Gabapentin is bad because of its addiction potential, risks of cognitive impairmentAnd growing involvement in overdose deaths. Although initially considered low risk, gabapentin has shown significant potential for abusewith 40 to 65% of prescribed patients misuse the medicine and a 165% increase for non-medical use to get high. These factors contribute to the dangers of gabapentin and highlight why gabapentin is bad for some users.
Potential for dependence and abuse: why gabapentin is bad
- High rates of abuse: 40-65% patients who have received a prescription for gabapentin abuse it, and 15-22% of opioid users also abuse gabapentin
- Rapid increase in non-medical use: A 165% increase non-medical use to get high was observed between 2015 and 2016, and a 2950% increase since 2008
- Recreational use: Gabapentin is often used to enhance the effects of other medications, especially opioids, and can be obtained for as little as $0.75 per pill on the black market
- Physical dependence: Gabapentin can cause physical dependence, making it difficult to stop taking it or requiring higher doses, which is one of the dangers of gabapentin.
Risks of overdose and death: dangers of gabapentin
- Growing participation in overdoses: Gabapentin has been detected in 9.7% overdose deaths in 2019-2020, contributing to deaths in 52.3% of these cases
- Co-involvement with opioids: 90% of gabapentin overdose deaths were linked to an opioid, with 70% involving illicit opioids
- Respiratory depression: The FDA has warned of the potential risks of respiratory depression when gabapentin is taken with CNS depressants such as opioids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
- Demographic trends: Most gabapentin-related overdose deaths occurred among non-Hispanic white people (83.2%) and those aged 35 to 54 (52.5%).
Cognitive impairment: side effects of gabapentin
- Short-term cognitive decline: A study found that 6 out of 9 neuropsychological tests showed a decrease in cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive function) at 1 week post-initiation of gabapentin
- Potential improvement: 5 out of 9 cognitive tests enhanced by 4 weeks after initiation of gabapentin, suggesting some adaptation
Prescribing Trends and Overprescription: Why is Gabapentin Bad?
- Rapid increase in prescriptions: Gabapentin prescriptions increased by 39 million in 2012 at 64 million in 2016, making it the 10th most prescribed drug in the United States
- Off-label use: Gabapentin is often prescribed for conditions not approved by regulatory agencies, including fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
- Increase in long-term use: The proportion of long-term users of gabapentinoids increased from 9.8% in 2016 at 16.2% in 2020 among patients with failed back surgery syndrome in Korea
Withdrawal Symptoms: Side Effects and Dangers of Gabapentin
- Potential Withdrawal Effects: Sudden stopping can cause restlessness, anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heart rate, insomnia, tremors, sweating and body aches.
- A gradual reduction is necessary: To avoid withdrawal symptoms, the dose of gabapentin should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
FAQs
Why is gabapentin considered bad?
Gabapentin is considered bad due to its high addictive potential, increasing involvement in overdose deaths, and risks of cognitive impairment. Abuse rates are high (40-65% of patients prescribed) and non-medical use to obtain drugs has increased significantly. It is also increasingly implicated in overdose deaths, particularly when combined with opioids.
What are the most common side effects of gabapentin?
Common side effects of gabapentin include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Short-term cognitive decline has been observed in memory, attention and executive functions. Physical dependence may also develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms if treatment is stopped abruptly.
What are the main dangers of gabapentin?
The main dangers of gabapentin include its addictive potential, risk of overdose (especially when combined with opioids), and cognitive impairment. It may cause respiratory depression when taken with other CNS depressants. Gabapentin’s involvement in overdose deaths has increased, with 9.7% of overdose deaths in 2019-20 involving the drug.
Can gabapentin cause withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if stopped abruptly. These may include restlessness, anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, tremors, sweating and body aches. To avoid these symptoms, the dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.
Is gabapentin overprescribed?
There are concerns about the overprescription of gabapentin. Prescriptions increased from 39 million in 2012 to 64 million in 2016, making it the 10th most prescribed drug in the United States. It is often prescribed off-label for conditions not approved by regulatory agencies, and its long-term use has increased among certain patient groups.