Gabapentin is a prescription drug, which is primarily used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. It can induce a ‘high’ and we will look at the effects and associated dangers with misusing the medication.

The drug has been increasingly misused due to its increased availability.  Some doctors prescribe the medication with an opioid for severe pain.  

The euphoric effects of the medication are dosage dependent, users report feelings of calmness and sleepiness, while others report a stimulant effect. Gabapentin has been used alongside opiates to potentiate its effect. Mixing the drug with alcohol can also increase some of the side effects associated with gabapentinoids.

Gabapentin Key Facts 

Gabapentin oral capsule is available as both a generic and is mostly sold under the brand name Neurontin. 

It can be prescribed as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release tablet.

Gabapentin oral capsule is used to prevent or treat partial seizures in adults and children. It’s also used to treat nerve pain and has numerous off-label uses.

Pregabalin (Lyrica) is marketed as an alternative to gabapentin for the treatment of pain and partial seizures. It is also commonly prescribed in Europe for anxiety disorders.

Gabapentin High: Recreational Use 

Users report feeling relaxed and euphoric highs such as increased optimism, improved self-esteem, and talkativeness. The drug has also been used to potentiate opioids — making the opiate ‘high’ more potent. 

Gabapentin has a slow onset sometimes taking upwards of an hour before any effects are noticed. The medication is not particularly effective for a euphoric ‘high’, however, it is commonly used due to its cheap generic version and availability. 

Some users report a long-lasting high depending on the dosage. Gabapentin is often added as a ‘cut’ to street drugs like heroin or benzodiazepines, such as Xanax. 

Experience reports state that the medication, when combined with cannabis, can enhance its psychedelic, pain relieving and mood-altering effects to various results. Some have experienced increased relaxation and pain relief when mixing the drug while others have reported increased dizziness and vomiting. 

Gabapentin requires a relatively large dose to create a ‘buzz’ or ‘high’. 

Some first-time users report euphoric effects between 900mg and 1200mg – taking in increments of 300mg. Some users, who have taken dosages as high as 2000 milligrams have reported blurred vision, loss of balance and fatigue. 

Users with a higher tolerance have reportedly consumed more than 3,000mg; however, do not exceed 3,600mg in a day, according to the National British Health Service. 

Decreased effectiveness of gabapentin can be expected following its repeated use. 

Gabapentin recommended dosages for nerve pain or epilepsy in adults is usually between 900mg and 3,600mg a day split into 3 doses.

The medication should be taken under the directions of a physician. Using the drug for recreational use can lead to dependency, dangerous side effects, and an overdose. 

Gabapentin Side Effects 

Common side effects of the medication are usually mild and can include the following:  

• Sleepiness 
• Dizziness 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Poor memory 
• Mood swings 
• Swelling of legs and arms  
• Twitching 

Serious Side Effects 

Significant side effects of gabapentin are rare; however, if you experience any symptoms it is recommended that you contact your physician as soon as possible.  

Some of the serious side effects may include:  

• Suicidal thoughts  
• Self-harm and suicide attempts 
• Jaundice — yellowish skin and whites of the eyes 
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising of the skin  
• Prolonged stomach aches  
• Severe mood swings 
• Muscle pain or weakness associated with renal failure 

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms 

Gabapentin withdrawal can be severe. Symptoms can include hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), increased anxiety, tremors, and seizures.

Reports have compared the symptoms to an opioid or benzo withdrawal. There has been an increase in emergency room visits due to the off-label use and abuse of the medication. It is important to wean off the medication under the instructions of a doctor.  

Mixing Gabapentin With Alcohol 

Drinking alcohol with gabapentin leads to a significant increase in drowsiness. Alcohol and gabapentin are drugs that potentiate each other; therefore, decreased motor function is expected.

Avoid using heavy machinery or driving when combing the two substances. Moderate alcohol can be permitted with taking the medication. 

Treating Alcoholism 

Despite gabapentin being increasingly misused for recreational ‘highs,’ studies show that it can be effective in treating alcoholism. A peer-reviewed medical journal — JAMA Internal Medicine published a placebo-controlled study on gabapentin as a treatment for alcoholism.  

The 3-month study included 150 participants of both men and women taking a variety of dosages. The study found that the medication improved the rates of not heavy drinking and abstinence. The trial showed that 900 milligrams of gabapentin is more effective than placebo.  

However, those in the study who took 1,800 milligrams experienced much more significant treatment of alcohol dependency. The no heavy drinking rate was almost at 50 percent with this dosage.  

The researchers concluded that 1800 mg of gabapentin was helpful in preventing alcohol relapses due to its effect in reducing insomnia, dysphoria, and alcohol cravings. 

Gabapentin Conclusion 

The drug is primarily approved as a treatment for seizures and neuropathic pain and it is widely prescribed off-label for other medical conditions. These include bipolar disorder, migraines, restless leg syndrome, insomnia, and anxiety. 

Gabapentin is well known under the brand name Neurontin, which is manufactured by Pfizer. The pharmaceutical company has been accused of encouraging off-label prescription of the drug and gabapentin is one of the most prescribed medications in the United States.  

Due to its potentiating effect with opioids, the medication has been associated with the growing opioid overdose epidemic. Gabapentin is typically prescribed to patients suffering from pain along with an opioid, such as morphine or oxycodone.  

Many users take gabapentin to reduce their use of opiates, which can lead to dependency with only a few days of use. However, many patients find they can achieve a strong ‘high’ mixing their opiate medication with gabapentin – this increases the risk of an overdose.  

Mixing more than one central nervous system depressant increases the risk of an overdose.