Gabapentin capsule can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking gabapentin. This list does not include all possible side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of gabapentin, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
More common side effects
Commonly reported side effects of gabapentin include: ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, fever, nystagmus disorder, sedated state, and viral infection. Other side effects include: blurred vision, diplopia, peripheral edema, tremor, amblyopia, irritability, and xerostomia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Some of the more common side effects that can occur with use of gabapentin are listed below, along with their rates:
Also:- viral infection
- fever
- nausea and vomiting
- trouble speaking
- Skin rashes
- hostility
- jerky movements
The side effect rates are based on patients over 12 years old, as reported in clinical trials for the brand equivalent, Neurontin. Certain rates vary by age. For example, pediatric patients 3 to 12 years of age most commonly experienced viral infection (11%), fever (10%), nausea and/or vomiting (8), tiredness (8%), and hostility (8%). There were no clinically significant differences in rates between men and women. For more information, see the FDA package insert.
If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Breast swelling
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Changes in mood or anxiety. Symptoms can include:
- thoughts of suicide or dying
- attempts to commit suicide
- anxiety that’s new or gets worse
- crankiness that’s new or gets worse
- restlessness
- panic attacks
- trouble sleeping
- anger
- aggressive or violent behavior
- extreme increase in activity and talking
- unusual changes in behavior or mood
Changes in behavior and thinking, especially in children ages 3 to 12 years. Symptoms can include:
- emotional changes
- aggressiveness
- trouble concentrating
- restlessness
- changes in school performance
- hyper behavior
Serious and life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- skin rashes
- hives
- fever
- swollen glands that do not go away
- swollen lips and tongue
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- severe tiredness or weakness
- unexpected muscle pain
- frequent infections
Warnings
Do not discontinue abruptly as it may increase seizure frequency; gradually taper over a minimum of 1 week. This medication contains gabapentin. Do not take Neurontin or Gralise if you are allergic to gabapentin or any ingredients contained in this drug. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.