Gabapentin is a neurontin that is beneficial for a variety of medical conditions. However, this medication also comes with many potential side effects you should be aware of before you start taking it. Understanding these effects can help you manage your treatment and realize when it’s time to seek medical advice from your doctor.

What Gabapentin Is Used For

Gabapentin supplements are used to treat multiple health conditions.[1] These include:

• Epilepsy: If you have epilepsy and suffer from partial seizures, gabapentin can help reduce the frequency and intensity of those seizures. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in your brain. This gives you better control over your condition.
• Neuropathic pain: Gabapentin may provide relief from nerve pain caused by conditions like diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, or fibromyalgia. It can help dampen nerve pain signals, allowing you to function more normally daily.
• Restless leg syndrome: Gabapentin might help if you experience uncomfortable sensations in your legs and an irresistible urge to move them. This can help you get better sleep.
• Anxiety disorders: If you struggle with anxiety, your doctor might prescribe gabapentin. It can help reduce your anxiety symptoms by modulating neurotransmitters in your brain, which may make social situations less scary.
• Alcohol withdrawal: When it comes to alcohol detoxification, gabapentin can be used to manage your withdrawal symptoms. It can help reduce anxiety, tremors, and the risk of seizures during this difficult process.
• Migraines: Gabapentin may be prescribed to treat migraines, as it has been known to reduce their frequency and severity.
• Hot flashes: Gabapentin can help regulate your body’s temperature control, which makes it helpful if you’re experiencing hot flashes due to menopause or breast cancer treatment.
• Insomnia: Gabapentin might help if you have trouble sleeping (especially due to chronic pain). It can calm your nervous system and promote more restful sleep.
• Bipolar disorder: If you have bipolar disorder, your psychiatrist might prescribe gabapentin in addition to other medications in your treatment plan. It may help stabilize your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or agitation that can accompany bipolar disorder.
• Chronic pain conditions: If you have a chronic pain condition that doesn’t respond to other treatments, gabapentin could be an option. It can help modulate pain signals in your nervous system. It may provide relief in situations where other pain medications have failed.

How Gabapentin Works

Gabapentin works in the body by affecting how nerves transmit signals in the brain and nervous system.[2] Here’s a general overview of how gabapentin functions:

• Binding: Gabapentin binds to specific channels in the brain. When it does, it modulates the release of neurotransmitters involved in nerve signal transmission. This helps stabilize electrical activity in the brain and reduce excessive or abnormal nerve firing.
• Influence on neurotransmitters: Gabapentin binding to these channels helps decrease the release of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. By lowering the levels of these neurotransmitters, gabapentin reduces the likelihood of nerve cells becoming overly active, which can help manage conditions like neuropathic pain and seizures.
• Nerve pain: In the case of neuropathic pain, gabapentin can modify the way the nerves send pain signals to the brain. This can lead to a reduction in the sensation of pain and an improvement in your quality of life, especially if you’re suffering from chronic pain.
• Anticonvulsant properties: Gabapentin’s action in stabilizing nerve cell activity helps prevent seizures in epilepsy. It does this by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures.

Common Side Effects of Gabapentin

As with many medications, you may experience side effects when you take gabapentin. Some of the common side effects include:[3]

• Drowsiness: Gabapentin may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. This might affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Fatigue: You might experience fatigue while taking the medication, potentially impacting your daily activities.
• Vision problems: Gabapentin can affect vision. Your sight could become blurry or double.
• Eye movements: While using gabapentin, you may notice uncontrolled eye movements, which might be disconcerting or affect your vision.
• Speech issues: Gabapentin has been known to cause slurred speech.
• Memory function: You could experience memory problems or confusion, affecting your daily functioning.
• Balance: Gabapentin can cause difficulty with coordination or balance. If this occurs, you need to be extra careful, as your risk of falls can increase significantly.
• Appetite: Your appetite might increase while using the drug. This can lead to weight gain over time.
• Nausea: You could experience nausea or vomiting, especially when starting the medication.
• Dry mouth: If you take gabapentin, you may experience dry mouth, which can lead to dental issues if the condition persists.
• Allergic reactions: While using gabapentin, you could develop a skin rash or itching, which might indicate an allergic reaction.

Does Gabapentin Cause Constipation?

Gabapentin is not typically associated with constipation. However, everyone has the potential to react differently to medications. Certain people may indeed experience constipation.

If you do experience constipation while taking gabapentin, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine if gabapentin might be causing the issue or if there could be another underlying cause. In some cases, dietary adjustments, increased fluid intake, or over-the-counter drugs might be recommended to alleviate your constipation.

How To Manage Side Effects

If gabapentin is causing you to suffer from constipation, here are some strategies to help manage your symptoms.[4]

• Fiber: Eat a diet rich in fiber. This promotes regular bowel movements. Include foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Fluids: Make sure you drink water throughout the day. Staying well-hydrated helps keep stools soft.
• Physical activity: Engage in regular exercise. Physical activity can help prevent constipation.
• Over-the-counter laxatives: If dietary and lifestyle changes are not sufficient, over-the-counter laxatives can be used. It’s best to use them under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid dependency or adverse effects.
• Stool softeners: Stool softeners can make bowel movements easier by increasing the amount of water in the stool.
• Diet: Identify and avoid any foods contributing to constipation, such as excessive dairy products or processed foods.
• Consult your healthcare provider: If your constipation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek advice from a healthcare provider. They can help determine the best course of action.

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