Gabapentin skin side effects: Side effects of gabapentin – NHS
Side effects of gabapentin – NHS
Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They’re usually mild and go away by themselves.
There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
As your body gets used to gabapentin, these side effects should wear off. If they do not wear off within a week or two, your doctor may reduce your dose or increase it more slowly. If that does not work, your doctor may suggest a different medicine.
Feeling sick (nausea)
Take gabapentin with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you do not eat rich or spicy food.
Take small sips of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Being sick (vomiting)
Take small sips of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take contraceptive pills and you’re being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice
Diarrhoea
Drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take contraceptive pills and you have severe diarrhoea for over 24 hours while taking gabapentin, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy.
Check the pill packet for advice.
Mood changes
If you feel this medicine is causing mood changes, talk to your doctor. They may be able to change you to a different medicine.
Swollen arms and legs
Try sitting with your feet raised and try not to stand for a long time. Gently exercising your arms might help. Talk to your doctor if this does not get better.
Blurred vision
Avoid driving, cycling or using tools or machinery while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a couple of days, speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.
Dry mouth
Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets.
Difficulty getting an erection
Speak to your doctor. They may be able to change your medicine or offer other treatments that might help with this problem.
Weight gain
Gabapentin can make you hungrier, so it can be hard to stop yourself putting on weight. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods.
Increasing your level of exercise will also help to keep your weight stable.
Memory problems
If you’re having problems with your memory, speak to your doctor. They may want you to try a different medicine.
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It’s best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking gabapentin. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
Getting more infections than usual
If you notice this, speak to your doctor.
Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor if this advice does not help and the side effects bother you or do not go away.
Serious side effects
Very few people taking gabapentin have serious problems.
Call a doctor or contact 111 straight away if you have a serious side effect, including:
- thoughts of harming or killing yourself – a small number of people taking gabapentin have had suicidal thoughts, which can happen after only a week of treatment
- a high temperature, swollen glands that do not go away, your eyes or skin turn yellow (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), unusual bruises or bleeding, severe tiredness or weakness, unexpected muscle pain or weakness, with or without a rash – these may be symptoms of a serious reaction
- long-lasting stomach pain, feeling sick or being sick – these may be warning signs of an inflamed pancreas
- muscle pain or weakness and you’re having dialysis treatment because of kidney failure
- seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gabapentin.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you’re wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of gabapentin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Information:
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit Yellow Card for further information.
Page last reviewed: 18 January 2022
Next review due: 18 January 2025
Common and Serious Side Effects
Gabapentin is fairly safe when you use it correctly. It does come with some possible side effects, though. People who misuse this drug are also at risk of additional side effects.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant. It helps prevent certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. It’s not a cure for epilepsy — the drug will only work to control your seizures as long as you keep taking it.
Gabapentin is also used in adults to relieve nerve pain or after a case of shingles.
Individuals with conditions like kidney disease may be at increased risk for developing Gabapentin toxicity. Always talk with your doctor before starting any new medications.
The more common side effects of gabapentin may include the following:
- 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
- vomiting
Gabapentin may also cause some serious side effects.
These side effects are uncommon. But they may be more common in people who have psychiatric disorders. They include:
- respiratory depression
- aggressiveness, or anger
- anxiousness or restlessness
- anxiety that’s new or worse
- depression that’s new or worse
- irritability that’s new or worse
- mania
- panic attacks
- suicidal thoughts or behavior
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Allergic reaction
Gabapentin may cause serious or life threatening allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. But this is very rare. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction:
- skin rash
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- fever
- gland swelling that does not go away
- swelling of your face, lip, throat, or tongue
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- severe tiredness or weakness
- unexpected muscle pain
Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
If you think your symptoms are life threatening, call 911.
Gabapentin doesn’t produce the same effects as medications that are often misused, like benzodiazepines and opiates. Still, misuse of gabapentin has been reported. There have been rare cases of withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms include:
- anxiety
- confusion
- rapid heart rate
- sweating
These effects occurred only in people who used high doses of gabapentin for an extended period to treat illnesses for which the drug isn’t approved.
Of the people who’ve misused the drug, most had a history of substance misuse or used gabapentin to help with withdrawal symptoms from other substances.
Talk with your doctor if you have a history of drug addiction or misuse. This information can help your doctor decide whether any risk of misuse outweighs the potential benefit of using gabapentin.
Talk with your doctor about precautions you can take for side effects from gabapentin:
- Ask your doctor for advice on diet and exercise to help maintain a moderate weight if you’re concerned about possible weight gain from gabapentin.
- Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you can function normally while taking gabapentin.
- Talk with your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that can help relieve some of the more common digestive system side effects.
Gabapentin side effects may make you want to stop taking the drug. But don’t stop taking it without first talking with your doctor.
Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause serious problems, like withdrawal symptoms or the return of seizures. Your doctor will help you stop taking the drug safely.
When using gabapentin, there’s the potential for negative side effects when it interacts with certain other medications, like:
- caffeine
- morphine
- losartan, a medication used to treat high blood pressure
- ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), a diuretic medication used to treat fluid retention (edema)
- phenytoin (Dilantin), a medication used to treat certain types of seizures
- mefloquine, a medication that may be used for the treatment or prevention of malaria
- magnesium oxide, a supplement commonly used to treat chronic constipation
Interactions may include dizziness or lightheadedness.
Some interactions may be more serious.
Animal studies have found that there may be damage to a fetus (teratogenicity). Other drug interactions may cause respiratory depression, respiratory failure, and myopathy.
What is the most common side effect of gabapentin?
The most common side effects of gabapentin use are dizziness and drowsiness.
Is gabapentin a high risk medication?
It’s becoming more common for gabapentin to be misused for its psychoactive effects. Its overdose death risk is lower than that of opioids, but it’s not risk-free.
How long can you take gabapentin for nerve pain?
The safety and efficacy of gabapentin have not been examined for treatment periods longer than 5 months.
The use of gabapentin, even when used correctly, may cause some side effects. Usually, the side effects are minor and tolerable. But, sometimes, they may be more serious.
Speak with your doctor if you notice these side effects when taking gabapentin.
Rec.INN drug interaction Included in preparations: Pharmacological action Antiepileptic agent. According to the chemical structure, it is similar to GABA, which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The mechanism of action of gabapentin is believed to be different from other anticonvulsants that act through GABA synapses (including valproate, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, GABA transaminase inhibitors, GABA uptake inhibitors, GABA agonists, and GABA prodrugs). In vitro studies have shown that gabapentin is characterized by the presence of a novel peptide binding site in rat brain tissues, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, which may be related to the anticonvulsant activity of gabapentin and its derivatives. The mechanism of action of gabapentin has not been definitively established. PharmacokineticsGabapentin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. After oral administration, C max of gabapentin in plasma is reached after 2-3 hours. Absolute bioavailability is about 60%. Reception simultaneously with food (including high fat content) does not affect the pharmacokinetics of gabapentin. Gabapentin does not bind to plasma proteins and has a V d 57.7 l. In patients with epilepsy, the concentration of gabapentin in the cerebrospinal fluid is 20% of the corresponding C ss in plasma at the end of the dosing interval. Gabapentin is excreted by the kidneys only. T 1/2 does not depend on the dose and averages 5-7 hours. The clearance of gabapentin is reduced in the elderly and in patients with impaired renal function. The elimination rate constant, plasma and renal clearance of gabapentin are directly proportional to creatinine clearance. Gabapentin is removed from plasma by hemodialysis. Plasma concentrations of gabapentin in children were similar to those in adults. Indications of the active substance |
Gabapentin in clinically significant concentrations does not bind to other conventional drugs and neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, incl. with GABA A -, GABA B -, benzodiazepine receptors, with NMDA receptors.
| G40 | Epilepsy |
G62. 9 | Polyneuropathy, unspecified |
| R52.2 | Other persistent pain (chronic) |
Dosing regimen
Individual, depending on indications and treatment regimen.
Side effects
From the side of the nervous system: amnesia, ataxia, confusion, impaired coordination of movements, depression, dizziness, dysarthria, increased nervous excitability, nystagmus, drowsiness, impaired thinking, tremor, convulsions, amblyopia, diplopia, hyperkinesia , strengthening, weakening or absence of reflexes, paresthesia, anxiety, hostility, gait disturbance.
From the digestive system: discoloration of teeth, diarrhea, increased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, anorexia, gingivitis, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, changes in liver function tests.
From the side of the hematopoietic system: leukopenia, decrease in the number of leukocytes, thrombocytopenic purpura.
From the respiratory system: rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough, pneumonia.
From the musculoskeletal system: myalgia, arthralgia, bone fractures.
From the side of the cardiovascular system: arterial hypertension, manifestations of vasodilation.
From the urinary system: urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence.
Allergic reactions: erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Dermatological reactions: skin maceration, acne, itching, rash.
Other: back pain, fatigue, peripheral oedema, impotence, asthenia, malaise, facial swelling, weight gain, accidental injury, asthenia, influenza-like syndrome, blood glucose fluctuations, in children – viral infection, otitis media .
Contraindications for use
Hypersensitivity to gabapentin.
Use in pregnancy and lactation
Adequate and well-controlled studies on the safety of the use of gabapentin during pregnancy and lactation in humans have not been conducted.
If necessary, use during pregnancy and lactation should carefully weigh the expected benefit of therapy for the mother and the potential risk to the fetus or infant.
Gabapentin is excreted in breast milk. When used during lactation, the nature of the action of gabapentin on an infant has not been established.
Use for impaired renal function
Patients with impaired renal function, as well as patients on hemodialysis, require adjustment of the dosing regimen.
Pediatric Use
The efficacy and safety of neuropathic pain therapy in patients under 18 years of age have not been established.
Efficacy and safety of gabapentin monotherapy in the treatment of partial seizures in children under 12 years of age and additional therapy with gabapentin in the treatment of partial seizures in children under 3 years of age have not been established
Use in elderly patients
Dosage adjustment may be required in elderly patients gabapentin due to the fact that this category of patients may have a decrease in renal clearance.
Special instructions
Abrupt discontinuation of anticonvulsant therapy in patients with partial seizures may provoke status convulsions. If necessary, reduce the dose, cancel gabapentin or replace it with an alternative agent should be gradually over a period of at least 1 week.
Gabapentin is not an effective treatment for absence seizures.
False-positive urine protein test results have been reported when co-administered with other anticonvulsants. To determine the protein in the urine, it is recommended to use a more specific method of precipitation of sulfosalicylic acid.
Patients with impaired renal function, as well as patients on hemodialysis, require adjustment of the dosing regimen.
Elderly patients may require correction of the dosing regimen of gabapentin due to the fact that in this category of patients a decrease in renal clearance is possible.
The efficacy and safety of neuropathic pain therapy in patients under 18 years of age have not been established.
The efficacy and safety of gabapentin monotherapy in the treatment of partial seizures in children under 12 years of age and additional therapy with gabapentin in the treatment of partial seizures in children under 3 years of age have not been established.
Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment.
Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms
Before determining the individual response to treatment, the patient should refrain from potentially hazardous activities associated with the need for concentration and increased speed of psychomotor reactions.
Drug interactions
Simultaneous use with antacids reduces the absorption of gabapentin from the gastrointestinal tract.
When used simultaneously with felbamate, an increase in T 1/2 felbamate is possible.
With simultaneous use, a case of an increase in the concentration of phenytoin in the blood plasma is described.
Use of gabapentin in the treatment of children with cancer
Pain relief
Trademarks:
Neurontin®, Gralise®
Often used for:
Convulsions, migraines and neuralgia
Gabapentin is a drug that helps relieve seizures.
This drug also helps relieve pain in peripheral neuropathy and other neuralgia.
The dosage of gabapentin is increased gradually until the desired level is reached. Gabapentin begins to work within a few days.
This drug is available in regular and extended release forms. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
Oral tablet or capsule form
Oral liquid
- Drowsiness
- Increased fatigue or general weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Abdominal pain
- Nervous eye tic
The listed side effects are not observed in all patients who are prescribed gabapentin. The most common side effects are highlighted in bold, but others are not excluded. Report all possible side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
- This drug may cause dizziness and drowsiness and increase the risk of falls.
- Stop taking gabapentin only with your doctor’s advice.
- Patients of childbearing age who have been prescribed gabapentin should consult with their physician before planning pregnancy.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should notify their physician.
Gabapentin home use:
- The drug should be taken at the same time every day.
- Tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. Do not crush or chew before taking.
- Immediately before use, the contents of the capsule may be mixed with a small amount of food, juice or flavored syrup.
- Tablets or capsules should be stored at room temperature.
- If you are taking gabapentin in liquid form, measure the dosage using the measuring device included in the kit.
- Gabapentin liquid should be stored in the refrigerator.
- Take your dose as soon as possible if you miss it.
