Gabapentin???

Question

Does anyone take it... what side effects does it cause??

Many thanks x

Answer 1

Side effects:

Gabapentin's most common side effects in adult patients include dizziness, drowsiness, and peripheral edema (swelling of extremities).Children 3–12 years of age were also observed to be susceptible to mild-to-moderate mood swings, hostility, concentration problems, and hyperactivity. An increase in formation of adenocarcinomas was observed in rats during preclinical trials, however the clinical significance of these results remains undetermined. Although rare, there are several cases of hepatotoxicity reported in the literature.Gabapentin should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity

Answer 2

Rather than go into detail about the possible side effects of Gabapentin, I'd advise a look at the following pages.

Do remember, however, that just because something is listed as a side effect, it doesn't necessarily mean that that's the way it will affect you.

I take it for peripheral diabetic neuropathy, and the only side effect that I've experienced is lethargy (tiredness), but I am on quite large doses.

Answer 3

Gabapentin is used to help control certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy

Gabapentin is also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia

Gabapentin may help to control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take gabapentin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking gabapentin, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, pain, and sweating. If you are taking gabapentin to treat seizures and you suddenly stop taking the medication, you may experience seizures more often. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually over at least a week

Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes), and to treat and prevent hot flashes (sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause ( 'change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods).

Gabapentin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
tiredness or weakness
dizziness
headache
shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
double or blurred vision
unsteadiness
anxiety
memory problems
strange or unusual thoughts
unwanted eye movements
nausea
vomiting
heartburn
diarrhea
dry mouth
constipation
weight gain
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
back or joint pain
fever
runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
ear pain
red, itchy eyes (sometimes with swelling or discharge)

Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

rash
itching
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
difficulty swallowing or breathing
seizures

Answer 4

I took it in the late 90s for a pain issue I had going on in my breasts and found that when I took it by itself that it did not help at all. The side effect that bothered me the most while on it was that I had dry mouth.

I've talked to others who tried it and they had problems with being sleepy while taking the medication. Can't tell you if for some of them that it cleared up at all but I know that some had to go off of it because they couldn't handle that side effect. I've also heard of others gaining weight on it.

I hope it helps you.

Answer 5

2 functions, originally designed as an anti-convulsant, this drug like many other anti-convulsants also functions as an atypical pain killer for neuropathic pain, i.e. the various types of neuralgia and pain that occurs in MS.

This drug increases the risk of infections, primarily viral but also bacterial, It does this by causing white cell suppression. It can also decrease platelets, which in extreme cases would result in bleeding. It can alter appetite and cause psychiatric symptoms. It can also cause sleepiness, convulsions and vertigo, high blood pressure,bronchitis and vomiting,jaundice,oedema and muscle and joint pains. Finally impotence and fatigue. I have left out the rarer problems so the list is not comprehensive. Hope this was useful.

Answer 6

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Answer 7

my mum was on it for a benign essential tremor but she became too sleepy whilst on it . alot of people get it for pain even tho it is an anticonvulsant. diziness,double vision,weight gain,amnesia,pain in joints,headache are common side effects of the drug. you will find more if you look up British National Formulary on the internet.xx

Answer 8

A very effective method I use to cure my neuropathy problems can be found here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=569

This program really helped me a lot
Cheers ;)

Answer 9

hi i take gabepentin itake it to help with the side effects that i have been left with after brain surgery i do not get any side effects from the tablets themselves