What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Gabapentin?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • abnormal eye movements that are continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling.
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness.
  • constipation.
  • diarrhea.
  • difficulty speaking.
  • drowsiness or tiredness.
  • dry mouth.
  • nausea.

What drugs should not be taken with gabapentin?

Gabapentin can interact with losartan, ethacrynic acid, caffeine, phenytoin, mefloquine, magnesium oxide, cimetidine, naproxen, sevelamer and morphine. Gabapentin use is contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis or myoclonus .

Why is gabapentin bad?

Gabapentin may interact with certain types of substances and cause negative side effects . For example, mixing alcohol and gabapentin can cause people to feel dizzy or tired. Despite the risk of bad side effects of using gabapentin, it can be more dangerous to stop using it. Gabapentin use can cause physical dependence.

How long should I take gabapentin for nerve pain?

How long will gabapentin take to work? You should notice that your pain starts to improve over one to two weeks after starting gabapentin, but it may take longer in some people. However, some feel benefit straight away. Your treatment will be reviewed when you next see the doctor or nurse.

What does gabapentin do to the body?

Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Gabapentin relieves the pain of PHN by changing the way the body senses pain.

Is gabapentin like Xanax?

Gabapentin is used off-label to treat anxiety . Xanax belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines, and is used primarily to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Brand names for gabapentin include Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise.

Do you lose weight on gabapentin?

The surgery group given prophylactic gabapentin had 68.5% less weight loss than the untreated group (2.40 kg vs 7.63 kg, P = . 02), and the p16-positive group receiving prophylactic gabapentin showed 60% less weight loss than their untreated counterparts (3.61 kg vs 9.02 kg; P = . 004).

How long can you stay on gabapentin?

The risks of withdrawal are higher if you’re taking high doses or have been on gabapentin for longer than 6 weeks .

Should I avoid certain foods while taking gabapentin?

The medicine works best if a constant amount is in the blood. Neurontin® capsules, tablets, and solution may be taken with or without food .

How does gabapentin make you feel?

Gabapentin can produce feelings of relaxation, calmness and euphoria . Some users have reported that the high from snorted gabapentin can be similar to taking a stimulant. It can also enhance the euphoric effects of other drugs, like heroin and other opioids, and is likely to increase the risks when taken in this way.

How long before bed should I take gabapentin?

Typically, a doctor will start you off with the lowest possible dose and then gradually increase it, as needed. When used for insomnia, gabapentin should be taken once a day shortly before bed .

Why does gabapentin cause weight gain?

The cause of weight gain with gabapentin is likely due to increased appetite . You may be hungry more often. In some cases, weight gain may be due to fluid retention, another side effect of gabapentin. Another possible cause is not getting enough exercise if gabapentin is causing fatigue.

Is gabapentin OK for long-term use?

According to researchers, long- term use of gabapentin — a nonopioid pain medication — among older adults may cause altered mental status, dizziness, drowsiness and renal dysfunction, and it could also lead to polypharmacy, which in itself can lead to adverse events and hospital stays.

Does gabapentin make you gain weight?

Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) is a medication used to help manage certain epileptic seizures and relieve pain for some conditions, such as shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Dizziness and drowsiness are common gabapentin side effects. Weight gain and uncoordinated movement are possible side effects .

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking gabapentin?

Like with many other prescription medications, alcohol should be avoided when taking gabapentin . Alcohol can cause the side effects of gabapentin to worse and vise versa. This can be potentially dangerous, and at the least uncomfortable.

How much gabapentin can you take at once?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) three times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day (600 mg three times per day).

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.