What is Gabapentin Side Effects ?

Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat seizures and nerve pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs. Gabapentin works by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically by modulating the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.

Here are some common uses of gabapentin:

Epilepsy: Gabapentin is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and children.
Nerve Pain (Neuropathic Pain): Gabapentin is frequently prescribed off-label for various types of nerve pain, including diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by shingles), and neuropathic pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Gabapentin may be used off-label to alleviate symptoms of restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them.
Anxiety Disorders: In some cases, gabapentin may be prescribed off-label to manage anxiety disorders, particularly in individuals who experience anxiety as a component of their neurological conditions.

Gabapentin is usually taken orally, and the dosage depends on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, kidney function, and other factors. It is available in various formulations, including capsules, tablets, and an oral solution.

Gabapentin Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

1. 1. Clumsiness or unsteadiness
  2. continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling eye movements

More common in children

1. 1. Aggressive behavior or other behavior problems
  2. anxiety
  3. concentration problems and change in school performance
  4. crying
  5. depression
  6. false sense of well-being
  7. hyperactivity or increase in body movements
  8. rapidly changing moods
  9. reacting too quickly, too emotional, or overreacting
  10. restlessness
  11. suspiciousness or distrust

Less common

1. 1. Black, tarry stools
  2. chest pain
  3. chills
  4. cough
  5. depression, irritability, or other mood or mental changes
  6. fever
  7. loss of memory
  8. pain or swelling in the arms or legs
  9. painful or difficult urination
  10. sore throat
  11. sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  12. swollen glands
  13. unusual bleeding or bruising
  14. unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

1. 1. Abdominal or stomach pain
  2. blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  3. clay-colored stools
  4. coma
  5. confusion
  6. convulsions
  7. dark urine
  8. decreased urine output
  9. diarrhea
  10. difficult or troubled breathing
  11. dizziness
  12. fast or irregular heartbeat
  13. headache
  14. increased thirst
  15. irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  16. itching or skin rash
  17. joint pain
  18. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  19. loss of appetite
  20. muscle ache or pain
  21. nausea
  22. pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  23. red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  24. red, irritated eyes
  25. unpleasant breath odor
  26. vomiting of blood
  27. yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

1. 1. Blurred vision
  2. cold or flu-like symptoms
  3. delusions
  4. dementia
  5. hoarseness
  6. lack or loss of strength
  7. lower back or side pain
  8. swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs
  9. trembling or shaking

Less common or rare

1. 1. Accidental injury
  2. appetite increased
  3. back pain
  4. bloated or full feeling
  5. body aches or pain
  6. burning, dry, or itching eyes
  7. change in vision
  8. change in walking and balance
  9. clumsiness or unsteadiness
  10. congestion
  11. constipation
  12. cough producing mucus
  13. decrease in sexual desire or ability
  14. dryness of the mouth or throat
  15. earache
  16. excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  17. excessive tearing
  18. eye discharge
  19. feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
  20. feeling of warmth or heat
  21. flushed, dry skin
  22. flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
  23. frequent urination
  24. fruit-like breath odor
  25. impaired vision
  26. incoordination
  27. increased hunger
  28. increased sensitivity to pain
  29. increased sensitivity to touch
  30. increased thirst
  31. indigestion
  32. noise in the ears
  33. pain, redness, rash, swelling, or bleeding where the skin is rubbed off
  34. passing gas
  35. redness or swelling in the ear
  36. redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  37. runny nose
  38. sneezing
  39. sweating
  40. tender, swollen glands in the neck
  41. tightness in the chest
  42. tingling in the hands and feet
  43. trouble sleeping
  44. trouble swallowing
  45. trouble thinking
  46. twitching
  47. unexplained weight loss
  48. voice changes
  49. vomiting
  50. weakness or loss of strength
  51. weight gain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.