dangerous, dishonest, or illegal things to get money or more of their medication. Some may “doctor shop,” meaning they obtain prescriptions from multiple doctors.
Snorting gabapentin is one sign of a life-threatening substance abuse issue that may require comprehensive treatment.
The Dangers of Snorting Gabapentin
Gabapentin suppresses central nervous system (CNS) activity. Snorting gabapentin allows more of the drug to reach the bloodstream in a shorter amount of time. People who snort gabapentin may experience side effects that include:
- Euphoria
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Sedation
The effects of snorting gabapentin can develop within just 15 minutes of ingesting it. Some research suggests the quick, intense psychoactive effects of snorting gabapentin are similar to using cocaine.
These intense and pleasurable psychoactive effects may increase the risk of frequent use, overdose, and addiction. While gabapentin is not a controlled substance, research shows it has the potential for addiction.
People who abuse gabapentin are at risk of a gabapentin overdose and other complications. In rare cases, gabapentin addiction can cause serious, dangerous side effects. People may develop:
- Toxic delirium
- Severe, prolonged withdrawal symptoms
- Intense cravings
People who attempt to stop using gabapentin may relapse without support. It is critical to seek medical supervision and comprehensive treatment to address addiction.
Recognizing Gabapentin Abuse and Addiction
Gabapentin abuse can cause changes in a person’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Recognizing gabapentin abuse early can help you seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Some of the symptoms of gabapentin abuse include:
- Depression
- Poor coordination
- Insomnia
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Aggression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Agitation
- Risk-taking or impulsive behaviors
- Mania
- Tremors
- Amnesia
Early substance use disorder (SUD) treatment is associated with better long-term outcomes. Seek treatment for gabapentin abuse as soon as you recognize the signs.
What to Expect from Gabapentin Addiction Treatment
Gabapentin abuse and addiction can affect a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Prolonged gabapentin abuse can change how the brain and body work, making it very hard to quit. Most people with gabapentin abuse require intensive treatment and ongoing support to avoid relapse.
Treatment for gabapentin addiction may begin with a medically-supported detox. During detox, people receive medical care, supervision, and emotional support that ensures a safe, complete withdrawal.
Then, people must continue in a comprehensive treatment program consisting of:
- Medical care and medication management
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Holistic therapies like nutrition counseling, mindfulness, and breathwork
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning
Overcoming gabapentin abuse can be challenging, but having the right support can help people work toward lifelong recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with gabapentin abuse, find the treatment you need to recover at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.
References:
- Association of Anaesthetists: Gabapentin: pharmacology and its use in pain management
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Substance misuse of gabapentin
- NIH: Gabapentin misuse, abuse, and diversion: A systematic review
- Sage Journals: Gabapentin for Off-Label Use: Evidence-Based or Cause for Concern?