What Is A Lethal Dose Of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication for nerve pain and seizures, but many patients worry about overdose risks. The lethal dose of gabapentin has not been determined through standard toxicity studies. In an FDA study, no lethal dose was found in mice and rats receiving doses as high as 8,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). This suggests gabapentin has a relatively wide safety margin, though taking too much can still be dangerous.

Normal gabapentin dosing helps put these findings in perspective. A regular dosage of gabapentin for children aged 3 to 11 years is up to 50 mg/kg per day, while those ages 12 years and above typically receive 300 mg to 600 mg three times a day. The animal study doses were much higher than what doctors prescribe. While fatal overdoses from gabapentin alone appear rare, taking too much can cause serious side effects like extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. The real danger often comes when gabapentin is combined with alcohol or opioids, which increases the risk of life-threatening complications.

Learn more about the lethal doses of commonly abused drugs.

Determining The Toxicity Of Gabapentin

Gabapentin, known by the brand name Neurontin, belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants, which serve to calm hyperactivity in the brain.

It’s most often used to control seizures in those who have epilepsy, but it has a range of uses, such as treating patients with chronic kidney disease and pain caused by shingles. Gabapentin is generally regarded as a safe medication with rare incidents of overdose. However, a 2010 study found that notable gabapentin toxicity was found in chronic kidney disease patients. Researchers suggest that this is an under-recognized area of study.

Factors That Increase Gabapentin Overdose Risk

While gabapentin is generally safe when used correctly, certain factors can increase the risk of overdose or make overdose symptoms more severe. Understanding these risk factors can help people and their families take proper precautions.

Key factors that increase overdose risk include:

• Kidney Problems: gabapentin is removed from the body through the kidneys, so poor kidney function can cause the drug to build up
• Taking Other Sedating Medications: combining gabapentin with opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep aids increases drowsiness and breathing problems
• Drinking Alcohol: alcohol makes gabapentin’s side effects stronger and more dangerous
• Advanced Age: older adults process medications more slowly and are more sensitive to side effects
• Taking Higher Doses Than Prescribed: whether accidental or intentional, taking more than directed greatly increases overdose risk
• Multiple Medical Conditions: having liver disease, heart problems, or breathing issues can make overdose symptoms worse
• Taking Gabapentin Too Frequently: not spacing doses properly can cause the medication to build up in the system
• Mental Health Conditions: depression or suicidal thoughts may increase the risk of intentional overdose

Being aware of these risk factors is crucial for safe gabapentin use. If any of these factors apply to you or a loved one, talk to your doctor about proper dosing and safety precautions.

How Likely Is A Gabapentin Overdose?

It is difficult to overdose on gabapentin and highly unlikely to die from taking an excess of gabapentin. There are comparatively few known deaths from gabapentin toxicity. In one case, a 62-year-old woman intentionally ingested an excess of gabapentin. Another known death was a 47-year-old woman who took 26 tablets of 600 mg gabapentin.

However, while gabapentin alone rarely causes an overdose, the medication is increasingly implicated in overdose deaths. According to the CDC, gabapentin has been detected in nearly one out of 10 overdose deaths. Also, of the overdose deaths where gabapentin is implicated, 90% of those involved opioids.

Recognizing The Signs Of A Gabapentin Overdose

While gabapentin is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, there have been reports of negative effects even when taken at the correct dosage. Some people experience side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or confusion even with normal doses, which shows that everyone’s body responds differently to medications. These reactions can be concerning but are usually not life-threatening when the medication is taken properly.

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• coma
• double vision
• slurred speech
• drowsiness
• lethargy
• diarrhea
• muscle weakness
• sedation

These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how much was taken and whether other drugs or alcohol were involved. Early signs like drowsiness and slurred speech might seem minor, but they can quickly progress to more serious problems like muscle weakness and difficulty staying conscious. If you notice any of these symptoms after taking gabapentin, especially if someone has taken more than prescribed, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

What To Do If You Suspect A Gabapentin Overdose

If someone is showing signs of a gabapentin overdose, call 911 immediately. This is urgent if the person has also taken alcohol, opioids, or other medications alongside gabapentin. Keep the person awake if possible and place them on their side if they are unconscious to prevent choking. Do not try to make them vomit.

When emergency responders arrive, tell them exactly what was taken, how much, and when, as this directly affects how the overdose is treated. If opioids may also have been involved, administer naloxone if it is available. Bring any medication bottles to the hospital so medical staff can see exact dosages.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff