Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effectsThese common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves.
There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzyAs your body gets used to gabapentin, these side effects should wear off. If they do not wear off within a week or two, your doctor may reduce your dose or increase it more slowly. If that does not work, your doctor may suggest a different medicine.
Feeling sick (nausea)Take gabapentin with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you do not eat rich or spicy food. Take small sips of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Being sick (vomiting)Take small sips of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for over 24 hours while taking gabapentin, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Mood changesIf you feel this medicine is causing mood changes, talk to your doctor. They may be able to change you to a different medicine.
Swollen arms and legsTry sitting with your feet raised and try not to stand for a long time. Gently exercising your arms might help. Talk to your doctor if this does not get better.
Blurred visionAvoid driving, cycling or using tools or machinery while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a couple of days, speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets.
Difficulty getting an erectionSpeak to your doctor. They may be able to change your medicine or offer other treatments that might help with this problem.
Weight gainGabapentin can make you hungrier, so it can be hard to stop yourself putting on weight. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods.
Increasing your level of exercise will also help to keep your weight stable.
Memory problemsIf you're having problems with your memory, speak to your doctor. They may want you to try a different medicine.
HeadachesMake sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking gabapentin. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
Getting more infections than usualIf you notice this, speak to your doctor.
Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor if this advice does not help and the side effects bother you or do not go away.
Serious side effectsVery few people taking gabapentin have serious problems.
Call a doctor or call 111 straight away if you have a serious side effect, including:
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gabapentin.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Information:Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Long-term side effectsSome people can become addicted to gabapentin. If this happens, you'll have withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking the medicine.
When you stop taking gabapentin, you'll need to reduce your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about becoming physically dependent on gabapentin.
Other side effectsThese are not all the side effects of gabapentin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Information: Reporting side effectsYou can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.
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