When it comes to addiction, prescription medications like Gabapentin might not be a focus for some treatment centers. But, if you’re wondering how long Gabapentin stays in your system, rest assured, it’s only for 48 hours since the last dose.1
Clinics don’t usually test your hair strands for Gabapentin, but if they do, they might detect traces up to 90 days later. However, any detection of Gabapentin on tests isn’t a reason to worry since this medication is commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, and shingles.2
If you feel you or a loved one is developing a Gabapentin addiction, Nurture Nexus Recovery Center can help. We offer evidence-based prescription drug addiction treatment and are just a call away!
How Long Can Gabapentin Stay in Your Body?
Although Gabapentin stops affecting you after 48 hours since the last dose, it can still be found in traces in the body3, depending on where you look.
Saliva
Gabapentin is undetectable in saliva or swab tests for most standard test kits.
Blood
A blood sample can show traces of Gabapentin up until 5-7 hours since its last dose.
Urine
Urine samples can test positive for Gabapentin up to 4 days after the last dose.
Hair
Hair samples can store Gabapentin for up to 90 days since its last use.
What is The Half-Life of Gabapentin?
The half-life of Gabapentin refers to the amount of time the body takes to metabolize or eliminate half of a Gabapentin dose. This time period is roughly around 5-7 hours, depending on your body’s natural metabolic rate.4
Suppose you take 5mg of Gabapentin at 12 pm. By 7 pm, your body would have eliminated 2.5mg of the dose, and so forth, until it is fully excreted. Knowing Gabapentin’s half-life is important when estimating how long it’ll take to fully detox from the prescription drug.
Understanding Gabapentin Metabolism in the Body
Unlike most drugs that are metabolized in the liver, Gabapentin is not metabolized significantly anywhere in the body but is excreted in the kidneys. The drug is absorbed in the small intestine via the saturable L-amino acid transport system and remains unchanged in the bloodstream.5 It bypasses the liver and is excreted via the kidneys as a whole.
5 Factors That Influence How Long Gabapentin Stays in Your Body
Although Gabapentin stays in the body for 36-48 hours, there are certain factors that can cause it to linger for longer:
1. Age
As the body ages, metabolism and kidney efficiency tend to slow down. Older individuals often take longer to clear medications like Gabapentin.6
2. Overall Health
Overall health impacts how well the body’s metabolism functions. People with chronic illnesses, poor nutrition, or weakened immune systems may metabolize Gabapentin more slowly.
3. Kidney Function
Since Gabapentin is passed through the kidneys, if someone has an impaired renal system, they may take longer to clear the medication from their body.7
4. Drug Usage
Someone who has been on a high daily dose or has used the drug for months will have more of it built up in their system than a person who only took a small amount for a short period.
5. Drug Interactions
Gabapentin is sometimes prescribed alongside other medications. Certain drugs may slow down their absorption or elimination8, which can make them linger in the system.
Expert Opinion on Gabapentin Use for Chronic Illnesses
“Gabapentin must be used strictly in accordance with your healthcare provider’s prescription and instructions. Misuse of the medication can lead to side effects, dependence, and reduced effectiveness. Moreover, the timing and dosage of the drug should be consistent with your doctor’s orders when managing conditions like neuropathic pain or seizures.”
-Dr. Taiye Popoola
Is Gabapentin an Addictive Prescription Drug?
Although it was originally developed as an anticonvulsant, Gabapentin is now prescribed for nerve pain, restless leg syndrome, and even anxiety. While the medication itself does not carry the same high risk of dependence as opioids or benzodiazepines, research shows that misuse can occur.9
Individuals who have been prescribed Gabapentin may take higher or more frequent doses to feel a prolonged sense of calm or euphoria. A potential dependence on the drug is likely to develop if the patient was in extensive pain and relying on the medication for relief.
The risk increases when Gabapentin is combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, opioids, or sedatives. Overall, Gabapentin abuse is seen to occur in both prescription patients and those who use it illicitly. That’s why treating an addiction to Gabapentin is so important.
Side Effects of Gabapentin Use
Some of the most common side effects of Gabapentin10 use are:
- Feeling sleepy
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Inflammation
Signs of Gabapentin Addiction
Since Gabapentin isn’t an actively addictive drug, the signs of its addiction11 aren’t very easy to pick up on. However, if you or someone you know has been taking Gabapentin for a long period, watch out for these symptoms:
- Excessive depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trouble with coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Tremors (especially in hands)
- Increased anxiety
- Changes in mood
- Unusual forgetfulness
- Issues with balance
- Sleep problems
What Does Gabapentin Withdrawal Look Like
Gabapentin isn’t the type of medication that can be cut off immediately. Its withdrawal period lasts anywhere from 12 hours to a week. Once your body has developed a dependence on the drug, you may experience these withdrawal symptoms12 after your last dose:
- Sensitivity to light
- Irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches & dizziness
- Restlessness & tremors
- Increased nausea
- Fatigue
- Body pain
- Insomnia & sleep issues
Treatment Options for Gabapentin Addiction in Texas
Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers flexible treatment for addiction to prescription drugs in Texas. Our treatment programs for Gabapentin include:
Outpatient Program
The outpatient program provides flexible 1-3 hour sessions up to 3 days a week for those struggling with Gabapentin dependence or mild addiction.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Choose an approach focused on long-term recovery from Gabapentin addiction that mainly consists of intensive outpatient program sessions up to 6 hours a day, 3-5 days a week.
Partial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization program provides medical supervision during treatment for 8 hours a day for 3-5 days a week. It is best suited to patients who require extensive care.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
For patients struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders, we provide medication-assisted treatment to treat Gabapentin addiction and other symptoms.
(214) 838-7488Choose Texas’s Top Gabapentin Addiction Treatment Provider
It is easy to fall into Gabapentin abuse even when you’re taking the medication according to your doctor’s directions. Such a situation can quickly turn into an addiction if left unchecked. At Nurture Nexus Recovery, we specialize in compassionate, personalized addiction treatment right here in Texas.
Our medical team is ready to help you reclaim your life with proven therapies and a supportive community. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to get the help you need.
FAQs
How Long Does Gabapentin Stop Nerve Pain?
Gabapentin is a solution for both chronic and acute nerve pain. Within the first two weeks, you may notice the effects last from one dose to another, but with prolonged use, it stops nerve pain for longer.
What Is Gabapentin Used For?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication primarily used as an anticonvulsant. However, it is also used for treatment of nerve pain, joint pain, anxiety, shingles, and other conditions.
Can You Take Gabapentin with Clonazepam together?
No, you should not take Gabapentin in combination with Clonazepam. When these two medications are taken together, there is a greater risk of respiratory and CNS depression.
What Is the Classification of Gabapentin?
On a federal level, Gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA. However, some states, like Kentucky, have given it the classification of a Schedule V controlled substance.
Can Gabapentin Cause Migraines?
Yes, migraines and headaches are common side effects of Gabapentin use. These side effects usually subside within two weeks of use.
Additional Resources
- How to Treat Drug Addiction: Methods, Support, and Relapse Prevention
- Finding the Best Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide
- How To Find a Suboxone® Doctor Near Me? 5 Things To Look For
- Finding a Suboxone Clinic Near Me: 7 Things to Look For
