Why Is Gabapentin Bad?

Addiction and abuse potential: Why gabapentin is bad

• High misuse rates: 40-65% of patients with gabapentin prescriptions misuse the drug, and 15-22% of opioid abusers also misuse gabapentin
• Rapid increase in non-medical use: A 165% increase in non-medical use for getting high was observed from 2015 to 2016, and a 2950% increase since 2008
• Recreational use: Gabapentin is often used to enhance the effects of other drugs, particularly 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 or leading to the need for higher doses, which is one of the dangers of gabapentin

Overdose risks and deaths: Dangers of gabapentin

• Increasing overdose involvement: Gabapentin was detected in 9.7% of overdose deaths in 2019-2020, contributing to death in 52.3% of those cases
• Co-involvement with opioids: 90% of gabapentin overdose deaths co-involved an opioid, with 70% involving illicit opioids
• Respiratory depression: The FDA warned about potential risks of respiratory depression when gabapentin is taken with CNS depressants like opioids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines
• Demographic trends: Most gabapentin-involved overdose deaths occurred among non-Hispanic white persons (83.2%) and those aged 35-54 years (52.5%)

Cognitive impairment: Gabapentin side effects

• Short-term cognitive decline: A study found that 6 out of 9 neuropsychological tests showed a decrease in cognitive function (memory, attention, executive function) at 1 week post gabapentin initiation
• Potential improvement: 5 out of 9 cognitive tests improved by 4 weeks after gabapentin initiation, suggesting some adaptation

Prescription trends and overprescribing: Why is gabapentin bad?

• Rapid increase in prescriptions: Gabapentin prescriptions increased from 39 million in 2012 to 64 million in 2016, making it the 10th most prescribed drug in the US
• Off-label use: Gabapentin is often prescribed for conditions not approved by regulatory agencies, including fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety
• Long-term use increase: The proportion of long-term gabapentinoid users increased from 9.8% in 2016 to 16.2% in 2020 among patients with failed back surgery syndrome in Korea

Withdrawal symptoms: Gabapentin side effects and dangers

• Potential withdrawal effects: Sudden discontinuation can lead to agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, shaking, sweating, and body aches
• Gradual reduction needed: To avoid withdrawal symptoms, gabapentin dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision

FAQ

Why is gabapentin considered bad?

Gabapentin is considered bad due to its high addiction potential, increasing involvement in overdose deaths, and cognitive impairment risks. Misuse rates are high (40-65% of prescribed patients), and non-medical use for getting high has increased significantly. It's also increasingly involved in overdose deaths, especially when combined with opioids.

What are the most common gabapentin side effects?

Common gabapentin side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Short-term cognitive decline has been observed in memory, attention, and executive function. Physical dependence can also develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly.

What are the main dangers of gabapentin?

The main dangers of gabapentin include its addiction potential, risk of overdose (especially when combined with opioids), and cognitive impairment. It can cause respiratory depression when taken with other CNS depressants. Gabapentin's involvement in overdose deaths has increased, with 9.7% of overdose deaths in 2019-2020 involving the drug.

Can gabapentin cause withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, gabapentin can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if stopped suddenly. These may include agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, shaking, sweating, and body aches. To avoid these symptoms, the dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Is gabapentin overprescribed?

There are concerns about gabapentin overprescription. Prescriptions increased from 39 million in 2012 to 64 million in 2016, making it the 10th most prescribed drug in the US. It's often prescribed off-label for conditions not approved by regulatory agencies, and long-term use has increased among certain patient groups.