West Virginia continues to face a severe overdose crisis. In 2023, we had the highest drug overdose death rate in the nation, with 81.9 deaths per 100,000 people. Fentanyl is still the most common cause, but gabapentin, a medication often prescribed for nerve pain, is showing up more often in overdose deaths. Between 2018 and 2022, it was involved in about 9.5% of all overdose deaths in West Virginia.
At Hope for Tomorrow, addiction treatment doesn’t just address the immediate risks – it helps people regain stability in their health, relationships, and daily life. This blog explains the dangers of gabapentin overdose and why seeking professional support early can make a difference.
A gabapentin overdose happens when the body gets more of the medication than it can safely handle or process. Some individuals find that higher doses of gabapentin produce mild euphoria, ease anxiety, or intensify the “high” when taken with other substances. This can lead to the misuse of a prescription or even the illegal acquisition of it.
When it’s taken in high doses, too often, or mixed with other substances, an overdose can happen.
Taking gabapentin for a prolonged period also increases the risk of withdrawal when it’s stopped. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be intense, causing people to take more of it or turn to other substances, like alcohol, to cope. In severe cases, gabapentin withdrawal can include seizures and other health complications.
An overdose can slow breathing to a dangerous level, especially when gabapentin is combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. The FDA warns that gabapentin can cause serious breathing problems, and the risk rises with other central nervous system depressants. This means that when a gabapentin overdose happens, it’s usually fairly noticeable.
The sooner an overdose is caught, the more likely it is to make a full recovery. Here are some common signs that someone is experiencing a gabapentin overdose:
Act immediately. If the person is collapsed, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be woken up, call 911. Emergency responders will manage the airway, breathing, and circulation, and take the person to a hospital if needed.
Poison Control can give urgent, expert guidance if someone is unsure of whether or not they’re witnessing an overdose. They can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 or via the Poison Control website.
Below is a simple table our staff shares with families and first responders. It shows practical steps, why they matter, and who to call.
| Action to take right away | Why it matters | Who to call |
|---|---|---|
| Check responsiveness and breathing | Determines whether immediate CPR or advanced airway support is needed | 911 |
| Place the person on their side if vomiting or unconscious but breathing | Reduces the risk of choking and helps keep the airway clear | 911 or local EMS |
| Give naloxone only if it’s suspected that the person has also taken opioids alongside gabapentin | Naloxone reverses opioid effects but not gabapentin; it is still critical when opioids may be involved | 911; follow local naloxone protocols |
| Tell responders about any pills, alcohol, or other drugs taken | Guides treatment choices and monitoring in the hospital | N/A |
| Call Poison Control for step-by-step advice if the person is stable, but concerning symptoms exist | Poison experts provide tailored, immediate recommendations | 1-800-222-1222 |
Not everyone who takes gabapentin is at risk of overdose, but some factors can increase the chances. Knowing these risks can help individuals, families, and care providers watch more closely and act sooner if problems arise. Having one or more of these factors does not mean an overdose will happen. It simply means some individuals need extra caution or support.
As mentioned earlier, the most substantial risks are mixing gabapentin with other sedatives or taking it outside of a physician’s instructions. However, other things that put people at risk – not just for a gabapentin overdose, but for addiction, as well.
Other risks pertain to long-term patterns and personal history. Addiction does not arise from a single cause. Instead, it is shaped by biology, environment, and experience. Some people face a higher baseline vulnerability, and when gabapentin misuse enters the picture, overdose risk rises.
Here are several well-documented risk factors:
These factors are not a guarantee of misuse or overdose. Many people with one or more of them never develop a problem. What they do offer is a chance to intervene earlier.
Families who understand these patterns can look for changes in mood, behavior, or physical health that might point to growing misuse.
Treatment becomes especially important when gabapentin is taken at higher-than-prescribed doses or mixed with other drugs. Medical monitoring can prevent dangerous interactions and help a person taper safely. Behavioral health treatment can address the root causes of misuse, reducing the urge to rely on medication for relief.
Recognizing risk factors is about preparation, not prediction. Awareness gives families and individuals the tools to respond quickly, seek medical advice when needed, and create an environment that lowers the chance of overdose.
If gabapentin misuse or overdose has become a concern, Hope for Tomorrow can help. Our team provides evidence-based treatment that supports both substance use and mental health needs, because recovery often requires addressing both.
We accept individuals that many facilities turn away, including pregnant women, veterans, couples, and people managing complex medical conditions. No matter how overwhelming things feel right now, care is available and tailored to meet each person’s needs.
At Hope for Tomorrow in West Virginia, prescription drug use disorder treatment goes beyond symptom management. Clients receive dual-diagnosis support and compassionate guidance from professionals who understand the challenges of substance use. A safe environment, individualized plans, and medical oversight create a foundation for lasting change. Call 877-679-8162 today to begin the process.
Treatment today for a brighter tomorrow.