Gabapentin Half-Life, Usage, and Risks

Gabapentin Half-Life

The half-life of Gabapentin is between 5 and 7 hours, meaning it can take up to 2 days for gabapentin to leave a person’s system completely. [1] Urine tests or hair tests may be able to detect traces of this anticonvulsant drug for longer, up to 90 days in some cases.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a member of a class of drugs known as antiepileptic drugs. The FDA has approved it for use in treating seizures, restless legs syndrome, and postherpetic neuralgia (also known as nerve pain resulting from shingles). [2] However, it’s used off-label for a number of different conditions, including movement disorders, anxiety, and addiction treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Gabapentin is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulas and may be known by the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant. [3] While not a controlled substance at the federal level, gabapentin has recently been associated with an increased risk of substance abuse and addiction. This has prompted several states in the Southern region of the United States to pass laws restricting its availability and use.

No matter what state you live in, you must have a doctor’s prescription to use gabapentin legally, and you must only take it as prescribed. Recreational use of this drug, especially when combined with opioids, can result in severe adverse outcomes, including fatal overdose.

How Long Does Gabapentin Last in the Body?

Even though gabapentin almost entirely clears the system within 48 hours, it can leave traces behind in a person’s urine or hair, for example. This means a drug screening may still identify gabapentin in these substances for a period of time.

The exact detection window and drug metabolism for gabapentin can vary based on a number of different factors, primarily the type of drug test administered, as well as the individual’s metabolism. A urine test, for example, may be able to detect traces of gabapentin for up to three days, while a hair follicle test might show signs of gabapentin use for up to 90 days or more. [4]

 

Factors that Impact How Long Gabapentin Stays in the System

Drugs affect people differently, from the time they’re ingested to the time they leave the body. The amount of time it takes your body to eliminate gabapentin can depend on a number of different variables, including: [5]

• Your metabolism
• Your age
• The dose of gabapentin you took
• The type of gabapentin you took (i.e., immediate versus extended release)
• How long you have been taking gabapentin
• Whether you have food in your stomach
• Whether your kidney function is normal (i.e., proper renal function)

Although it remains in your system for longer, the effects of gabapentin typically wear off within eight hours; however, this duration can vary depending on your prescription and individual factors. Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery while taking gabapentin until you know how it affects you.

Side Effects of Gabapentin

Some people experience mild side effects when taking gabapentin as prescribed by a doctor. Taking it in higher doses or for recreational purposes can result in more serious side effects, as well as other adverse effects such as substance use disorder and drug overdose. Generally, common side effects of gabapentin will include: [6]

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Trouble speaking
• Vision problems
• Swelling of feet and legs
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Fatigue

If these side effects become intolerable or last for more than a few days, contact your healthcare provider.

Gabapentin Warnings

Although Gabapentin isn’t considered a narcotic, it can still cause adverse effects, including the risk of substance use disorder and other complications. [7]

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Some people taking gabapentin experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk may be higher for people with a history of mental health issues or those taking other anticonvulsants with gabapentin. Tell your doctor if you have any mood changes while taking gabapentin.

Respiratory Depression

Gabapentin acts on the central nervous system and can cause slowed or stopped breathing, referred to as respiratory depression. This risk is compounded when gabapentin is mixed with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioid drugs.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to gabapentin are rare, but when they do occur, they can be serious. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience trouble breathing or swelling in your face after taking gabapentin; these could be signs of anaphylaxis.

Substance Use Disorder

Recently, a connection has been established between gabapentin and substance abuse. While some recreational users may use gabapentin alone to achieve a “marijuana-like” high, many combine the drug with opioids. [8] This is a particularly concerning and sometimes deadly practice.

Using gabapentin without a prescription or in doses higher than prescribed can lead to substance use disorder (SUD), which can further increase the risk of a fatal overdose. Common symptoms of SUD include: [9]

• Severe cravings for the drug
• Using the drug repeatedly, even though it’s causing problems in relationships
• Using the drug in risky or dangerous situations, like while driving
• Failing to meet other responsibilities due to drug use
• Trying, but failing to stop using the drug or cut down on use
• Giving up other activities to use drugs
• Spending a lot of time acquiring the drug, using the drug, or recovering from use
• Needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect (i.e., building tolerance)
• Trouble controlling how much of the drug you use or for how long
• Using the drug even though it’s making a physical or mental health condition worse
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to abstain from the drug

If you have just two or more of these symptoms, you may have a substance use disorder that requires immediate treatment. Disorders like this typically get worse when left untreated, and progression can happen quickly. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more challenging recovery might be.

Life-Threatening Overdose

If you become addicted to gabapentin and/or combine it with other drugs (particularly alcohol or opioid drugs) to get high, you’re at risk of a life-threatening overdose. Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include: [10]

• Pinpoint pupils
• Slow or raspy breathing
• Bluish fingernails or lips
• Cold, clammy skin
• Limp limbs
• Trouble speaking or slurred speech
• Slow or faint heartbeat
• Unresponsiveness
• Vomiting
• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds

Signs of a drug overdose constitute a medical emergency. Call 911 and stay with the person until first responders arrive.

Substance Abuse Treatment

If you or a loved one has symptoms of a substance use disorder, including addiction to gabapentin, opioid drugs, or any other substances, help is available. This isn’t something you have to deal with on your own, and there is a science to recovery. Evidence-based treatment options may include medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient services, and aftercare support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapentin Half-Life