Opioid addiction is a serious problem that has recently affected many people in the U.S. The opioid crisis has claimed the lives of thousands of people across the country and many more struggle with addiction. Unfortunately, those dealing with addiction must be more mindful of drug combinations since prescriptions can interact with opioids and cause harmful effects. Gabapentin and opioids is one such combination that can cause serious damage.
The women’s opioid addiction treatment program at Women’s Recovery is committed to helping women overcome opioid addiction. Our women’s opioid rehab in Colorado can help you overcome your addiction and find hope for the future. If you or a loved one is struggling with women’s opioid addiction, please contact us today at 833.754.0554.
What Is Gabapentin, and Is It an Opioid?
Gabapentin is a medication used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It is not an opioid, but it can increase the effects of opioids. Gabapentin can also produce a high when taken in high doses or combined with other drugs, making it a drug of abuse for some people. The drug has become increasingly popular as a painkiller, particularly in combination with opioids.
Can You Take Gabapentin with Oxycodone or Other Opioids?
Combining gabapentin and opioids can be dangerous and increase the risk of overdose. Gabapentin can enhance the effects of opioids, causing respiratory depression, a condition in which breathing becomes shallow and slow. Respiratory depression can lead to respiratory arrest, in which breathing stops entirely, possibly leading to death.
Another risk associated with combining gabapentin and opioids is the development of tolerance to the drugs. Tolerance occurs when the body adjusts to the effects of a drug, and a higher dose is required to achieve the same effects. Combining gabapentin and opioids can lead to tolerance to both drugs, making it even more challenging to manage opioid addiction.
Specific Interactions
Prescription medications, even when taken as directed, can lead to dangerous interactions.
Gabapentin and Oxycodone
Combining these two drugs can lead to increased effects of each of them. When the effects of these prescriptions are stronger, they can lead to more serious side effects.
Gabapentin and Percocet
Percocet is oxycodone with acetaminophen. The effects of mixing gabapentin and Percocet are similar to the combination of gabapentin and oxycodone. Acetaminophen adds additional danger to the liver and stomach lining.
Gabapentin and Hydrocodone
Mixing these two drugs is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. A healthcare provider may significantly reduce the dose of one of these drugs or avoid prescribing this combination at all.
The most prominent long-term risk of mixing gabapentin and opioids is substance abuse and addiction. Since this combination can quickly ratchet up tolerance levels, chronic use may lead to drug dependence.
Recognizing Polysubstance Abuse
Polysubstance abuse is an increasingly common form of drug addiction that involves using multiple substances simultaneously. This practice can increase the risk of overdose and other serious health consequences. Some signs of polysubstance abuse include:
- Using multiple drugs at the same time or in close succession
- Mixing prescription medications with alcohol or other drugs
- Developing a high tolerance for multiple substances
- Doctor shopping or obtaining prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Engaging in risky behavior while under the influence of multiple substances
- Seeking out multiple substances to achieve a particular effect
- Experimenting with new drugs to enhance the effects
If you or someone you know is struggling with polysubstance abuse, it’s essential to seek help from trained professionals who can provide personalized treatment options.
Women’s Opioid Treatment at Women’s Recovery
It is important to educate individuals on the dangers of combining gabapentin and opioids to prevent women’s opioid addiction. Women’s Recovery offers a range of addiction treatment programs to help women overcome their addiction safely. Our women’s opioid rehab in Colorado provides women with the resources, tools, and support they need to achieve lasting recovery. Our evidence-based treatment programs include individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic therapies such as nutrition therapy, yoga, and meditation.
In our women’s opioid addiction treatment program, we use a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the prevalence of trauma among women with opioid addiction. We also provide resources for women to recover from co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions contributing to addiction. Our goal is to help women build a strong foundation for recovery by addressing the root causes of their addiction and developing healthy coping skills for managing triggers and cravings.
Start Women’s Opioid Rehab Today at Women’s Recovery
Combining gabapentin and opioids is dangerous and can increase the risk of overdose and tolerance to both drugs. If you or a loved one struggles with opioid addiction, seeking professional help is essential. Our compassionate and experienced team provides women with the support and resources they need to achieve lasting recovery. We understand the complexities of opioid addiction and offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each woman’s needs. We offer outpatient programs and sober living for wherever you’re at in your recovery journey.
Don’t wait to get help. Contact us today by calling 833.754.0554 or completing our web form. Our team is ready to help you learn more about our women’s opioid addiction treatment program. Together, we can guide you or your loved one toward overcoming addiction and living a healthy, fulfilling life.
