5 rare but serious side effects of gabapentin you shouldn’t ignore

Medically reviewed by Smita Patel, DO

Gabapentin, also known by brand names such as Neurontin and Gralise, is commonly prescribed for conditions such as seizures and nerve pain. Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, coordination problems, and swelling. However, there are some less common but serious side effects to look out for.

1. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that all drugs used for epilepsy (seizures), including gabapentin, must have a warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Clinical studies grouped all antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including gabapentin, together. The findings suggested the association to be rare—with one in every 500 people taking an AED reporting suicidal thinking or behavior.

Although rare, you should still be alert to any changes in mood or behavior while taking gabapentin. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Thoughts about suicide or death
• Depression or anxiety
• Agitation or irritability
• Restlessness
• Panic attacks
• Trouble sleeping
• Aggression, anger, or violence
• Acting on dangerous impulses
• Mania (an unusual, extreme increase in talking and activity)
• Any other concerning changes in mood or behavior

Help Is Available

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

If you have suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.

2. Serious Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are a rare but potentially serious side effect that can occur with any medication. These types of reactions can range from mild to severe and life-threatening.

Gabapentin may cause serious allergic reactions that can also affect your skin, liver, or blood cells. One of these severe reactions is called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), which requires immediate medical attention.

Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Rash or hives
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Feeling unusually tired or weak
• Muscle pain
• More frequent infections

3. Mood or Behavior Changes in Children

ln children ages 3 to 12 years old, gabapentin may cause changes in thinking and behavior. Call your child's healthcare provider right away if they have any of the following symptoms while taking gabapentin:

• Changes in emotion
• Aggression
• Trouble concentrating
• Restlessness
• Problems in school
• Hyperactivity

4. Serious Breathing Problems

Gabapentin has been associated with serious breathing problems, particularly in people with breathing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or when combined with other medications or substances that can affect awareness or cause sleepiness.

Some examples include:

• Opioid pain medications like oxycodone or morphine
• Benzodiazepines for anxiety such as Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam)
• Medications for sleep such as Ambien (zolpidem)
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Alcohol

Watch for shallow breathing or difficulty breathing while taking gabapentin, and get medical help right away if you have notice any problems.

5. Sleepiness and Dizziness

Gabapentin is associated with drowsiness and dizziness. It can affect your thinking and motor skills and cause significant driving impairment.

Taking gabapentin with other medications or substances that cause drowsiness may worsen these symptoms. You should not drive a car or operate machinery until you and your healthcare provider are certain that gabapentin does not affect your performance. It is not known how long these effects last.

Taking Gabapentin Safely

Before you take gabapentin, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions, including:

• Kidney problems or on dialysis
• Any type of mental health problems, including depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Diabetes

You should also notify your provider if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking gabapentin.

Check with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any other medications. While taking gabapentin, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider and do not change the dose or stop taking gabapentin abruptly unless directed by your provider.

Read the original article on Verywell Health