Table of Contents
Key Points
- Gabapentin is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures and nerve pain, but it has some common side effects.
- People taking gabapentin most often experience dizziness, drowsiness, and swelling of the legs and feet.
- Constipation can occur with gabapentin, but it’s relatively rare. Other GI symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are more likely.
Neurontin, or generic gabapentin, is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures and nerve pain, such as pain from shingles. It’s also used off-label to treat many different conditions, including anxiety, nerve pain from diabetes, and alcohol use disorder.
Though gabapentin has many potential uses, it can cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, or, rarely, constipation. Understanding gabapentin’s side effects can help you manage them if they occur while you’re taking this medication.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is the generic form of the brand-name drug Neurontin, a prescription medication that’s used to treat certain types of seizures and nerve pain. It was developed as an anticonvulsant medication for people with epilepsy. However, it’s now used to treat pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), nerve-related pain, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, and bipolar disorder off-label. Extended-release (ER) tablets Horizant and Gralise treat postherpetic neuralgia and restless leg syndrome.
Though the way gabapentin works is not fully understood, it’s believed to modulate neurotransmitters—the chemicals that help communication between nerve cells—and influence electrical activity in the brain.[1] The drug’s structure is similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but it doesn’t directly work on GABA receptors. It’s believed to reduce the excitability of nerve cells, which can help with nerve pain and seizures.
Common Side Effects of Gabapentin
Gabapentin has several common side effects, including:[2]
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Swelling in the legs and feet
- Trouble speaking
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Tremors or problems with balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
There are risks of serious side effects with gabapentin, including severe drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, problems with balance or muscle movement, or increased seizure activity.[3] Some people may experience new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including worsening depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Does Gabapentin Cause Constipation?
Gabapentin may cause constipation, but it’s not a common side effect. In clinical trials of adults taking gabapentin for nerve pain, about 4% of people reported constipation.[4] Some people were given a placebo (inactive medication) for the trial, and about 2% of them also reported constipation.[5] The actual percentage of people with constipation while taking gabapentin is less than 4%.[6]
Among the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, diarrhea is another common symptom, though still relatively rare. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. In some people, taking gabapentin with food or eating a bland diet until the body adjusts to the drug can relieve these symptoms.
What Are the Most Common Gabapentin Side Effects in Studies?
As demonstrated, constipation is a rare side effect of gabapentin. Other common side effects are more likely to be seen with this drug.
In a clinical trial of people aged 12 and overtaking gabapentin for a seizure disorder, about 2% reported constipation as a side effect.[7] Out of people taking a placebo, 1% also reported constipation.
In clinical trials of gabapentin to treat nerve pain in adults, the most common side effects were dizziness, sleepiness, and swelling in the hands or feet (peripheral edema).[8] In clinical trials of people older than 12 taking gabapentin to treat a seizure disorder, the most common side effects were sleepiness and clumsiness (ataxia).[9]
A rare but important side effect of gabapentin that occurs in 1 in 500 people is thoughts of death or suicide.[10] These thoughts can happen within one week of starting gabapentin.
What to Do About Gabapentin Side Effects
If you’re experiencing side effects with gabapentin, talk to your doctor. Some side effects may subside once your body adjusts to the medication. However, it’s important to report serious side effects like sudden changes in mood or behavior, worsening depression, and thoughts of suicide.
Seek medical attention if you have a serious drug reaction that affects different parts of your body. Symptoms may include a skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Gabapentin can slow or stop your breathing, especially when it’s combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioids. Never mix gabapentin with these substances, and seek emergency care if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue lip color, or struggle to stay awake.
If you have GI side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may need a bland diet for a while to give your body time to get used to gabapentin. The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) can help with GI problems in the short term, but you shouldn’t stay on it too long, or constipation may occur. You could also take gabapentin with food.
If you experience constipation as a rare side effect of gabapentin, here are some remedies to try:
- Take an over-the-counter laxative, which you can find at any drugstore. Laxatives come in stimulant and osmotic forms and are generally safe to relieve occasional constipation.
- Add fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains to your diet. You could also try a fiber supplement like psyllium seed or methylcellulose. You should increase your fiber intake slowly, as bloating, gas, and diarrhea may occur.
- Drink plenty of fluids to ensure you’re hydrated and promote regular bowel movements.
- Get daily exercise to keep your bowels moving. Try gentle exercises like walking or yoga.
- If diet or lifestyle changes don’t relieve your constipation or it gets worse, talk to your doctor about your options.
Gabapentin Withdrawal
If you experience gabapentin side effects, it’s crucial not to stop taking the drug suddenly. Gabapentin can build dependence, which is when your body gets used to the presence of a drug and needs it to function. If you stop abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, agitation, nausea, and vomiting, as well as serious effects like seizures.[11]
Don’t make any changes to your medication without talking to your prescriber. They can provide a taper to slowly lower your dose and wean you off the drug to minimize side effects.
Be Aware of Gabapentin Side Effects
Gabapentin has a range of common and serious side effects, but constipation is a rare one. Other common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and swelling in the hands and feet. If you experience constipation or other side effects, discuss your options with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding gabapentin side effects
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