Recovery & MAT Medications

How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your System?

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On January 20, 2026
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Gabapentin detection timeline in the human body

Understanding Gabapentin Detection, Effects, and What It Means for Recovery

If you’re asking how long does gabapentin stay in your system, you’re not alone. Many people across Tennessee—especially those dealing with opioid addiction or chronic pain—have been prescribed or used gabapentin and want clear, honest answers about how long it lasts in the body, how it’s detected, and how it interacts with recovery and treatment.

Gabapentin is not an opioid, but it does affect the central nervous system. For patients in cities like Johnson City, Bartlett, Hendersonville, Kingsport, and Collierville, understanding gabapentin’s timeline is important—especially when starting Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or Suboxone through telemedicine.

Addiction Treatment for Tennessee by Tennesseans in Recovery

Nashville Addiction Clinic provides evidence-based Suboxone treatment through secure telemedicine, staffed by licensed Tennessee clinicians. No clinic visits required, ever.

Register for treatment online using your TennCare Medicaid, commercial insurance, or choose a payment plan. (A sliding-scale program is also available) Click here if you’re a returning patient.

What Is Gabapentin and Why Is It Prescribed?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication commonly used to treat:

  • Nerve pain
  • Seizure disorders
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Off-label anxiety symptoms
  • Alcohol or opioid withdrawal support (in some cases)

While gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level, it can cause sedation and dependence, particularly when combined with opioids or other depressants. Because of this, many providers carefully monitor its use during addiction treatment.

How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your System?

On average, gabapentin stays in your system for about 1 to 2 days after your last dose. However, this can vary based on individual factors.

Gabapentin Half-Life Explained

Gabapentin has a half-life of approximately 5 to 7 hours. This means:

  • After 5–7 hours, half of the drug is eliminated
  • After about 24–48 hours, most gabapentin is cleared from the body

For most people, gabapentin is no longer active after two days, but trace amounts may linger slightly longer depending on health factors.

Factors That Affect How Long Gabapentin Stays in Your Body

Several variables influence how long gabapentin stays in your system:

  • Dosage (higher doses take longer to clear)
  • Frequency of use (daily vs. occasional use)
  • Kidney function (gabapentin is cleared through the kidneys)
  • Age and metabolism
  • Body weight and hydration
  • Length of time you’ve been taking it

People with reduced kidney function may retain gabapentin longer than average.

How Long Is Gabapentin Detectable on Drug Tests?

Gabapentin is not typically included on standard drug panels, but it can be detected if specifically tested for.

Detection Windows by Test Type

  • Urine test: Up to 1–3 days (if specifically ordered)
  • Blood test: Around 24 hours
  • Hair test: Up to 30 days (rarely used for gabapentin)

Most employers and probation drug screens do not test for gabapentin unless misuse is suspected.

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

Gabapentin is not an opioid, but it can be habit-forming, especially when used long-term or in high doses. Some people experience:

  • Tolerance (needing more for the same effect)
  • Withdrawal symptoms when stopping suddenly
  • Sedation or brain fog
  • Increased risk when combined with opioids or alcohol

Because of these risks, medical supervision is important—especially for people recovering from opioid addiction.

Gabapentin, Opioids, and Overdose Risk

Combining gabapentin with opioids like fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, or hydrocodone increases the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. The FDA and DEA have issued warnings about combining gabapentin with other central nervous system depressants.

Trusted sources include:

If you’re entering treatment, it’s important to disclose all medications honestly so providers can keep you safe.

What If I’m Starting Suboxone Treatment?

Gabapentin does not automatically disqualify you from starting Suboxone, but your provider will evaluate:

  • Your current dose
  • Why it was prescribed
  • How long you’ve been taking it
  • Whether tapering is appropriate

At Nashville Addiction Clinic, patients can safely transition to Suboxone from opioids such as:

  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Percocet
  • OxyContin
  • Morphine
  • Heroin
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone
  • Kratom and 7-OH

Treatment is 100% virtual and available statewide.

Why Choose Nashville Addiction Clinic for Online Addiction Treatment?

Our helpful staff is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us or send us a text at (615) 927-7802, or message us securely using the Spruce Health mobile app.

Feeling nervous about starting telemedicine addiction treatment? Learn what to expect during your first Suboxone telemedicine appointment.

You can register based on your coverage:

Not sure if your insurance is accepted? Click here to verify your coverage.

Experience a safe transition from hydrocodone, oxycodone, OxyContin, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, Kratom, 7-OH (7-Hydroxy-opioids), Tramadol, Opana, codeine, oxymorphone, Tramadol, Percocet, and other opioids.

If you would like to speak to someone about our telemedicine Suboxone program, please call or text us at (615) 927-7802. You can also message us securely on the Spruce Health mobile app.

Why Medical Supervision Matters

Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Increased pain

Medical providers can guide safe tapering and ensure medications don’t interfere with recovery goals.

Nashville Addiction Clinic has over six years of experience treating opioid addiction in Tennessee and has helped more than 1,000 patients through compassionate, stigma-free care.

Learn more about insurance and pricing.

FAQs About Gabapentin

Can gabapentin cause withdrawal?

Yes, especially after long-term use. Withdrawal is usually mild but should be managed medically.

Will gabapentin show up on a probation drug test?

Usually no, unless the test specifically includes gabapentin.

Can I take gabapentin while on Suboxone?

Sometimes, but only under medical supervision due to increased sedation risk.

How long until gabapentin is fully out of my system?

For most people, within 48 hours—longer if kidney function is impaired.

Is gabapentin safer than opioids?

It carries fewer risks than opioids, but misuse can still be dangerous.

Clear Answers Support Safer Recovery

Understanding how long gabapentin stays in your system helps you make safer, more informed decisions—especially when starting addiction treatment. With the right medical guidance, recovery can begin without fear, confusion, or unnecessary risk.

Fast-Online Registration for Same-Day Suboxone Prescriptions

You can review insurance and pricing details before scheduling, so there are no surprises. 

If you have TennCare Medicaid insurance, your treatment and medication costs are typically $0. If you have commercial health insurance, we will provide you with a treatment cost estimate before scheduling your first telemedicine appointment. If you don’t have health insurance, we offer biweekly and monthly payment plans.

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