Signs, Symptoms And Side Effects Of Horizant Abuse

Horizant is a medication prescribed to patients who are experiencing severe restless leg syndrome. Horizant can also be used to relieve nerve pain experienced from shingles infection.

The following is information regarding the signs and symptoms of Horizant misuse as well as the long-term side effects of using Horizant.

What Is Horizant?

Specifically, Horizant is classified as an anti-seizure and anticonvulsant medication. Just like beginning any new medication, taking Horizant can produce certain side effects. Less serious side effects of Horizant use are drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination and blurred vision. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of these less serious Horizant side effects for an unusually long time or if they get any worse. Many patients do not experience serious side effects from taking Horizant, but it is still important to know them so you can recognize them if necessary. Some serious side effects of Horizant treatment are slow or shallow breathing, depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts and sudden mood changes. Call your doctor right away if you notice these serious Horizant side effects in yourself or someone you love.

In very rare instances, some patients develop an allergic reaction to Horizant. Get medical assistance as soon as possible if you notice any of these possible Horizant allergy signs: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

Horizant Addiction

There is potential for patients to become dependent on or addicted to Horizant even if they are taking their medication exactly as their doctor prescribes. If you or someone you know begins to develop an addiction to Horizant, you may notice the following Horizant addiction signs: becoming obsessed with finding and taking Horizant and losing interest in daily life or the hobbies and activities you once enjoyed. If you notice any of these Horizant addiction signs, get help as soon as possible. Spotting Horizant addiction early can help you get started with a happier, healthier, substance-free life.

Horizant Long-Term Effects

One long-term effect of using Horizant, other than the side effects mentioned above, is significant driving impairment. Patients who are using Horizant should not operate a motor vehicle until they have gained experience in using Horizant and can adequately assess if they are capable of driving. If you are a Horizant patient, you may want to ask friends or family to help you get from place to place in the meantime, as some patients’ ability to decipher whether they are too impaired to drive may be unreliable. It is unknown how long this driving impairment effect may last.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Horizant addiction or another substance use disorder, get help right away. You can go online to www.TheRecoveryVillage.com or call our toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 855-548-9825 to learn more about the programs and resources The Recovery Village has to offer.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.