Gabapentin is one of the commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of nerve pain, anxiety and seizures. Even if considered safe if taken as prescribed still many people wonder “Can someone suffer a gabapentin overdose? The answer is yes. Like any medication, gabapentin can be very dangerous when consumed in high doses and can cause some serious side effects or sometimes become life-threatening.
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is one of the anticonvulsant medicines, developed for the treatment of epilepsy. Nowadays it is being widely used for managing
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Restless leg syndrome
- Anxiety disorder
- Migraines
It functions by comforting the overactive nerve signals present in the brain and nervous system. Gabapentin is generally taken orally as a capsule, liquid, or tablet and is available under the brand names Gralise and Neurontin.
Can you overdose on Gabapentin?
Yes, Gabapentin overdose is not impossible, especially when it is consumed in very high doses or is combined with some other medications or substances. Even if it is not considered highly addictive, it is sometimes misused because of its euphoric or sedative effects, mainly in combination with opioids, benzodiazepines or alcohol.
Some of the risk factors for Gabapentin overdose are:
- Consuming more than what is prescribed
- Mixing gabapentin with any other depressants
- Consuming without prescription
- Impaired kidney functioning
- History of substance abuse
One of the major concerns of gabapentin overdose is when it is consumed along with other substances specifically central nervous system depressants such as
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
That combination can suppress breathing, enhance sedation and enhance the risk of being in a coma or death.
How addictive Gabapentin is?
Gabapentin has not been classified as a controlled substance in several countries, but many areas have moved to reclassification because of increasing misuse. Even if physical dependence is less common when compared with benzodiazepines psychological dependence and abuse can occur.
Some of the symptoms of gabapentin misuse are
- Taking a higher dose than what prescribed
- Making use of it to get a feeling of “high”
- Taking it in combination with other drugs or alcohol
- Craving for the drug or suffering withdrawal when stopped.
- Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, nausea, agitation, insomnia and sweating.
Symptoms of gabapentin overdose
The symptoms usually range from mild to severe and very severe. In some mild cases, it can cause drowsiness or dizziness. However high doses or when interacting with others can cause more serious complications.
Here are some of the common symptoms of gabapentin overdose:
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation
- Slurred speech
- Lethargy or confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Tremors or less coordination
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
When somebody is not responding or facing trouble breathing or showing any of the above signs after consuming gabapentin, then look for medical help as soon as possible.
How much gabapentin causes overdose?
The standard dose of gabapentin usually varies based on the condition being treated, but usually, it ranges between 300 mg to 1800 mg per day, divided into several doses. Many patients having severe conditions might be prescribed 3600 mg per day but under medical supervision.
But when consumed more than what has been prescribed without supervision from any healthcare, it can lead to overdose. A dose that exceeds 10000 mg leads to overdose. Even if not fatal always but still can cause some serious side effects.
What to do for gabapentin overdose?
When someone suffers a gabapentin overdose, it’s important to call the emergency services or anti local poison control centres on an immediate basis. One should not wait until the symptoms become worse. On-time treatment is very important for the prevention of damage.
If you think someone has taken too much gabapentin, call emergency services or a local poison control center immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Time is critical in preventing long-term damage. Here’s what one can do:
It’s important to stay with the person and keep an eye on their breathing
- Try keeping them awake and alert
- The person should not eat or drink anything
- The emergency responders should know what was taken, in how much quantity and when.
Treatment of Gabapentin overdose
Medical treatment for gabapentin overdose mainly involves supportive care like
- Monitoring heart rate and breathing
- IV fluids
- Activated charcoal
- Medicines for managing seizures
Conclusion
So, gabapentin overdose is possible. Even if consuming under supervision is efficient and mostly safe, misusing or taking along with other drugs can cause overdose.
To stay safe, it’s important to follow doctor’s instructions, not consume without a prescription, avoid mixing with alcohol and store it out of reach of children and someone who is at risk of misusing it.
If you or someone you love is struggling because of substance abuse or have any questions regarding the use of gabapentin, it’s important to speak with the healthcare provider or look for assistance from the local treatment centres for addiction.
