Neurontin side effects

What side effects can gabapentin have?

Below you will find the most important information about possible known side effects of gabapentin.

Very common side effects:
drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, nervousness, sleep disorders, unsteady gait, eye tremors, sensation of discomfort and tingling (paresthesia), loss of appetite.

Common side effects:
weakness, visual disturbances (low vision, double vision), trembling hands, twitching, joint pain (arthralgia), pain, reflex changes (reinforcement, attenuation, absence), diarrhea, speech disorders, thought disorders, memory problems, dry mouth , depressive moods, confusion, mood swings, indigestion, constipation, abdominal pain, bladder weakness, increased appetite, runny nose, throat inflammation, cough, muscle pain, back pain, edema (facial, extremities or whole body), impotence, tooth anomalies, gingivitis, itching, deficiency on white blood cells, broken bones, blood vessel dilation, elevation of blood pressure, dry throat, fever, acne, skin rash, bloating, sensory disturbances, respiratory distress.

In children from three to twelve years:
irritable behavior, respiratory infections, bronchitis, excessive and uncontrolled movements.

Rare side effects:
platelet deficiency, palpitations, heart stuttering, palpitations, pancreatitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, jaundice, allergic reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme), skin reactions, chest pain, allergic reactions, hives, elevated liver enzymes, Movement disorders (such as Veitstanz, missing muscle tension), delusions, hair loss, skin swelling in the facial area (angioedema), acute renal failure.

With abrupt discontinuation of treatment: anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, sweating.

Special features:
In combination with other antiepileptic drugs, liver enzyme levels may increase.

Apparently taking the drug increases suicidal tendency, so patients should be monitored carefully.

What interactions does gabapentin show?


The effect of gabapentin is widely influenced by other drugs:

  • Co-administration of morphine (opioid analgesic) may increase blood concentration and the effect of gabapentin. As a general rule, dosages of gabapentin and / or morphine must be adjusted.
  • Acid-binding agents (magnesium- or aluminum-containing antacids) reduce the uptake of gabapentin into the body and thus its effectiveness. Therefore, gabapentin should not be taken until at least two hours after such agents.
  • The concomitant administration of cimetidine (against excess stomach acid) may slightly decrease the excretion of gabapentin, which may result in prolonged duration of action.
  • Alcohol or drugs that act on the brain may increase some of the side effects of gabapentin on the nervous system (such as drowsiness or impaired movement).

Although gabapentin does not interfere with the effects of oral contraceptives (“pill”), contraceptive failure may result in combination with other antiepileptic drugs known to diminish the effect of the pill. Therefore, mechanical contraceptives such as condoms should be used while on gabapentin. Unlike many other antiepileptic drugs, gabapentin does not interact with phenytoin, valproic acid, carbamazepine and phenobarbital (all against epilepsy, sometimes in combination with Gabapentin).

Some urinary tests (for example, protein in urine) may be influenced by gabapentin in a false-positive way.

Potential Neurontin side effects may include: