Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage or treat a medical or mental health condition. Some prescription drugs have the potential for misuse and physical addiction. 

Gabapentin is a prescription medication used to treat neuropathic pain, seizure disorder, and other conditions. People who use Gabapentin for a long time may become addicted to it. Overcoming gabapentin addiction can be challenging, but the support of a detox and treatment program can help.

This article will explore how long gabapentin stays in your system. You will learn: 

• How gabapentin works
• How long gabapentin stays in the body
• What happens during gabapentin withdrawal 
• What to expect during gabapentin detox
• Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment services

If you or someone you love struggle with gabapentin dependence, you are not alone. Effective, holistic treatment is available at Moving Mountains Recovery. Reach out to our intake team to explore our programs, verify insurance, or schedule an intake appointment. 

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication available under the brand name Neurontin. An extended-release formulation is available under the brand name Gralise.

Gabapentin comes in several forms, including:

• An oral solution
• Tablets
• Capsules

Doctors may prescribe gabapentin to help patients manage several symptoms, including:

• Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that can occur after a shingles outbreak)
• Restless leg syndrome
• Epileptic seizures

Medical professionals do not understand exactly how gabapentin works. Many believe that it affects a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical can reduce central nervous system (CNS) activity, which can lessen pain perceptions and reduce seizure activity.

Gabapentin is not considered a controlled substance at the federal level. However, some states have laws that classify it as a Schedule IV drug, meaning it has a low risk for abuse and physical dependence. 

People who misuse gabapentin may become physically dependent on it. People sometimes misuse gabapentin because it reduces anxiety. They may abuse their prescription medication or take it recreationally. 

Gabapentin abuse includes:

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed
• Taking it more often than prescribed
• Taking it for a longer period than prescribed
• Using it recreationally (without a prescription)

People who abuse gabapentin may experience a “high” feeling at high doses. Misusing gabapentin, taking high doses, and mixing it with other drugs can result in severe complications and health problems. People who misuse gabapentin may be at risk of an overdose. 

Factors That Affect Gabapentin Metabolism and Detection Times

Gabapentin is not metabolized by the liver like many other drugs. Instead, it is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The body absorbs gabapentin in the intestines and then processes it through the renal system. 

The half-life of gabapentin is about 5 to 7 hours, meaning that it takes this amount of time for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. In people with impaired kidney function, this process can take longer.

Ultimately, several factors can influence how long gabapentin stays in your system and how quickly your body processes it. These factors can vary from person to person, meaning the detection time for gabapentin may not be the same for everyone.

Age

Metabolism naturally slows down with age. This means older adults may take longer to eliminate gabapentin from their system compared to younger individuals.

Kidney Function

Gabapentin is primarily removed from the body through the kidneys. If someone has impaired kidney function or kidney disease, the drug can stay in their system longer. Healthy kidney function helps clear gabapentin more efficiently.

Dosage and Frequency of Use

Higher doses of gabapentin or using it frequently over a long period of time can cause the drug to build up in your system. This can extend the time it takes for the body to fully metabolize and eliminate the drug.

Metabolism

People with faster metabolisms may process gabapentin more quickly, while those with slower metabolisms may take longer. Metabolic rates can be influenced by factors like diet, exercise, and overall health.

Body Weight and Fat

Gabapentin isn’t stored in fat cells like some other drugs, but body weight can still play a role in how the drug is processed. In general, individuals with a higher body mass may take longer to eliminate gabapentin from their system.

Co-Occurring Medications or Substances

If you’re taking other medications or substances that affect your liver or kidneys, it could slow down how your body breaks down gabapentin. Additionally, mixing gabapentin with alcohol or other drugs can complicate the elimination process and may lead to dangerous interactions.

Overall Health

Your general health can also impact how your body processes medications. Factors like hydration, diet, and the presence of other medical conditions can affect the speed at which gabapentin is metabolized.

How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your System?

Drug screenings may not typically test for gabapentin since it is not a controlled substance in most areas. However, some tests can screen for it to identify gabapentin abuse. 

To understand how long gabapentin remains in the body, it’s important to look at the drug’s half-life. The half-life of a drug is the length of time it takes the body to eliminate half of the substance. The half-life of gabapentin is about 6.5 hours.

Here is an overview of how long gabapentin may appear on various screenings.

Urine test

Urinalysis screenings may detect gabapentin in urine for approximately 72 hours. Several factors, including metabolism, kidney disease, and general health, can affect detection and elimination times for this drug.

Blood test

Blood testing may detect gabapentin for between 5 and 7 hours after a person’s last dose.

Saliva test

Saliva testing is not typically able to detect gabapentin. 

Hair test

Hair testing may be detectable for up to 90 days after a person’s last dose.

People who misuse or become physically dependent on gabapentin may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Withdrawal symptoms can last longer than the drug remains in the body.

Understanding Gabapentin Withdrawal

People who become physically dependent on gabapentin are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within 12 hours of a person’s last dose.

Common gabapentin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Elevated heart rate
• Tremors
• Agitation
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Elevated blood pressure
• Digestive symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms may peak around 72 hours after a person’s last dose of gabapentin. The amount of time it takes for withdrawal symptoms to resolve completely can vary from person to person. Intense withdrawal symptoms can make it challenging for people to prevent relapse. 

Having medical and emotional support during detox can help people manage withdrawal and stay on track throughout detox. A detox program may include:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and anxiety
• Emotional support, including individual counseling and support groups
• A secure, supportive environment
• Round-the-clock access to medical and mental health support
• Holistic therapies like nutrition support, massage, yoga, mindfulness, and more

After completing detox, people must continue to receive treatment to address the complex physical, psychological, and behavioral roots of their substance abuse. 

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggle with gabapentin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our comprehensive detox and treatment programs.