Gabapentin Misuse: The Hidden Prescription Epidemic in California
For years, gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) was viewed as a relatively low-risk prescription medication for nerve pain and seizures. But in recent years, clinicians and public health officials have raised alarms about gabapentin misuse—especially when it’s combined with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines. In California and across the U.S., this “hidden” trend is showing up in overdose investigations, emergency departments, and treatment programs.
This guide explains what gabapentin is, why misuse is rising, the dangers of combining it with other substances, the signs to watch for, what withdrawal looks like, and how to find effective help in California.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used for partial seizures and neuropathic pain. Some providers prescribe it off-label for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, or migraines. Because it is not an opioid or benzodiazepine, it has sometimes been assumed to be “safer.” That assumption can lead to nonmedical use—for example, taking higher-than-prescribed doses, combining it with other drugs, or using it without a prescription.
Gabapentin affects the central nervous system (CNS) and can produce sedation or euphoria at high doses in some individuals. On its own, it still carries risks (e.g., dizziness, impaired coordination), but the real danger emerges when gabapentin is used with other depressants.
Federal agencies have issued multiple safety communications about gabapentin’s risks when mixed with other CNS depressants. See the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for ongoing updates and research.
Gabapentin can intensify sedation and slow breathing, especially when combined with opioids or alcohol. This is a critical point in the current overdose landscape, where many fatalities involve more than one substance. Even if a person is taking a medication exactly as prescribed, mixing it with other drugs—intentionally or not—can be dangerous.
Key risks include:
In California, where synthetic opioids like fentanyl dominate the supply, unintentional mixing is a persistent concern. People may not realize that adding “just one more” sedating agent increases the risk of respiratory collapse.
Gabapentin is not an opioid or a benzo, but people can develop tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect) and physiological dependence with regular or high-dose use. Some individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop, especially after prolonged nonmedical use or abrupt discontinuation.
Each person’s experience is different, but common red flags include:
Stopping gabapentin abruptly may lead to withdrawal in some people, particularly after high-dose or long-term use. Symptoms can include:
Medical oversight is advised—especially for individuals who are also using opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. A supervised medical detox can monitor symptoms, taper safely when appropriate, and address co-occurring issues.
California continues to grapple with a complex overdose landscape driven by polysubstance use. As communities increase access to naloxone and expand treatment capacity, attention has turned to overlooked contributors—like gabapentin. For Californians navigating pain, anxiety, or sleep issues, gabapentin can be helpful when used properly. But unsupervised use, diversion, or mixing with other depressants can be catastrophic.
Clinicians, families, and patients in California benefit from understanding:
Effective care treats the whole person—not just a medication list. At Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, CA, we build individualized plans that may include:
Prescriptions became more common, and some people began using it nonmedically to enhance the effects of opioids or cope with anxiety/withdrawal. Misuse is especially dangerous when combined with other depressants.
It is not an opioid or benzodiazepine, but tolerance, physiological dependence, and withdrawal can occur—particularly with prolonged or high-dose use.
All are CNS depressants. Together they can dangerously slow breathing, increasing overdose risk. If opioids are involved, keep naloxone on hand and avoid using alone.
Some people report anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sweating, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. Medical oversight is recommended for tapering and comfort.
Contact Design for Change Recovery in Lancaster, CA for a confidential assessment. We offer medical detox, residential and outpatient care, and integrated mental health support. Start here: Verify Insurance or Contact Us.