Gabapentin Side Effects

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Gabapentin can cause a range of side effects, which vary in severity. Gabapentin is a prescription medication known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. GABA reduces the excitability of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, which play a role in seizures and the transmission of pain signals. Gabapentin mirrors the effects of GABA calming excited neurons.

What is gabapentin approved for?

Gabapentin is used to:

  • Prevent and control partial seizures. Gabapentin can be used in adults and children age 3 and older who have partial seizures.
  • Relieve nerve pain following shingles in adults. Shingles is a painful rash that develops many years after you’ve had chickenpox. The virus that causes chickenpox stays dormant in a portion of your spinal nerve root called the dorsal root ganglion. For whatever reason, this otherwise dormant virus gets reactivated — usually by stress — causing a shingles rash. Nerve pain following a case of shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
  • Treat moderate-too-severe primary restless legs syndrome.

The branded gabapentin products Neurontin and Gralise are approved for partial seizures and PHN. The branded gabapentin enacarbil product Horizant is approved for restless legs syndrome and PHN.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common, less common, and serious side effects:

Common Side Effects

These are usually mild and may improve over time:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue
  • Coordination problems (ataxia)
  • Swelling in hands, legs, or feet (edema)
  • Weight gain
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Tremors
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea

Less Common Side Effects

  • Memory problems or confusion
  • Mood changes (irritability, depression)
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Increased appetite
  • Sweating

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

  • Severe mood changes – including suicidal thoughts or worsening depression.
  • Severe allergic reactions – rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
  • Respiratory depression – slowed or difficult breathing, especially when taken with opioids or sedatives.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding – could indicate a blood disorder.
  • Severe weakness or muscle pain – may indicate a rare but serious reaction.

Withdrawal Symptoms (If Stopped Abruptly)

  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Seizures (especially in those taking it for epilepsy)

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