Monday, July 9, 2012

Gabapentin Abuse – Risk Of Addiction With Gabapentin



Gabapentin abuse has been reported and it includes staggering or taking more than what is prescribed to achieve the feeling of “high”. Other forms of abuse include chewing the pill into a powder and absorbed through swallowing or through the lining of the mouth. Snorting a powderized Gabapentin has also been reported.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) was one of the world’s best selling drugs but 70 to 90 percent are due to off-label exploitation. It has been prescribed for bipolar disorder, migraine, pain and attention deficit syndrome. Due to high level of prescriptions, it is available for consumption for anyone who needs it, even for those who intend to use it for other means.
The abuse of this drug is due to off-label prescriptions that are not approved by the FDA. Due to the high number of prescriptions of this drug, it is very accessible to everyone, even to those who abuse the drug.
Other people continue using Gabapentin to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Due to this, drug tolerance happens and higher dosage of this drug is taken which leads to drug dependence. This dependence results to drug addiction in the long run. Abrupt cessation of the medicine will result to seizure even if you don’t have one before and can aggravate existing seizures.
If the Gabapentin abuse is due to treat mood disorders, tardive dyskinesia or anxiety, there might be a bigger problem. Very little studies have proven the effectiveness of this drug to treat these ailments and the chances of drug addiction due to improper use of this medicine is higher. The FDA has approved Gabapentin to use as an added medication for control of partial seizure. Doctors are not held by the FDA standards so they cannot be persecuted due to off-label prescription. Patients should be diligent in dealing with medications such as this.
When you are already suffering from Gabapentin addiction, your doctor can help you wean off the drug by gradually lowering the dosage of the drug. The amount of time you will go through weaning from the drug will depend on how long you have been abusing the drug and how high is the dosage you are taking. The half life elimination of Gabapentin in the system is five to seven hours. It usually takes two days for the drug to clear off the system.
Like any other medication, Gabapentin is not without side effects which include dizziness, drowsiness, problems with coordination, infections, fever, nausea, vomiting, fluid retention or swelling on the arms, legs, feet and hands and unusual eye movements. Other less common side effects include tremor or shakiness, blurred vision or double vision, fatigue or weakness, drying mouth, weight gain, sore throat, speech issues ad nervousness.
During the weaning period, you must not alter the prescribed dosage or take longer than prescribed as you are still at risk of seizure. If you are switching to a different seizure medication to stop Gabapentin abuse, you must not stop until you reach an effective dose of your new medication to lower the risk of seizure.

1 comment:

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