Gabapentin and Alcohol
Combining gabapentin and alcohol can increase the side effects of both substances. In fact, physicians advise patients not to drink alcohol while taking this drug. However, some individuals abuse gabapentin reporting effects of euphoria and relaxation. Abusing gabapentin can be dangerous. And, mixing it with alcohol can make it more threatening.
What is Gabapentin?
Doctors prescribe gabapentin to control seizures and to relieve nerve pain (mainly after a person experiences shingles). They also use this drug in an extended-release form to help with restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant. It decreases abnormal excitement in the brain. Sometimes, physicians will prescribe this drug for diabetic neuropathy.
The most common brand name for gabapentin is Neurontin. In addition, there are two other brand names for this drug which are Gralise and Horizant. Horizant is the extended-release gabapentin and should only be taken in the evening or at night.
Gabapentin comes in a tablet, capsule, liquid, and an extended-release tablet. The tablets, liquid, and capsules are usually taken three times a day with or without food. The extended-release tablet is taken once a day with food. Importantly, a person should never take more (or less) of this drug or take it more often than the doctor prescribes it. The extended-release gabapentin should be swallowed whole. Individuals should never crush, chew, or cut this drug.
What are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Unsteadiness
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Water retention
There are other possible side effects that are common in some users such as red or itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. If you exhibit any of these side effects and they do not go away, you should consult your doctor to discuss it with him or her.
More serious side effects may occur when taking gabapentin. These effects are more common in individuals who might have psychiatric disorders.
- Depression and anxiety
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors
- Insomnia
- Aggressiveness
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
- Anger and violent behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
Although these side effects are not common, they are possible in individuals who have underlying or known psychiatric disorders.
Gabapentin Abuse and Overdose
- Relaxation
- Improved sociability
- A sense of calm
- Euphoria
- A “high” similar to that of marijuana
Some abusers report “zombie-like” effects. The street name for gabapentin is “gabbies.” Alarmingly, the abuse of this drug seems to be growing.
It is possible to experience a fatal overdose of gabapentin on its own. However, many individuals who abuse this drug combine it with other substances. Abusers combine gabapentin with opioids to increase the effects of each drug. Mixing these two substances is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
Combining Gabapentin and Alcohol
Using two depressant substances together is never a good idea. Therefore, gabapentin and alcohol can be a dangerous combination. It can even be a lethal mixture causing respiratory distress and subsequent respiratory failure. This is not a common occurrence, but it can happen if enough of each substance is ingested.
Taking two depressants at one time doubles the effects of each substance. For instance, gabapentin and alcohol together increase nervous system side effects. Some of these effects include difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and dizziness. This can escalate chances for falls or accidents when trying to operate a vehicle.
In addition, combining gabapentin and alcohol can affect a person’s thoughts, moods, and behaviors. An individual may experience erratic behaviors and make very bad decisions when combining these two substances. They will experience anxiety, confusion, and trouble trying to focus.
Treatment for Abuse of Gabapentin and Alcohol
If you are abusing gabapentin and alcohol (or any other substance), seek help from a professional, licensed, and accredited addiction treatment facility. A Forever Recovery offers different addiction treatment modalities, one of which is certain to fit your specific needs and preferences.
At A Forever Recovery, we pride ourselves on a compassionate and caring staff that has the utmost respect for every individual in our care. We can help you through a medically supervised detoxification process where you will be monitored 24 hours a day. After detox, our specialists can design a treatment program that will put you on the road to a lifetime of recovery from addiction.
In addition, we offer aftercare programs for our clients to help them avoid relapse after completion of treatment and keep them on the path of complete recovery. Contact one of our representatives today to learn more about our facility and the treatment programs that we offer. They can answer any questions you may have about a program for your needs.
- cdc.gov – Types of Seizures
- mayoclinic.org – Diabetic Neuropathy
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Substance Misuse of Gabapentin