Millions of people take prescription medications to manage or treat a medical condition. Some prescription drugs have a risk of side effects, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances.
Gabapentin is a common prescription drug used to relieve nerve pain, restless leg syndrome, and other conditions. Consuming alcohol while taking gabapentin can be dangerous.
This article will explore the risks of mixing alcohol and gabapentin. You will learn:
- How gabapentin works
- The effects of and risks of abusing gabapentin
- The dangers of mixing alcohol and gabapentin
- How to recognize alcohol addiction
- Where to find substance abuse treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with drug or alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a generic prescription drug sold under the brand name Neurontin. Doctors may prescribe gabapentin to patients with:
- Nerve pain
- Restless leg syndrome
- Epileptic seizures
Medical health experts believe gabapentin slows signals and activity throughout the brain. This can reduce excitatory brain activity, reducing perceived pain and seizure activity.
Like all medications, gabapentin has the potential to cause side effects. Some of the intended side effects of gabapentin include less pain, sedation, and reduced anxiety levels. Taking gabapentin differently than prescribed may cause unwanted or dangerous side effects.
The Effects and Risk of Gabapentin Abuse
Gabapentin is not a controlled substance, but it may still have the potential for abuse. Gabapentin abuse includes:
- Taking a larger dose than prescribed
- Taking gabapentin more often than prescribed
- Taking it for a longer period than prescribed
- Taking gabapentin recreationally (without a prescription)
Misusing gabapentin has an increased risk of experiencing unwanted side effects, including:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Swelling in extremities
- Unusual thoughts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Ear pain
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Memory problems
- Headache
- Red eyes
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Unsteady gait
- Increased appetite leading to weight gain
Sometimes, people may experience more severe side effects while taking gabapentin. These may include:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling in the face, throat, and mouth
- Rashes
- Seizures
People who misuse gabapentin are also at risk of an overdose. Signs of a gabapentin overdose include:
- Double vision
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drowsiness
- Slurred speech
These side effects require immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you or someone near you is exhibiting an overdose or other side effects related to gabapentin.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Gabapentin?
It can be unsafe to mix prescription drugs and alcohol. People who take a prescription medication must talk to their doctor about the risk of drinking alcohol while taking it.
Many medical professionals advise people to avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin. Alcohol and gabapentin depress central nervous system (CNS) activity. Combining these substances can have dangerous, even life-threatening effects.
Combining central nervous system depressants can enhance the effects of both substances. Some of the potential effects of combining gabapentin and alcohol include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slow or shallow breathing that may cause dangerously low blood oxygen levels
- Dizziness
- Excessive fatigue
- Worsening symptoms of depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loss of consciousness
- Mood changes
If your doctor tells you to avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin, you must do so. If you struggle to stop drinking while taking a prescription medication, it may be a sign that you need substance abuse treatment.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
Recognizing alcohol abuse is one of the first steps in getting help. It can be challenging to acknowledge alcohol abuse because drinking is common and accepted in most parts of the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people not to drink or to drink in moderation. Moderate drinking means:
- One or fewer drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer drinks per day for men
Regularly exceeding these limits can be a sign you need help to safely stop drinking and avoid relapse.
Not being able to stop drinking while taking a prescription drug may be another sign of a problem. People who develop an alcohol addiction cannot simply choose to stop drinking without significant support.
Some other signs of alcohol abuse or addiction include:
- Needing to drink more to get “buzzed” than before
- Regularly drinking more than you planned to
- Having legal, social, or financial trouble related to your drinking
- Having cravings for alcohol
- Drinking in inappropriate situations, such as at work or first thing in the morning
- Taking risks while drinking, such as driving or having unprotected sex
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety, etc) when you stop drinking
- Neglecting your responsibilities, relationships, or hobbies because of your drinking
- Continuing to drink, even though it harms your body, mind, relationships, or other critical aspects of your life
Experiencing several of these signs may indicate you are living with alcohol abuse or addiction. Seek help as soon as you recognize the signs of a problem.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment center, programs, and recovery support.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Gabapentin
- NIH: Gabapentin for Off-Label Use: Evidence-Based or Cause for Concern?
- Science Direct: The acute effects of gabapentin in combination with alcohol in heavy drinkers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol Use and Your Health
