Gabapentin Misuse: Signs, Risks, and What to Do If You're Concerned

When used as prescribed, gabapentin, a prescription medication originally approved for seizures and nerve pain. Also known as Neurontin, it helps calm overactive nerves in conditions like postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy. But more people are taking it without a prescription—or in ways doctors didn’t intend. That’s where gabapentin misuse, the use of this drug outside medical guidance becomes a real problem. It’s not just about taking too much. It’s about using it to get high, to ease anxiety without a diagnosis, or to boost the effects of other drugs like opioids or alcohol.

People who misuse gabapentin often report feeling relaxed, drowsy, or even euphoric—especially when they crush pills or take them with other substances. That’s why it’s increasingly found in combination with opioids, even though the FDA has warned this mix can be deadly. drug dependence, a physical or psychological need to keep using a substance despite harm can develop in as little as a few weeks, especially in those with a history of substance use. Withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening like alcohol or benzodiazepines, but it can cause severe anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and even seizures if stopped cold turkey. And here’s the catch: many doctors still don’t realize how addictive gabapentin can be, so patients often slip through the cracks.

What makes gabapentin misuse especially tricky is that it’s often prescribed for legitimate reasons—like chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, or restless legs. So when someone starts taking more than directed, or buys it online, it’s easy to hide. Signs to watch for include running out of prescriptions early, visiting multiple doctors, changes in mood or behavior, and secretive use. If you’re worried about your own use—or someone else’s—the first step isn’t shame. It’s asking for help. There are proven ways to taper safely, manage withdrawal, and find alternative treatments for pain or anxiety that don’t carry the same risks.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve been there: how to recognize the red flags, what alternatives exist for nerve pain, how to talk to your doctor without sounding suspicious, and what recovery actually looks like when you’re not just popping pills to feel better. This isn’t about scare tactics. It’s about giving you the facts so you can make smarter choices—for yourself or someone you care about.