Gabapentin Overdose: Signs & Possibilities

Though there are serious withdrawal side effects, it’s difficult to overdose on gabapentin. Even at high doses, physical and mental side effects are mild to moderate.

In recent years, gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin, has become abused more regularly by those seeking a calming high similar to that brought on by opioid drugs. Gabapentin even has a street name — ”gabbies” — for recreational use. As the rate of abuse increases, many wonder “Can you overdose on gabapentin?” Here, we’ll discuss whether and how gabapentin overdose can happen and what to expect if someone has taken too much gabapentin.

Can You Overdose on Gabapentin?

Despite the well-known withdrawal side effects, it’s difficult to overdose on gabapentin. Studies have shown that even at very high levels of ingestion, people have only suffered mild to moderate physical and mental side effects that are rarely life-threatening. So far, there have been only two peer-reviewed case reports of death [1] [2] from gabapentin toxicity (related to gabapentin overdose). Despite this low statistic, gabapentin abuse as a suicide attempt has risen over the years. 

While this means gabapentin is a relatively safe drug, it still should not be ingested in large amounts. However, people taking gabapentin should be aware that it does have particularly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, even after taking it for a relatively short amount of time and at low doses.

Symptoms of Gabapentin Overdose

Most side effects of a gabapentin overdose will be related to an overall deceleration of the body’s systems. Drowsiness, muscle weakness, lethargy and drooping eyelids can be expected. Other gabapentin overdose symptoms include diarrhea and sedation. These symptoms arise because gabapentin is formulated to slow down misfirings in the brain that cause seizures.

Those who use gabapentin should be aware that stopping gabapentin abruptly can actually increase the chance of experiencing seizure activity. Suddenly removing the anti-seizure effect can cause a rebound, raising the risk of seizures. Gabapentin is a powerful drug that must be tapered slowly to avoid some of its more severe withdrawal side effects.

Editor – Melissa Carmona

Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN

Benjamin Caleb Williams is a board-certified Emergency Nurse with several years of clinical experience, including supervisory roles within the ICU and ER settings. Read more