The Gabapentin Withdrawal Timeline
Anticipating the Gabapentin withdrawal timeline looks different for everyone depending on the following factors:
- Were you using Gabapentin for recreational or medical purposes?
- How much were you taking?
- Were you using any other drugs simultaneously?
- What is your medical background (e.g., age, lifestyle, overall health, genetics, mental health)?
Here is a general idea of what you can expect.
Week One
Withdrawal symptoms begin appearing within 12 hours of your last dose. Initially, these symptoms will be minor but they’ll start escalating on the second day. Fortunately, they’ll let up somewhat near the end of the week. Here’s a look at what you can expect and when you can expect it:
- The first 12 – 24 hours: anxiety, hand and body tremors, heart palpitations, seizures, sweating, headaches
- Day 3: rapid heart rate, fever, confusion, disorientation, agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, trembling
- Day 4 and 5: agitation, increased confusion, light sensitivity, anxiety
Week Two
This week will typically start with difficult, but you’ll begin feeling some improvement by its end. The risk of seizures, delirium, photosensitivity, headaches, cardiovascular hyperactivity, tremors, and diarrhea will reduce. The symptoms that remain are rarely fatal unless you have a pre-existing issue. Some of the symptoms you may experience during this week include:
- Strong Cravings for Gabapentin
- Increased Sensitivity to Light
- Increased Irritability or Aggression
- Increased Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue and Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Constant sweating
- Tremors or Shaking
- Muscle Pain
- Diarrhea, Nausea, and Stomach Pain
- Increased heart rate
- Hypertension
Week Three and Four
Physically you should feel better now, but psychologically you may still feel not quite, ‘100%’. These symptoms may feel more intense since you’re no longer distracted by the physical symptoms. Fortunately, these symptoms will improve by the end of the fourth week. However, you should expect to deal with the following throughout this time:
- Cravings for Gabapentin
- Increased Irritability
- Diaphoresis (constant sweating)
- Moderate Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue and Lethargy
- Insomnia
How is Gabapentin Abuse Treated?
When you frequently take excessive amounts of Gabapentin you’ll develop both a physical and a psychological dependence on the drug. This is because your body grows so accustomed to taking this drug that you need it just so you can feel and function normally.
Therefore, you should never quit cold turkey. Doing so can be dangerous and induce several severe withdrawal symptoms including sweating, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and nausea. Quitting cold turkey can also increase your likelihood of having a seizure which can be life-threatening. For all these reasons, you need to seek medication-assisted treatment for Neurontin, whether at the medically supervised detox setting we offer at Icarus Behavioral, or elsewhere.
Many Forms of Medicaid Accepted for Treatment
Is Long-Term Recovery from Gabapentin Abuse Possible?
The short answer to this question is “yes.” However, just like with any other disease, it’s important to take your treatment seriously. There are several factors that play into your likelihood of remaining in sobriety.
Treatment Modalities for Gabapentin
Gabapentin abuse needs to be taken seriously. In other words, you should seek treatment for it like you’d seek treatment for any other substance abuse disorder. This means starting with detox in a controlled environment to slowly eliminate the substance from your body.
From there you’ll want to transition into either an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Here are some facts that you need to know about each of these programs so you can choose what’s right for you.
Inpatient Treatment (a.k.a., Residential Treatment)
Anyone with a severe Gabapentin addiction or a co-occurring health issue should go inpatient to receive the intensive care they need. This means living at the facility where you’ll not only receive a high level of care, but you’ll also have a safe environment in which to live so you aren’t triggered to relapse. While at our facility you’ll have a schedule to follow which will include various types of groups and individual therapy.
Outpatient Treatment
Depending upon your needs you may be referred to an outpatient treatment program instead of going inpatient or you may be referred to one after leaving our residential program at Icarus. Throughout the duration of this program, you’ll live at home and be required to visit our facility for a set number of hours each week. While here you’ll engage in both individual and group therapy.
Creating an Aftercare Plan
Make sure that you also create an aftercare plan. This will enable you to remain committed to your sobriety. Some of the things you should take into consideration here include therapy and support groups (AA/NA). Being involved in these things is an important part of your recovery.
Having people around you who understand what you’re going through will allow you to grow and mature. It’ll also help you build a new group of friends who share your commitment to sobriety so you aren’t tempted to return to your previous friends who may have been using with you. This is a great way to ensure you remain committed to your own long-term recovery from Gabapentin abuse.
The Path to Recovery Begins at Icarus Behavioral Health
Regardless of the length of time, you’ve been using Gabapentin, with or without other drugs or alcohol, our treatment team and facilities are second to none at Icarus.
Our clinicians will provide you with medication to offset any symptoms you’re continuing to experience through withdrawals and help establish a firm foundation for recovery. We will also facilitate the management of any other medical problems you may have developed from detoxing from this drug. With the help of Icarus, long-term recovery from Gabapentin abuse is possible, and achievable. Reach out now to discuss your situation with our compassionate Admissions staff today, and end the cycle of addiction once and for all!