Cost Of Gabapentin (Street Cost)

Gabapentin, which goes by the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, or Horizant, is an anticonvulsant Schedule V controlled substance that comes in 100 milligram (mg), 300 mg, or 400 mg capsules and 600 mg and 800 mg tablets.

It is often given to help with nerve pain, twitching, neuropathy and neuralgia, other chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, pain from shingles, restless leg syndrome, and seizures.

Gabapentin calms the sympathetic nervous system by activating the inhibitory signals of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord.

This in turn blocks stimulatory activity and relaxes the system, which is how gabapentin assists with symptoms such as twitching and nerve pain.

Lowered amounts of GABA are found to cause or be a factor in Huntington’s disease, mood disorders, dystonia and muscle rigidity, tremors, pyridoxine deficiency, and other health conditions.

Price Of Gabapentin Sold On The Street

According to WebMD, the average price for a gabapentin prescription for 60 400-milligram capsules is around $19.22 and can be further discounted by coupons and insurance.

Known as “Johnnies” or “Gabbies,” gabapentin sold on the street costs more than it does through a licensed pharmacy.

For some health conditions, upwards of 900 mg is needed per day. People who misuse the drug may require high doses to feel its effects.

Financial difficulty is one of the common signs of substance abuse. Buying drugs on the street also increases the risk of overdose, because illicit pills may be cut with fentanyl or other harmful substances.

What Affects The Street Price Of Gabapentin?

There are a number of factors that can affect the street price of gabapentin besides the dose size.

Other factors that go into the pricing of gabapentin on the black market include:

• selling location
• state and local laws
• accessibility of the substance: supply, discontinuation, ease of shipment
• demand
• buyer knowledge

The COVID pandemic affected black market costs due to the increased demand and slow down of shipment and accessibility.

Why People Abuse Gabapentin

Although it is less addictive compared to painkillers such as OxyContin or benzodiazepines such as Xanax, gabapentin is still misused and abused, which may lead to addiction.

Gabapentin’s sedative effects can help with sleep, anxiety, and related issues, and people may self-medicate with it for these effects.

Some people abuse the drug for its euphoric effects, which may increase when the drug is used with other substances such as opiates.

Polydrug abuse is particularly risky, especially due to the increased risk of overdose.

Side Effects And Risks Of Gabapentin Abuse

The danger of mixing gabapentin with other medications or substances such as opioids or benzodiazepines can create an increased risk for fatal overdose.

Breathing problems and other serious health problems can happen if gabapentin is taken with central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids. It can also interact negatively with SSRIs.

Polypharmacy, or use of multiple drugs at the same time, involving gabapentin, whether in small or large quantities, can be very dangerous if experimenting with drugs recreationally.

Side effects and withdrawal symptoms of gabapentin include:

• mood dysregulation
• dizziness
• low blood pressure
• coordination problems
• tremors and twitching
• suicidality
• memory impairment
• trouble focusing
• sedation
• muscle weakness
• diarrhea
• sweating
• nausea
• liver damage and jaundice
• itching
• sleep problems
• death

Treatment Options For Prescription Drug Addiction

Healing is possible. There are a number of treatment options for prescription drug addiction, including inpatient and outpatient treatment options.

Treatment may include:

• mental health care
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• peer support and mentorship
• medical detox
• treatment overseen by healthcare providers
• supportive services, such as employment assistance
• holistic and physical wellness options

Find Addiction Treatment Programs Today

Your healthcare needs are important. Find treatment today for prescription drug addiction that works for you or your loved one by calling Detox Rehabs.