I have a real problem with someone living in the house that takes them like I do he takes them every chance he gets then lies about it honest I get very angry please give me some advice!!! This last time he took 2 weeks worth
Is gabapentin addictive? Can a person actually get a high from them?
Question posted by pam barta on 31 Jan 2013
Last updated on 19 June 2023 by DaveWV
47 Answers
Yes, it is addictive. I’ve found that a dose of only 100mg makes me feel as if I’ve had 2-3 drinks, and taking higher doses just compounds the problem. In my state (WV), gabapentin is now a Schedule V controlled substance. That makes sense to me as I know people who took/are taking 300mg every night and cannot do without them.
I stopped taking them after only a few days, as just walking around my house was dangerous. I had balance issues, was lethargic, and very much felt drunk. In light of my state’s actions, it’s clear that gabapentin has a potential for abuse/misuse. Even worse, it did nothing to help the nerve pain for which it was prescribed.
I took gabapentin for a number of years for mood stabilizer and never felt anything from it. Not even anxiety relief. My psychiatrist at the time wanted me to get off Ativan, which worked like a charm and switch to gabapentin. Not something I'd say, oh this is wonderful or a buzz. Also, if it is addictive and gives a high, why isn't it on the Controlled Substance List? I just checked and it's not there. Lyrica is a Controlled substance tho and when i used it for anxiety i did get a spacey feeling. My best anxiety meds are Klonopin or ativan. Benzos get a bad rap because of the few that abuse it, but are wonder drugs for those who truly need it, like myself.
As far as someone stealing it, I'd confront the person and give them the ultimatum that if another pill is missing, then they must find another place to live. If that's too harsh, try the lockbox thing, but i don't know why you have to inconvenience yourself because of someone who's leeching off your prescription. Why don't they get their own RX? Hmmm. SOmething to think about
“Addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder. It’s a combination of your genetics, your neurobiology, and how that interacts with psychological and social factors.” This means that addiction is like any other chronic disease such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma."
The person who suggested that he/she will not be able to get his/her prescription because of addicts abusing his/her choice of drug obviously has no empathy for others, other than themselves. Addicts do not grow up hoping to become addicted. Be a little kinder to use, because we suffer a lot.
You can only get high from them if you take 4 or more at once. Just being honest.
Yes, absolutely it is abused and it frequently used for one of 3 things:
1) it causes opiates to feel stronger
2) it relieves opiate withdrawal slightly and
3) people can't get anything else so they abuse it.
I know this because I'm in recovery for addiction and I'm prescribed it as well. I'm on 400mg and I'm given 9 a day. 3 3x a day for severe anxiety. If it weren't for this drug I couldn't leave the house.
Typically it is non asddictive. You can however take enough to get a little bit of a high. This is mostly popular in prison. This is also very dangerous. Taking more than the recommended dosage has been proven to be lethal in certain instances. The probability of getting a high before overdosing is low. Do not take this precaution lightly.
YES! Gabapentin can be addictive. There even is a withdrawal component to this drug. And yes, if taken in a high enough dose, you can get high. But if taken on a regular basis, everyday, the high is diminished. Sounds like he does not get them from a doctor. He is actually stealing two weeks worth from you, or are you saying he took, as in swallowed, two weeks with at once? If he's stealing them, you need to get a lock box. Some pharmacies are reluctant to replace drugs if someone in your household is stealing them. It is your responsibility to lock them up. I hope this helps. Also in some states I believe this is a controlled substance, or they are trying to make it so.
When I started Gabapentin, I was also taking Flexeril. I was zoned out. I realized that it was the combination and I discontinued the Flexeril. I was told that Gabapentin will enhance the side effects of other drugs that do make you feel “high”. I have no problem with it now.
Well, I have taken it off and on for many years. I never had a problem with the addition part. However, I do know that depending on the dosage, it can make you feel pretty messed up. Kind of like getting drunk. I have taken 800mg for a few years. Now I take 400mg. It is a drug that you adapt to, so this person would have to eventually take more and more to get that feeling. Since I just started back on the 400mg after a couple of years without it (it been on it for 2 weeks) i dont even want to drive due to feeling kind of heavy and off balance.
It might be used for a high by some people. It causes drowsiness. For me dizziness. I only take before bed or nap when I’m home. I can’t take during day if I’ll be driving. ❤️
This is really not an answer but I need advice because I am scared. I was prescribed 300mg gabapentin twice a day. I was taking it but I only take it once now. Before I got p rescribed, I would get them from my friends. I have been on them about a year on and off. I had a bad VIRAL infection last month which is a side effect. I ended up in E.R. And I'm getting headaches, shaking, depression,and pounding in my head. I'm also on 50 mg. metoprolol twice daily, 30mg. lisinopril and a water pill... all for high blood pressure hypertension. Am I withdrawing from gabapeti n because I went to one pill a day and skip days?
Although this seems like a really low dose to be suffering withdrawal from, you should tell your doctor about the symptoms. Since you are also on blood pressure medications you should have your blood pressure checked. Those symptoms could also relate to high blood pressure.
I won't go into my specifics except when I had to reduce my dose it was under strict medical supervision over a 7 week period otherwise severe fitting would occur.
You can experience withdrawal with gabapentin. A very gradual taper is recommended but depending on your dosage form, it could be difficult to divide into small doses.
Be prepared for whatever you are taking it for to come back with a vengeance. For example, if you are taking it for seizures, you may have seizures again. If you are taking it for neuropathy, you may begin to experience the pins and needles and stabbing pain again.
You can experience withdrawal with gabapentin. A very gradual taper is recommended but depending on your dosage form, it could be difficult to divide into small doses.
Be prepared for whatever you are taking it for to come back with a vengeance. For example, if you are taking it for seizures, you may have seizures again. If you are taking it for neuropathy, you may begin to experience the pins and needles and stabbing pain again.
I had a family member that would take a pain pill or two whenever they thought they could get away with it. This went on for a couple of weeks after talking to them about it I just had to tell them to leave. There are times my doctor would ask me to bring in my bottle of pain pills so he could count them to make sure I was not taken more than I should. So I couldn't afford to have someone else taking my pills. I take the same medication you are talking about also Im on them for RSD I take 1800 mg a day. I have never gotten high off of them myself but not saying they can't be harmful if someone takes to much. Good luck.
I was prescribed 300mg 3Xs a day and it wasn't enough so I had a friend that gave me a bunch of her 600mg and I have taken them 3Xs the first day and one this morning when I woke up. The first day I was in a state of euphoria it seemed like I was there but nothing was real. I guess you could call it a daze of sorts. Also I was so tired that night I crashed at bedtime and slept so hard I could hardley get out of bed the is next morning. Then the one I took this morning also has me in that daze and I'm so drowsy I can't drive anywhere right now. The high feeling I got is not a desirable feeling to me but it may be for your room mate and it may be amplified with taking alot of the medication gabapentin.
With me, gabapentin makes me feel drunk kind of. If I take around 1500-2000 mg that's the best kind. Anything over or under is too much if a euphoria or not enough. I love gabbies. My tolerance gets pretty high though so I wait a few weeks or a month between uses. It's basically my party drug
Oh, great... another person using prescription drugs for recreational purposes. Do you know that people like you is what makes it difficult for people like me to get the scripts they need for pain/pain management/neurological disorders just so they can have a better quality of life? You're a very selfish person who cares about no one but yourself. As long as YOU can get high, nothing else matter's.
That person calling them "gabbies" and they us them as a party drug, sounds like a kid, which makes it even scarier.. but, yes, people abusing our medication that we medically Need and are actually prescribed DO make it harder for us to have the meds we need.. and as a Cert Pharmacy Tech, make this be a lesson to any parents that see this! Just because they may not be a C2-C4 does not mean they aren't at high chance for abuse, Obviously. This is why Gabapentin has become controlled in some states already and the are working on it for ALL States now.. because people Are abusing them. So PARENTS and Patients with others living with them, LOCK THEM UP, PLEASE!!! For You and our kids safety, Thank you!!! ♥️
I started taking Gabapentin 100mg capsules twice a day for diabetic pain and numbness in my feet and toes. I have taken it for only two days, and I can feel the results. I do have a slight euphoric feeling and I am more alert during the day. It's working for me.
Related topics
diabetic nerve damage, gabapentin, diabetic neuropathy
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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