Gabapentin is primarily prescribed to manage nerve pain and certain types of seizures in humans. Veterinarians commonly use it off-label to treat chronic pain, anxiety, and sometimes as a mild sedative in animals, including cats. Although the active ingredient is chemically identical, gabapentin intended for veterinary use is fundamentally different from the human version. It is not safe for a human to ingest gabapentin prescribed for a cat.
Differences in Gabapentin Formulation
The primary danger in taking a pet’s medication comes from the non-active ingredients and the formulation itself. Gabapentin for cats is often a compounded liquid or a specially prepared capsule designed for easier administration and accurate dosing for a small animal. Compounding pharmacies create these specialized forms, and their quality control standards can differ from those applied to mass-produced human pharmaceuticals.
A significant risk in some liquid veterinary formulations is the inclusion of substances that are safe for cats but potentially problematic for humans. Veterinary-compounded liquids are frequently flavored with substances like chicken or tuna to encourage the animal to take the medication, and these flavorings or dyes are not tested for human consumption in the same way.
The concentration of the active drug, gabapentin, can vary widely in compounded liquids. The concentration in a cat’s liquid prescription may be much higher or lower than a standard human dose, leading to unexpected and potentially severe effects if a human were to accidentally ingest it.
Specific Health Risks for Human Ingestion
A major safety concern is the potential for severe dosage errors when a human takes a dose intended for a cat. Veterinary doses are calculated meticulously based on the animal’s weight and metabolism, which are drastically different from human physiology. A single dose meant for a cat’s small body weight could be a sub-therapeutic amount for a human, or, conversely, a concentrated liquid could easily lead to an accidental overdose.
Gabapentin acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Even at therapeutic levels, common side effects in humans include drowsiness, dizziness, and issues with coordination (ataxia). Ingesting a dose that is too high, especially one formulated without standard human quality control, significantly increases the risk of serious toxicity. Signs of an overdose can escalate to severe sedation, slurred speech, double vision, and profound lethargy.
One of the most dangerous risks of gabapentin overdose is respiratory depression, particularly when combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids. While severe toxicity is relatively rare with gabapentin alone, the combination with other substances can be life-threatening. Fatalities associated with gabapentin, though uncommon, have been documented, and exposure calls related to the drug are regularly reported to Poison Control centers.
Regulatory Status and Medical Guidance
Gabapentin is a prescription-only medication for both human and veterinary applications, meaning it must be obtained through a licensed healthcare provider. While it is not a federally controlled substance, a growing number of states have classified gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance due to concerns over misuse and diversion. This classification reflects a recognized potential for abuse, dependence, or misuse.
Because of its prescription status, gabapentin should never be shared between individuals or species. Taking a medication prescribed for a cat is considered a form of misuse and carries significant health and legal risks. Human prescriptions should be filled by a pharmacy that adheres to strict standards for human medication, and pet prescriptions should remain safely stored and administered only to the intended animal.
If a human accidentally ingests gabapentin prescribed for a cat, they should immediately contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Providing the medical professional with the exact formulation, concentration, and estimated amount consumed will allow for the most accurate assessment of risk. The action required will depend entirely on the specific formulation the cat was given and the amount consumed by the human.