How to Detox From Gabapentin Safely
Gabapentin is a a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue, which means it can reduce the excitability of neurons in the brain. The use of gabapentin is approved by the FDA for controlling restless leg syndrome, postherpetic neuralgia, and certain types of seizures.
Gabapentin is a controlled substance because addiction is possible. Here’s what you need to know about gabapentin addiction treatment and the gabapentin detox process.
If you or someone you love is suffering from gabapentin addiction, Zinnia Health can help. Our caring team can answer your questions, just call us at (855) 430-9439 to have a confidential conversation about your treatment options.
What is a Gabapentin Detox?
When an individual enrolls in addiction treatment, the first phase is medical detox. A medical detox helps you through the withdrawal process by minimizing the uncomfortable symptoms that come with quitting gabapentin. The detox might involve admissions to a residential treatment center or outpatient support for your physical and mental health.
Gabapentin is used to treat nerve pain and is sold under brand names like Gralise and Neurontin. However, gabapentin use can lead to physical dependence even when managed by healthcare providers. When gabapentin is misused, physical dependence can lead to a psychological addiction. Once addiction forms, you can’t simply quit gabapentin. Rather, when you stop taking gabapentin, you will have to go through a period of discomfort as your body adjusts, known as gabapentin withdrawal.
The withdrawal process is unavoidable and often uncomfortable. If you try to face withdrawal on your own, you might relapse back into gabapentin misuse, which can increase your risk of gabapentin overdose. The chance of success when trying to go through withdrawal on your own is far less compared to managing symptoms with the help of medical professionals.
If you have questions about the treatment options available for gabapentin misuse, Zinnia Health can give you answers. Reach out to our team at (855) 430-9439 for more information.
How Long Will a Gabapentin Detox Last?
How quickly gabapentin withdrawal symptoms take effect depends on several variables, including how long you have been using, dosage, and whether you are using gabapentin with other substances of abuse.
You may experience symptoms in about 12 hours after your last dose, whereas someone else may not experience gabapentin withdrawal symptoms until 5–7 days after quitting medication.
On average, expect the initial gabapentin withdrawal symptoms to last 10–14 days.
Ongoing psychological withdrawal symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can remain for weeks, months, or years following gabapentin detox.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms During a Gabapentin Detox?
When you choose to get help at a detox facility, certain withdrawal symptoms are unavoidable. But their overall impacts are minimized with the help of the right treatment program.
Common side effects of gabapentin withdrawal include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Body pains
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
Enrolling in a gabapentin detox program means experienced medical professionals can get in front of your potential symptoms and help you manage them using proven techniques.
Receiving professional withdrawal treatment is also the only way to manage co-occurring disorders, like anxiety or polysubstance abuse, which could be worsened by an improperly managed self-detox.
What Types of Treatment Are Used During a Gabapentin Detox?
You may encounter any of the following therapies during a gabapentin detox:
- Medication management
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medical evaluation
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Nutrition/wellness
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
Can You Detox from Gabapentin at Home or Not?
It’s never recommended you attempt withdrawing from gabapentin on your own, especially if you’re prescribed a high dose and you’ve been taking it for an extended time.
If you have been taking it as prescribed by your doctor, you may be able to have them slowly lower your dose over time.
However, it is vital that you are completely honest with your physician. Especially if you have been taking more gabapentin than prescribed, or mixing it with other substances, like alcohol.
How to Find a Gabapentin Detox Center Near Me
Zinnia Health has rehab programs in several states, making it easy to find a gabapentin detox center near you.
The best way to find the nearest detox facility is through the locations page on our website or by calling our support line. Zinnia Health rehab facilities offer residential treatment for those looking to detox under full-time care.
Choosing a rehab program isn’t a matter of finding the rehab center that’s closest to you. Drug addiction impacts everyone differently and finding personalized help for you or your loved one is critical to ensuring long-term success.
When comparing treatment centers, think about these aspects:
- Cost: If you have insurance that will cover some or all of the cost, make sure the treatment center is in-network. You can call and give them your insurance information and they can tell you if they accept it. Some treatment centers offer alternative payment options to help you afford treatment if you don’t have insurance coverage.
- Specialization: The treatment methods for substance use vary between substances. For instance, opioid addiction treatment looks very different from gabapentin addiction treatment. For this reason, you should ask the facility if they have experience with challenges you’re facing. For instance, if you’re mixing gabapentin and alcohol, they should be able to provide you with alcohol withdrawal support alongside gabapentin detox.
- Support Methods: Some treatment facilities are far more involved than others. For instance, at Zinnia Health, we offer text support and ongoing services even after you finish an inpatient program. This continued support is critical to lasting success during and after treatment.
- Medical Services: Residential facilities offer round-the-clock medical supervision especially during detox. Afterwards, the providers guide you toward a holistic recovery program. As an example, if you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or PTSD, they can help you manage those conditions throughout detox and recovery.
Substance abuse treatment can be provided as an inpatient or outpatient program. An inpatient program may consist of short-term hospitalization or long-term residential treatment.
If you start with hospitalization, you may be transferred to a residential facility to complete treatment following the detox process.
Outpatient treatment is possible, but relies on you having a strong support network that can help you attend meetings and appointments.
Oftentimes, even if you’d like to pursue outpatient treatment — which allows you to continue living at home — you’ll participate in an inpatient detox process first to help you through the hardest phase of recovery.
Zinnia Health can help you take those all-important first steps on the path to recovery. Contact us at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about Gabapentin addiction and detox.
Related Articles
- Gabapentin Addiction Treatments
- How Does Gabapentin Affect Your Sleep?
- Gabapentin Overdose: What You Need to Know