Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that doctors often prescribe to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy. It is not a cure for epilepsy, but it can help people manage the condition. Gabapentin is generally safe, but it can cause side effects, some of which may require medical attention.
In this article, we look at the potential side effects of gabapentin and whether or not they differ between men and women. We also cover when to see a doctor.
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that doctors prescribe as an epilepsy treatment to prevent partial seizures.
Gabapentin cannot cure epilepsy, but it helps the brain prevent seizures. This drug can also act as a pain reliever for various conditions that affect the nervous system, such as postherpetic neuralgia, a pain that occurs due to shingles.
However, doctors do not prescribe gabapentin to treat arthritis pain or acute pain that results from minor injuries.
Gabapentin is only available with a doctor’s prescription, and it comes in the following forms:
Gabapentin is a fairly safe medication when people take it according to a doctor’s instructions. However, some people may experience side effects.
Common side effects that generally do not require medical attention include:
Common side effects that do require medical attention include:
Gabapentin can cause different side effects in children that may require medical attention. These include:
According to the authors of a 2010 study paper, people with preexisting kidney disease may experience potentially fatal toxicity when taking gabapentin.
Gabapentin may cause other long-term effects, including memory loss, weakened muscles, and respiratory failure.
Other side effects of gabapentin occur less frequently but may still affect some people.
Rare side effects that are unlikely to need medical attention include:
Side effects that require medical attention include:
There is a lack of scientific research comparing the effects of gabapentin in men and women. However, the 2011 drug label for the Neurontin brand of gabapentin, which the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, states that “there are no significant gender differences.”
The only difference between men and women may relate to sexual dysfunction. According to an article in The American Journal of Psychiatry, both men and women may lose the ability to orgasm after taking gabapentin. However, only women have also reported experiencing a lack of libido.
A more recent study confirms this possible side effect at doses of only 300 milligrams per day.
Gabapentin is only available on prescription, so people will need to visit a doctor to obtain this medication.
It is vital to discuss the potential side effects of gabapentin, as well as any necessary precautions, with the doctor. They are likely to:
People already taking the medication should visit a doctor if the side effects become bothersome. It is important not to stop gabapentin treatment without speaking with a doctor first. Suddenly stopping the drug can lead to withdrawal, seizures, and other serious problems.
A doctor can offer advice on managing side effects and provide medical supervision to allow a person to start or stop taking the medicine safely.
Last medically reviewed on November 21, 2018
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