Gabapentin Side Effects

Legacy Healing Center Blog

Gabapentin is often prescribed for issues like seizures and nerve pain. While it can be helpful for some people, gabapentin also comes with some side effects. Some people may even use tramadol and gabapentin together to manage pain, but this combination can increase the risk of side effects as well. It’s essential to be under a doctor’s supervision if using both medications, as they can interact with each other.

It’s important to understand both the immediate and lasting effects it might have. At Legacy Healing Center, we’re here to help you better understand this medication and the risks that may come with it.

What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Gabapentin can have a range of side effects depending on the dose, how long you’ve been taking it, and your overall health. Common side effects of gabapentin include:

Drowsiness or fatigue
- Does gabapentin lead to insomnia? Yes, gabapentin can potentially cause insomnia, although it’s not a common side effect. Possible reasons it could disrupt sleep include restlessness or agitation as well as changes in how the body processes neurotransmitters.
Dizziness
Coordination problems (e.g., clumsiness or trouble walking)
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
Nausea or upset stomach
- Can gabapentin cause diarrhea? Yes, it can sometimes upset your stomach, leading to diarrhea.
Weight gain or increased appetite
Blurred vision

Less Common, Serious Side Effects:

Mood changes
- Can gabapentin cause anxiety or depression? Yes. Some people feel anxious or even experience unusual thoughts or feelings of depression while taking it. Monitoring mood changes is important if you’re using gabapentin.
Memory problems or trouble concentrating
Tremors
Breathing problems: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about serious breathing difficulties in patients using gabapentin, especially when combined with central nervous system depressants like opioids, or in individuals with underlying respiratory conditions.¹
Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, or trouble breathing)

Rare, Severe Side Effects:

Severe dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up quickly)
Muscle pain or weakness (can be a sign of a serious condition like rhabdomyolysis)
Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts (like with some other medications that affect the brain)

Is Gabapentin Addictive?

While it’s not considered as addictive as certain other medications (like opioids or benzodiazepines), there is growing concern about its potential for misuse, especially in certain populations, so it is possible to develop a dependence on gabapentin.

Gabapentin works by affecting the nervous system, and some people may misuse it for its calming or euphoric effects. The risk of dependence or misuse increases if gabapentin is taken in higher-than-prescribed doses or combined with other substances, especially opioids or alcohol. Prolonged use, especially at high doses, may lead to physical dependence, meaning the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

Discontinuing gabapentin use abruptly, especially after prolonged use or at high doses, can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, sweating or chills, headaches, tremors, dizziness, muscle pain, mood swings, or depression. Some individuals may also experience increased difficulty with coordination, such as shaking or tremors, and the risk of seizures can increase, especially for those using gabapentin to manage seizure disorders.

Particularly for those who have been taking gabapentin over a long period or at a higher dose, it’s important to taper off the medication gradually through a medically supervised detox program. Detoxing with medical supervision ensures that the process is safe and that appropriate care is available if any complications arise.

How Legacy Healing Center Can Help

If you’re facing challenges with this drug or struggling with gabapentin side effects, our drug rehab facilities are here to help. We offer a range of addiction therapy programs and support options for anyone dealing with medication or substance use. We provide a safe, supportive place where you can explore recovery options and find guidance for a healthier life.

If you have questions about gabapentin or need help with substance use, contact us to learn how we can support you. Feel free to also take a look at some of our addiction treatment blogs for more insights about recovery options and hope for a better way forward.

Source:

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Serious breathing difficulties with gabapentin and pregabalin. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. December 19, 2019. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-serious-breathing-problems-seizure-and-nerve-pain-medicines-gabapentin-neurontin.