How Long Does Gabapentin Stay In Your Hair?

Gabapentin, sold under brand names like Neurontin and Gralise, is a prescription medication commonly used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and certain other conditions. While gabapentin is not typically included in standard drug testing panels, it can be detected through specialized drug screenings when specifically requested. Hair follicle testing is one method that can identify gabapentin use, as the drug becomes incorporated into hair strands as they grow.

Understanding how long gabapentin remains detectable in hair is important for people taking the medication legitimately, those concerned about employment or legal drug testing, and treatment providers monitoring medication compliance. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a much longer period than urine or blood tests, making them useful for identifying patterns of use over time

Detecting Gabapentin Through Hair Tests

Hair follicle testing can detect gabapentin for approximately 90 days after last use, though this timeframe can vary based on several factors. As hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, drug metabolites become trapped in the hair shaft during growth, creating a historical record of substance use. The standard 1.5-inch hair sample used in most tests covers roughly three months of drug use history, which is why the typical detection window is around 90 days.

However, detection times can be influenced by factors including hair growth rate, which varies between individuals, the frequency and amount of gabapentin taken, hair color and texture (darker hair may retain drugs longer than lighter hair), and hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing that can potentially reduce detectable drug levels.

What Factors Can Affect How Long Gabapentin Stays In Hair?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and non-opioid pain reliever that may stay in hair for up to 90 days after last use.

Factors that can affect the detection time of gabapentin in hair:

• Hair color: Dark hair tends to contain traces of drugs for longer, with the exception of alcohol.
• Dosage: Taking a high dose of gabapentin may affect the drug detection time.
• Age: Metabolism slows with older age. This may cause it to remain detectable in the body for longer.
• Kidney function: Impaired renal (kidney) function can cause gabapentin to stay in the body for a longer amount of time than average.
• Polydrug use: Taking other prescription drugs or illicit substances may affect how long it takes for the body to metabolize and eliminate gabapentin from your system.

Dying your hair, cutting it, or styling it with hair products will not affect how long gabapentin remains detectable. Hair drug tests may analyze hair that’s taken from the head or another area of the body.

Why Would Someone Have Their Hair Tested For Gabapentin?

Testing for gabapentin use is uncommon. It is not known to have a high potential for abuse or addiction. Gabapentin is most commonly misused by people with a history of drug abuse.

Drug testing, in general, may be ordered by a healthcare provider, employer, legal entity, or sports organization. Drug testing can be ordered randomly or as a routine measure to monitor drug use.

Finding Treatment For Gabapentin Abuse

Gabapentin abuse has become increasingly common, particularly among people with histories of opioid or other substance use disorders. Some individuals misuse gabapentin by taking higher doses than prescribed, combining it with opioids or other drugs to enhance effects, or using it without a prescription. While not a controlled substance, misuse can lead to physical dependence, psychological addiction, and dangerous health complications, especially when combined with opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines.

An addiction treatment program for gabapentin abuse includes medical detoxification with gradual tapering to manage withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and potentially seizures. Treatment programs offer behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual and group counseling, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders, and medication management if needed.

Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or browse our directory for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff