Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse the recreational use of prescription medication. Misusing gabapentin can lead to serious health consequences, including dependence, overdose, and death. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
From Prescription to Recreation: Understanding Gabapentin
Gabapentin, sold under brand names like Neurontin, is a prescription anticonvulsant medication [1.3.3]. It is FDA-approved to treat certain types of seizures and nerve pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia which occurs after shingles [1.9.2, 1.11.4]. Its mechanism involves altering calcium channels to calm down overactive nerve signals in the brain [1.5.5]. While it has a legitimate place in medicine and is often prescribed 'off-label' for conditions like anxiety and fibromyalgia, its potential for misuse has become a growing concern [1.9.4]. Although not a federally controlled substance, several states have reclassified it as a Schedule V drug due to its abuse potential [1.9.1, 1.9.2].
The Recreational Experience: What Does Gabapentin Feel Like?
When taken in doses much higher than prescribed, gabapentin can induce a range of subjective effects that users seek for recreational purposes. The experience is often described as a multi-faceted high with varying effects depending on the individual, dosage, and whether it's combined with other substances [1.2.2].
Reported Positive Effects
- Euphoria and Elevated Mood: Many users report a sense of euphoria or an elevated mood, feeling happy and content [1.2.2, 1.3.5].
- Relaxation and Calmness: A profound sense of calm and relaxation is one of the most commonly reported sensations, which is why it's sometimes misused to self-medicate for anxiety [1.2.2, 1.3.3].
- Sociability: Some individuals feel more sociable, talkative, and less inhibited in social situations [1.2.5].
- Marijuana-Like High: The overall feeling is frequently compared to a marijuana-like 'high,' characterized by relaxation and altered perception [1.2.2, 1.5.2].
- Comparisons to Other Substances: Less commonly, users have described effects reminiscent of a cocaine or amphetamine rush, dissociation similar to DXM, or an MDMA-like buzz [1.2.5, 1.4.1].
It is important to note that not all experiences are positive. Some users report negative effects like feeling 'zombie-like' [1.2.2].
The Dark Side: Dangers and Risks of Recreational Gabapentin Use
The pursuit of a gabapentin high is fraught with serious risks that can have lasting consequences on physical and mental health. These dangers are significantly amplified when the drug is taken in high doses, snorted, or mixed with other central nervous system depressants like opioids or alcohol [1.2.3, 1.3.4].
Immediate and Short-Term Risks
- Overdose: A gabapentin overdose is possible and its risk is significantly heightened when combined with other drugs [1.3.2]. Symptoms include severe drowsiness, slurred speech, double vision, diarrhea, and respiratory depression, which can lead to coma or death [1.2.3, 1.7.3]. According to the CDC, gabapentin was detected in nearly 10% of overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020 [1.4.3]. There is no specific antidote for a gabapentin overdose [1.3.3].
- Impaired Motor and Cognitive Function: Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, poor coordination (ataxia), and confusion [1.2.1]. This impairment increases the risk of accidents and injuries, making activities like driving or operating machinery extremely dangerous [1.3.4].
- Negative Side Effects: Beyond sedation, users may experience nausea, vomiting, mood swings, memory problems, and uncontrollable shaking [1.3.2, 1.10.2].
Long-Term Consequences
- Dependence and Withdrawal: With continued misuse, the body can develop a physical dependence on gabapentin. Abruptly stopping the drug can trigger a severe withdrawal syndrome with symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, sweating, nausea, agitation, and even life-threatening seizures [1.6.2, 1.10.3]. Withdrawal symptoms can start within 12 hours of the last dose and last for up to 10 days or more [1.6.2].
- Addiction: Psychological dependence, or addiction, can develop, characterized by cravings and compulsive use despite negative consequences [1.3.4]. Behavioral signs include 'doctor shopping' for more prescriptions, lying about symptoms, and neglecting personal hygiene or social habits [1.3.2].
- Increased Mental Health Issues: Long-term abuse can lead to or worsen depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In some cases, it has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [1.10.3, 1.2.1].
Gabapentin vs. Pregabalin: A Comparison
Gabapentin is often compared to its chemical cousin, pregabalin (brand name Lyrica). While both are gabapentinoids and work similarly, there are key differences in their recreational profile and risk.
| Feature | Gabapentin (Neurontin) | Pregabalin (Lyrica) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to calcium channels to reduce the release of excitatory neurotransmitters [1.5.5]. | Binds to the same calcium channels but with higher potency [1.8.1]. |
| Reported High | Often described as a relaxing, marijuana-like high with euphoria and increased sociability [1.2.2]. | Can also produce euphoria but is often considered more potent and quicker to act [1.8.2, 1.8.1]. |
| Bioavailability | Absorption is slower and becomes less efficient as doses increase [1.8.3]. | Absorbed more quickly and has greater bioavailability than gabapentin [1.8.1]. |
| Addiction Risk | Has a recognized potential for abuse and can lead to dependence [1.3.3]. | Considered to have a higher risk of abuse and dependence; misuse is more common [1.8.2, 1.8.4]. |
| Legal Status (US) | Not federally controlled, but a Schedule V substance in several states [1.9.1]. | Federally classified as a Schedule V controlled substance, indicating a low but present risk of abuse [1.8.2]. |
Conclusion: The Verdict on Gabapentin's Recreational Use
While some users recreationally pursue the euphoric and relaxing sensations that high doses of gabapentin can provide, the experience is inseparable from a host of severe and potentially lethal risks. The 'high' comes at the cost of potential overdose, especially when mixed with other substances, and a significant risk of developing physical dependence and addiction. The withdrawal syndrome can be intensely uncomfortable and dangerous. Given the serious health consequences, the recreational use of gabapentin is a hazardous gamble.
For more information on the risks of prescription drug misuse, one authoritative source is the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
