As stated on prior posts, the VA prescribed this for treatment of my PTSD. Being totally unmonitored for 10 months, I gained 75# - Yes, one of the nasty side effects. When I moved, my new VA Psych said I should have never been put on it. It never helped me, so I weaned myself off. I still get the pills to keep them happy. My question - How long before the body slowly gets back to normal? My eating habits never changed....

I was on GABA (Gabapentin) for about a year. I stopped taking it, because it made me sick. I stopped taking GABA for about 1 year now. I kept falling down. My neck problem coupled with GABA is horrible. My doctor took me off of the Diclofenac replacement, and the doctor put me back on Gabapentin recently.

I forgot that I stopped taking GABA, and why I stopped taking it. I ended back in emergency after starting it back up. Then I remembered it causes me to have breathing and falling problems. I have stopped it again. The VA just loves sending me this --expensive medication (as per my Doctor).

The VA said I was anorexic (??) a few years ago. The GABA put 25 pounds on me, just like that. The weight will slowly go away over a year if you stop taking GABA.

I was being given Gabapentin for nerve damage.

Guess it effects everyone differently.

I take 4000 mg of Gabapentin per day for Dejerine Roussy Syndrome due to my stroke. Now weight problems but it does make me useless in the thinking department. Couple that with the cymbalta, oxy and others and man o man what a day.

I don't know how I would survive without gabapentin. When I miss a dose 800 mg 3 x a day my feet feel like they are on fire. I also believe it helps my depression and panic. Tell me more about the meds that they use when they take you off gabapentin

Pete, I was taken 400mg x 4 (not monitored), and 50mg Citalopram for my treatment of PTSD. I think it was for depression, and having suicidal thoughts. My new Psych is slowly weaning me off. She has me down to 2 a day - taking one dose away every three months. I gained the 75#, and can't budge the weight. I weaned myself off two months ago, because I never saw any changes since I started them. When she totally weans me, I told her that I want medication that doesn't have weight gain as a side effect. So I got to wait for her next move...

Pete53,

The Declofenac, was the best medication I have ever taken. It seems to have minimal side effects and works on the pain center in the brain. I didn't even realize how much pain it was taking away until I was told to stop taking it.

Declofenac, is for shorter term use. I had been taking it for 2 years. It does cause problems with my stomach so they gave me ranatidine to take with it. Declofenac and ranatidine seemed to be working very well, until I had a TIA. The emergency doctor said stop taking it now. My PCP said for me to go back on Gaba.

I too have cold hot tingling feet. The Declofenac took care of that as well. Seems like the Gaba is the only relief for the burning/freezing feet, other than Declofenac, but the Gaba seems to cause the same condition. It is a visious cycle with Gaba, for me. A doctor told me that a person could take up to 1300 mg of Gaba a day with no problems.

I was on it to I have put on 40+ I wonder if it has affect me the same way? I am going to check in to this...

Yoggie, Look up the side effects of Gabbapentin, and you will find your answer. My eating habits didn't change, but my weight sure did. It will slowly climb on you. Some Vets swear by it, and I swear at it.

I gained over 60 lbs on this drug without changing my eating habits at all.
I will never ever take it again.
I asked my doc.."Why would you prescribe a drug that you know will make a patient gain weight to an overweight diabetic?"
He was speechless.
I got my Topomax back......
I had to take Topomax the 1st time after the gabapentin in order to lose the 60 lbs, plus the Topomax works so much better.
The initial side effects are a bit strange, but those only last a short period of time and then it's fine. My emg's are much improved now.

does gabapentin really works? my pain clinic nurse referred it to my pcp to prescribe for my burning problems i have in my leg. she started me on 300mg once a night to start.

I have been on and off this med for years, I gained about 60 pounds, it does very little to help my pain. I still have the burning and tingling in my arms and legs. I was taken off all my pain meds. because I started having incapacitating headaches and neuro felt that the pain meds. were causing my headaches so all I do is hurt. I started fidgeting a lot so my weight has stabled cause it is very hard for me to keep still or sit still. I told my doctor and he agrees not to increase for now so we don't know what to do. I have tried other meds. but my system can't tolerate them.
Good luck

Pete992

It works for me and I am also convinced helps my panic also. If you don't think its working don't take it for a few days and you should know for sure. I did gain some weight but have now lost 60% of the original gain. Don't know if it was gabapentin or better sugar control.

My pain doc started me on 1200 mg a day for my neuorpathy in my leg. Caused a lot of mental confusion for 2 years. Now on Lyrica which an outside doc had me on around 5 years ago. Since its a non formulary its hard to get from VA. Hang in there and hope the burn goes away. I now have a slight warm feeling and I m on 300mg of lyrica.

I take gabapentin for fibromyalgia and neuropathy.300mg x3

I actually lost weight on GABA.

but that was weight i had gained when they had me on amitriptyline for the fibro and neuropathy.(by the way anti depressants did nothing for the pain of fibro or neuropathy. just plugged up my prostate till it took 15+ min to pee. and left me in a brain fog.)

I am a ex EMT and had to trick the PCP/PA that i go to into giving me GABA by telling her that i needed Gabapentin or vicodin or i was going higher up for something for pain.
I knew she would not give me the vicodin that left her with giving me the GABA that I wanted in the first place.

After 4 years i am still on the dose i started on but i don't take 300mg x3 a day.
i take as needed most of the time i just take one a day but on really bad days i take 4 a day. so far a have not built up tolerance to GABA and had to increase the dosage full time.








0

I'm like Seattleshay.
I'll never take it again. It made me a zombie. It did help with neurological pain, but I could not tolerate the side effects.
The most I could accomplish in a day was to lay on the floor & drewel.
Oxycontin controlled release(CR) does the best job with the least side effects for me. Morphine & Methadone makes me sick.

I've been on depakote for a couple years now & have gained 60#

Some of the side effects of Gabapentin include seizures, sudden death.
The last one, is another one I have trouble tollerating.

I have taken gabapentin since 1995 with very good results. It has helped me with painful neuropathy, panic attacks and depression. Some facts about gabapentin. It is metabolized through kidneys not your liver so it only is good for 6 to 8 hours or until you pee it out. That is why most scripts call for 3 or 4 times a day.

My old Doc called it a miracle med of the 90's as it has a lot of uses besides what it was approved for and one of the FDA approved uses Allan is to stop seizures not cause them but it affects the part of the brain that can be a trouble maker for many of us.

If I have a sore throat I put a capsule I open into some orange juice and drink it and the pain disappears immediately.I don't know what I would do without it to be honest.

[one of the FDA approved uses Allan is to stop seizures not cause them]

Thank you Pete.
I know you've taken this medication for several yrs now with good help & not many side effects.
I didn't have that reaction. Mine was the opposite.
I did read the pamphlet that came with the medication & among many other serious side effects,"seizures" is listed. Please read below.

Side Effects of Neurontin - for the consumer


Neurontin
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Neurontin:

Back pain; changes in vision (double or blurred vision); clumsiness; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Neurontin:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; aggressive behavior; back and forth eye movements; behavioral problems; change in school performance; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hyperactivity; loss of coordination; memory loss; mental or mood changes (eg, hostility, mood swings); numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; restlessness; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; speech changes; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; tremor; trouble concentrating; twitching.




Neurontin Capsules
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Neurontin Capsules:

Back pain; changes in vision (double or blurred vision); clumsiness; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Neurontin Capsules:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; aggressive behavior; back and forth eye movements; behavioral problems; change in school performance; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hyperactivity; loss of coordination; memory loss; mental or mood changes (eg, hostility, mood swings); numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; restlessness; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; speech changes; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; tremor; trouble concentrating; twitching.




Neurontin Solution
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Neurontin Solution:

Back pain; changes in vision (double or blurred vision); clumsiness; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting; weight gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Neurontin Solution:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; aggressive behavior; back and forth eye movements; behavioral problems; change in school performance; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hyperactivity; loss of coordination; memory loss; mental or mood changes (eg, hostility, mood swings); numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; restlessness; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; speech changes; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, legs, or feet; tremor; trouble concentrating; twitching.


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For the professional


Neurontin
Postherpetic Neuralgia
The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Neurontin in adults, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema.

In the 2 controlled studies in postherpetic neuralgia, 16% of the 336 patients who received Neurontin and 9% of the 227 patients who received placebo discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. The adverse events that most frequently led to withdrawal in Neurontin-treated patients were dizziness, somnolence, and nausea.

Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials
Table 2 lists treatment-emergent signs and symptoms that occurred in at least 1% of Neurontin-treated patients with postherpetic neuralgia participating in placebo-controlled trials and that were numerically more frequent in the Neurontin group than in the placebo group. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity.

TABLE 2. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Trials in Postherpetic Neuralgia (Events in at least 1% of Neurontin-Treated Patients and Numerically More Frequent Than in the Placebo Group) Body System/ Neurontin Placebo
Preferred Term N=336
% N=227
%
*
Reported as blurred vision
Body as a Whole
Asthenia 5.7 4.8
Infection 5.1 3.5
Headache 3.3 3.1
Accidental injury 3.3 1.3
Abdominal pain 2.7 2.6
Digestive System
Diarrhea 5.7 3.1
Dry mouth 4.8 1.3
Constipation 3.9 1.8
Nausea 3.9 3.1
Vomiting 3.3 1.8
Flatulence 2.1 1.8
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders
Peripheral edema 8.3 2.2
Weight gain 1.8 0.0
Hyperglycemia 1.2 0.4
Nervous System
Dizziness 28.0 7.5
Somnolence 21.4 5.3
Ataxia 3.3 0.0
Thinking abnormal 2.7 0.0
Abnormal gait 1.5 0.0
Incoordination 1.5 0.0
Amnesia 1.2 0.9
Hypesthesia 1.2 0.9
Respiratory System
Pharyngitis 1.2 0.4
Skin and Appendages
Rash 1.2 0.9
Special Senses
Amblyopia* 2.7 0.9
Conjunctivitis 1.2 0.0
Diplopia 1.2 0.0
Otitis media 1.2 0.0

Other events in more than 1% of patients but equally or more frequent in the placebo group included pain, tremor, neuralgia, back pain, dyspepsia, dyspnea, and flu syndrome.

There were no clinically important differences between men and women in the types and incidence of adverse events. Because there were few patients whose race was reported as other than white, there are insufficient data to support a statement regarding the distribution of adverse events by race.

Epilepsy
The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Neurontin in combination with other antiepileptic drugs in patients >12 years of age, not seen at an equivalent frequency among placebo-treated patients, were somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, and nystagmus. The most commonly observed adverse events reported with the use of Neurontin in combination with other antiepileptic drugs in pediatric patients 3 to 12 years of age, not seen at an equal frequency among placebo-treated patients, were viral infection, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, somnolence, and hostility.

Approximately 7% of the 2074 patients >12 years of age and approximately 7% of the 449 pediatric patients 3 to 12 years of age who received Neurontin in premarketing clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse event. The adverse events most commonly associated with withdrawal in patients >12 years of age were somnolence (1.2%), ataxia (0.8%), fatigue (0.6%), nausea and/or vomiting (0.6%), and dizziness (0.6%). The adverse events most commonly associated with withdrawal in pediatric patients were emotional lability (1.6%), hostility (1.3%), and hyperkinesia (1.1%).

Incidence in Controlled Clinical Trials
Table 3 lists treatment-emergent signs and symptoms that occurred in at least 1% of Neurontin-treated patients >12 years of age with epilepsy participating in placebo-controlled trials and were numerically more common in the Neurontin group. In these studies, either Neurontin or placebo was added to the patient's current antiepileptic drug therapy. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity.

The prescriber should be aware that these figures, obtained when Neurontin was added to concurrent antiepileptic drug therapy, cannot be used to predict the frequency of adverse events in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors may differ from those prevailing during clinical studies. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be directly compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses, or investigators. An inspection of these frequencies, however, does provide the prescribing physician with one basis to estimate the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the adverse event incidences in the population studied.

TABLE 3. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Controlled Add-On Trials In Patients >12 years of age (Events in at least 1% of Neurontin patients and numerically more frequent than in the placebo group) Body System/ Neurontin* Placebo*
Adverse Event N=543
% N=378
%
*
Plus background antiepileptic drug therapy
†
Amblyopia was often described as blurred vision.
Body As A Whole
Fatigue 11.0 5.0
Weight Increase 2.9 1.6
Back Pain 1.8 0.5
Peripheral Edema 1.7 0.5
Cardiovascular
Vasodilatation 1.1 0.3
Digestive System
Dyspepsia 2.2 0.5
Mouth or Throat Dry 1.7 0.5
Constipation 1.5 0.8
Dental Abnormalities 1.5 0.3
Increased Appetite 1.1 0.8
Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems
Leukopenia 1.1 0.5
Musculoskeletal System
Myalgia 2.0 1.9
Fracture 1.1 0.8
Nervous System
Somnolence 19.3 8.7
Dizziness 17.1 6.9
Ataxia 12.5 5.6
Nystagmus 8.3 4.0
Tremor 6.8 3.2
Nervousness 2.4 1.9
Dysarthria 2.4 0.5
Amnesia 2.2 0.0
Depression 1.8 1.1
Thinking Abnormal 1.7 1.3
Twitching 1.3 0.5
Coordination Abnormal 1.1 0.3
Respiratory System
Rhinitis 4.1 3.7
Pharyngitis 2.8 1.6
Coughing 1.8 1.3
Skin and Appendages
Abrasion 1.3 0.0
Pruritus 1.3 0.5
Urogenital System
Impotence 1.5 1.1
Special Senses
Diplopia 5.9 1.9
Amblyopia† 4.2 1.1
Laboratory Deviations
WBC Decreased 1.1 0.5

Other events in more than 1% of patients >12 years of age but equally or more frequent in the placebo group included: headache, viral infection, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsions, confusion, insomnia, emotional lability, rash, acne.

Among the treatment-emergent adverse events occurring at an incidence of at least 10% of Neurontin-treated patients, somnolence and ataxia appeared to exhibit a positive dose-response relationship.

The overall incidence of adverse events and the types of adverse events seen were similar among men and women treated with Neurontin. The incidence of adverse events increased slightly with increasing age in patients treated with either Neurontin or placebo. Because only 3% of patients (28/921) in placebo-controlled studies were identified as nonwhite (black or other), there are insufficient data to support a statement regarding the distribution of adverse events by race.

Table 4 lists treatment-emergent signs and symptoms that occurred in at least 2% of Neurontin-treated patients age 3 to 12 years of age with epilepsy participating in placebo-controlled trials and were numerically more common in the Neurontin group. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity.

TABLE 4. Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Pediatric Patients Age 3 to 12 Years in a Controlled Add-On Trial (Events in at least 2% of Neurontin patients and numerically more frequent than in the placebo group) Body System/ Neurontin* Placebo*
Adverse Event N=119
% N=128
%
*
Plus background antiepileptic drug therapy
Body As A Whole
Viral Infection 10.9 3.1
Fever 10.1 3.1
Weight Increase 3.4 0.8
Fatigue 3.4 1.6
Digestive System
Nausea and/or Vomiting 8.4 7.0
Nervous System
Somnolence 8.4 4.7
Hostility 7.6 2.3
Emotional Lability 4.2 1.6
Dizziness 2.5 1.6
Hyperkinesia 2.5 0.8
Respiratory System
Bronchitis 3.4 0.8
Respiratory Infection 2.5 0.8

Other events in more than 2% of pediatric patients 3 to 12 years of age but equally or more frequent in the placebo group included: pharyngitis, upper respiratory infection, headache, rhinitis, convulsions, diarrhea, anorexia, coughing, and otitis media.

Other Adverse Events Observed During All Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials in Adults and Adolescents (Except Clinical Trials in Neuropathic Pain)
Neurontin has been administered to 4717 patients >12 years of age during all adjunctive therapy clinical trials (except clinical trials in patients with neuropathic pain), only some of which were placebo-controlled. During these trials, all adverse events were recorded by the clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. To provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals having adverse events, similar types of events were grouped into a smaller number of standardized categories using modified COSTART dictionary terminology. These categories are used in the listing below. The frequencies presented represent the proportion of the 4717 patients >12 years of age exposed to Neurontin who experienced an event of the type cited on at least one occasion while receiving Neurontin. All reported events are included except those already listed in Table 3, those too general to be informative, and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug.

Events are further classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are defined as those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.

Body As A Whole: Frequent: asthenia, malaise, face edema; Infrequent: allergy, generalized edema, weight decrease, chill; Rare: strange feelings, lassitude, alcohol intolerance, hangover effect.

Cardiovascular System: Frequent: hypertension; Infrequent: hypotension, angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disorder, palpitation, tachycardia, migraine, murmur; Rare: atrial fibrillation, heart failure, thrombophlebitis, deep thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, pulmonary thrombosis, ventricular extrasystoles, bradycardia, premature atrial contraction, pericardial rub, heart block, pulmonary embolus, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, pericardial effusion, pericarditis.

Digestive System: Frequent: anorexia, flatulence, gingivitis; Infrequent: glossitis, gum hemorrhage, thirst, stomatitis, increased salivation, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, bloody stools, fecal incontinence, hepatomegaly; Rare: dysphagia, eructation, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, colitis, blisters in mouth, tooth discolor, perlèche, salivary gland enlarged, lip hemorrhage, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, hematemesis, proctitis, irritable bowel syndrome, rectal hemorrhage, esophageal spasm

Endocrine System: Rare: hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, goiter, hypoestrogen, ovarian failure, epididymitis, swollen testicle, cushingoid appearance.

Hematologic and Lymphatic System: Frequent: purpura most often described as bruises resulting from physical trauma; Infrequent: anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy; Rare: WBC count increased, lymphocytosis, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, bleeding time increased.

Musculoskeletal System: Frequent: arthralgia; Infrequent: tendinitis, arthritis, joint stiffness, joint swelling, positive Romberg test; Rare: costochondritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, contracture.

Nervous System: Frequent: vertigo, hyperkinesia, paresthesia, decreased or absent reflexes, increased reflexes, anxiety, hostility; Infrequent: CNS tumors, syncope, dreaming abnormal, aphasia, hypesthesia, intracranial hemorrhage, hypotonia, dysesthesia, paresis, dystonia, hemiplegia, facial paralysis, stupor, cerebellar dysfunction, positive Babinski sign, decreased position sense, subdural hematoma, apathy, hallucination, decrease or loss of libido, agitation, paranoia, depersonalization, euphoria, feeling high, doped-up sensation, suicide attempt, psychosis; Rare: choreoathetosis, orofacial dyskinesia, encephalopathy, nerve palsy, personality disorder, increased libido, subdued temperament, apraxia, fine motor control disorder, meningismus, local myoclonus, hyperesthesia, hypokinesia, mania, neurosis, hysteria, antisocial reaction, suicide.

Respiratory System: Frequent: pneumonia; Infrequent: epistaxis, dyspnea, apnea; Rare: mucositis, aspiration pneumonia, hyperventilation, hiccup, laryngitis, nasal obstruction, snoring, bronchospasm, hypoventilation, lung edema.

Dermatological: Infrequent: alopecia, eczema, dry skin, increased sweating, urticaria, hirsutism, seborrhea, cyst, herpes simplex; Rare: herpes zoster, skin discolor, skin papules, photosensitive reaction, leg ulcer, scalp seborrhea, psoriasis, desquamation, maceration, skin nodules, subcutaneous nodule, melanosis, skin necrosis, local swelling.

Urogenital System: Infrequent: hematuria, dysuria, urination frequency, cystitis, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, vaginal hemorrhage, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, breast cancer, unable to climax, ejaculation abnormal; Rare: kidney pain, leukorrhea, pruritus genital, renal stone, acute renal failure, anuria, glycosuria, nephrosis, nocturia, pyuria, urination urgency, vaginal pain, breast pain, testicle pain.

Special Senses: Frequent: abnormal vision; Infrequent: cataract, conjunctivitis, eyes dry, eye pain, visual field defect, photophobia, bilateral or unilateral ptosis, eye hemorrhage, hordeolum, hearing loss, earache, tinnitus, inner ear infection, otitis, taste loss, unusual taste, eye twitching, ear fullness; Rare: eye itching, abnormal accommodation, perforated ear drum, sensitivity to noise, eye focusing problem, watery eyes, retinopathy, glaucoma, iritis, corneal disorders, lacrimal dysfunction, degenerative eye changes, blindness, retinal degeneration, miosis, chorioretinitis, strabismus, eustachian tube dysfunction, labyrinthitis, otitis externa, odd smell.

Clinical trials in Pediatric Patients With Epilepsy
Adverse events occurring during epilepsy clinical trials in 449 pediatric patients 3 to 12 years of age treated with gabapentin that were not reported in adjunctive trials in adults are:

Body as a Whole: dehydration, infectious mononucleosis

Digestive System: hepatitis

Hemic and Lymphatic System: coagulation defect

Nervous System: aura disappeared, occipital neuralgia

Psychobiologic Function: sleepwalking

Respiratory System: pseudocroup, hoarseness

Clinical Trials in Adults With Neuropathic Pain of Various Etiologies
Safety information was obtained in 1173 patients during double-blind and open-label clinical trials including neuropathic pain conditions for which efficacy has not been demonstrated. Adverse events reported by investigators were grouped into standardized categories using modified COSTART IV terminology. Listed below are all reported events except those already listed in Table 2 and those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug.

Events are further classified within body system categories and enumerated in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are defined as those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.

Body as a Whole: Infrequent: chest pain, cellulitis, malaise, neck pain, face edema, allergic reaction, abscess, chills, chills and fever, mucous membrane disorder; Rare: body odor, cyst, fever, hernia, abnormal BUN value, lump in neck, pelvic pain, sepsis, viral infection.

Cardiovascular System: Infrequent: hypertension, syncope, palpitation, migraine, hypotension, peripheral vascular disorder, cardiovascular disorder, cerebrovascular accident, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, vasodilatation; Rare: angina pectoris, heart failure, increased capillary fragility, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose vein.

Digestive System: Infrequent: gastroenteritis, increased appetite, gastrointestinal disorder, oral moniliasis, gastritis, tongue disorder, thirst, tooth disorder, abnormal stools, anorexia, liver function tests abnormal, periodontal abscess; Rare: cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, duodenal ulcer, fecal incontinence, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase increased, gingivitis, intestinal obstruction, intestinal ulcer, melena, mouth ulceration, rectal disorder, rectal hemorrhage, stomatitis.

Endocrine System: Infrequent: diabetes mellitus.

Hemic and Lymphatic System: Infrequent: ecchymosis, anemia; Rare: lymphadenopathy, lymphoma-like reaction, prothrombin decreased.

Metabolic and Nutritional: Infrequent: edema, gout, hypoglycemia, weight loss; Rare: alkaline phosphatase increased, diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic dehydrogenase increased.

Musculoskeletal: Infrequent: arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia, arthrosis, leg cramps, myasthenia; Rare: shin bone pain, joint disorder, tendon disorder.

Nervous System: Frequent: confusion, depression; Infrequent: vertigo, nervousness, paresthesia, insomnia, neuropathy, libido decreased, anxiety, depersonalization, reflexes decreased, speech disorder, abnormal dreams, dysarthria, emotional lability, nystagmus, stupor, circumoral paresthesia, euphoria, hyperesthesia, hypokinesia, suicide attempt; Rare: agitation, hypertonia, libido increased, movement disorder, myoclonus, vestibular disorder.

Respiratory System: Infrequent: cough increased, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, asthma, lung disorder, epistaxis; Rare: hemoptysis, voice alteration.

Skin and Appendages: Infrequent: pruritus, skin ulcer, dry skin, herpes zoster, skin disorder, fungal dermatitis, furunculosis, herpes simplex, psoriasis, sweating, urticaria, vesiculobullous rash; Rare: acne, hair disorder, maculopapular rash, nail disorder, skin carcinoma, skin discoloration, skin hypertrophy.

Special Senses: Infrequent: abnormal vision, ear pain, eye disorder, taste perversion, deafness; Rare: conjunctival hyperemia, diabetic retinopathy, eye pain, fundi with microhemorrhage, retinal vein thrombosis, taste loss.

Urogenital System: Infrequent: urinary tract infection, dysuria, impotence, urinary incontinence, vaginal moniliasis, breast pain, menstrual disorder, polyuria, urinary retention; Rare: cystitis, ejaculation abnormal, swollen penis, gynecomastia, nocturia, pyelonephritis, swollen scrotum, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urine abnormality.

Postmarketing and Other Experience
In addition to the adverse experiences reported during clinical testing of Neurontin, the following adverse experiences have been reported in patients receiving marketed Neurontin. These adverse experiences have not been listed above and data are insufficient to support an estimate of their incidence or to establish causation. The listing is alphabetized: angioedema, blood glucose fluctuation, breast hypertrophy, erythema multiforme, elevated liver function tests, fever, hyponatremia, jaundice, movement disorder, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Adverse events following the abrupt discontinuation of gabapentin have also been reported. The most frequently reported events were anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain and sweating.

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By body system


Nervous system side effects
Nervous system side effects have been common. Somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, headache, and fatigue have been reported to occur in more than 10% of treated patients. Vertigo, hyperkinesia, paresthesia, decreased or absent reflexes, increased reflexes, anxiety, and hostility have been reported frequently. CNS tumors, syncope, dreaming abnormal, aphasia, hypesthesia, intracranial hemorrhage, hypotonia, dysesthesia, paresis, dystonia, hemiplegia, facial paralysis, stupor, cerebellar dysfunction, positive Babinski sign, decreased position sense, subdural hematoma, apathy, hallucination, decrease or loss of libido, agitation, paranoia, depersonalization, euphoria, feeling high, doped-up sensation, suicide attempt, and psychosis have been reported infrequently. Choreoathetosis, orofacial dyskinesia, encephalopathy, nerve palsy, personality disorder, increased libido, subdued temperament, apraxia, fine motor control disorder, meningismus, local myoclonus, hyperesthesia, hypokinesia, mania, neurosis, hysteria, antisocial reaction, and suicide have been reported rarely. Nystagmus, tremor, nervousness, amnesia, dysarthria and depression have also been reported. A small number of cases of absence status and status epilepticus have occurred in patients taking gabapentin. Cases of delirium tremens have been reported upon gabapentin withdrawal.



Gastrointestinal side effects
Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in one to three percent of treated patients. Anorexia, flatulence, and gingivitis have been reported frequently. Glossitis, gum hemorrhage, thirst, stomatitis, increased salivation, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, bloody stools, and fecal incontinence have been reported infrequently. Dysphagia, eructation, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, colitis, blisters in mouth, tooth discolor, perlèche, salivary gland enlarged, lip hemorrhage, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, hematemesis, proctitis, irritable bowel syndrome, rectal hemorrhage, and esophageal spasm have been reported rarely. Dyspepsia, dry mouth, constipation, dental abnormalities, flatulence, increased appetite, and weight gain have also been reported.



Other side effects
Other side effects have been reported to include withdrawal effects. Withdrawal of gabapentin therapy has been reported to cause the following effects in less than 2% of treated patients: somnolence, ataxia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Hearing loss, earache, tinnitus, inner ear infection, otitis, taste loss, unusual taste, ear fullness, perforated ear drum, sensitivity to noise, eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis externa, odd smell, and labyrinthitis have also been reported.



Hematologic side effects
Hematologic side effects have frequently been reported to include purpura. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphadenopathy have been reported infrequently. Increased WBC count, lymphocytosis, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and increased bleeding time have been reported rarely. Isolated cases of decreased white blood cell counts have also been reported.

The patients reported to have decreased white blood cell counts were also taking carbamazepine.



Cardiovascular side effects
Cardiovascular side effects including hypertension have been reported to occur in more than one percent of patients taking gabapentin. Hypotension, angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disorder, palpitation, tachycardia, and murmur have been reported infrequently. Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, thrombophlebitis, deep thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, pulmonary thrombosis, ventricular extrasystoles, bradycardia, premature atrial contraction, pericardial rub, heart block, pulmonary embolus, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, pericardial effusion, and pericarditis have been reported rarely. A case of gabapentin induced edema has also been reported.



Ocular side effects
Ocular side effects including abnormal vision have been reported frequently. Cataract, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, eye pain, visual field defect, photophobia, bilateral or unilateral ptosis, eye hemorrhage, hordeolum, eye twitching, diplopia and blurred vision have been reported infrequently. Eye itching, abnormal accommodation, eye focusing problem, watery eyes, retinopathy, glaucoma, iritis, corneal disorders, lacrimal dysfunction, degenerative eye changes, blindness, retinal degeneration, miosis, chorioretinitis, and strabismus have been reported rarely. A case of oculogyric crisis has also been reported.



Psychiatric side effects
Psychiatric side effects including two cases of intolerable aggressive behavior have been reported. One case of hypomania has also been reported.



Dermatologic side effects
Dermatologic side effects including alopecia, eczema, dry skin, increased sweating, urticaria, hirsutism, seborrhea, cyst, and herpes simplex have been reported infrequently. Herpes zoster, skin discolor, skin papules, photosensitive reaction, leg ulcer, scalp seborrhea, psoriasis, desquamation, maceration, skin nodules, subcutaneous nodule, melanosis, skin necrosis, and local swelling have been reported rarely. One case of alopecia and one case of leukocytoclastic vasculitis have been reported.



Hypersensitivity side effects
Hypersensitivity side effects including a case of hypersensitivity syndrome have been reported.



Genitourinary side effects
Genitourinary side effects including hematuria, dysuria, urination frequency, cystitis, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, vaginal hemorrhage, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, breast cancer, inability to climax, and abnormal ejaculation have been reported infrequently. Kidney pain, leukorrhea, pruritus genital, renal stone, acute renal failure, anuria, glycosuria, nephrosis, nocturia, pyuria, urination urgency, vaginal pain, breast pain, and testicle pain have been reported rarely.



Musculoskeletal side effects
Musculoskeletal side effects including arthralgia have been reported frequently. Tendinitis, arthritis, joint stiffness, joint swelling, and positive Romberg test have been reported infrequently. Costochondritis, osteoporosis, bursitis, and contracture have been reported rarely. Myoclonus has also been reported.



General side effects
General side effects have included asthenia, malaise, and facial edema which have been reported frequently. Generalized edema, weight decrease, and chill have been reported infrequently. Lassitude, "strange feelings", alcohol intolerance, and hangover effect have been reported rarely.



Endocrine side effects
Endocrine side effects including hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, swollen testicle, goiter, hypoestrogen, ovarian failure, epididymitis, and cushingoid appearance have been reported rarely.



Respiratory side effects
Respiratory side effects including pneumonia have been reported frequently. Epistaxis, dyspnea, and apnea have been reported infrequently. Mucositis, aspiration pneumonia, hyperventilation, hiccup, laryngitis, nasal obstruction, snoring, bronchospasm, hypoventilation, and lung edema have been reported rarely.



Hepatic side effects
Hepatic side effects including hepatomegaly have been reported infrequently. Several cases of hepatotoxicity have also been reported.



Oncologic side effects
Oncologic side effects have been reported in animal studies.

Male rats receiving doses of gabapentin of up to 2000 mg/kg for 2 years have developed acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas.



Renal side effects
Renal side effects including two cases of marked increase in serum creatinine measurements following the introduction of gabapentin have been reported.


http://www.drugs.com/sfx/neurontin-side-ef...tml#system_1873

Allan:

Its a shame and I am aware that others on Hadit have had problems with gabapentin. For me its been a Godsend.

pete53 did you apply for secondary service connection for side effects of the diclofenac if so did you win.

I am another one that is on this drug. I don't know if I am in a fog or not......All I know is that without it I can't work......I do with lots of pain killers.....but I guess you all know what I mean.

No I have never taken that med that I know of

Zyprexa was a doozie for me. I was taken off after I gained 30lbs in 2 months. Neurontin did the same. These drugs can also bring on diabetes.

dh

Gabapentin/Neurontin is a drug originally intended to help with seizures. Many psychologists prescribe it for PTSD/Depression.

I had a bad experience with it a few years ago. I was either very high or very low and it varied from day to day and time to time. I was weaned off it and things improved with another medication.

On two occasions I have had other doctors try to prescribe Gabapentin/Neurontin and I refused it. Finally I had my VA doctor make a note in my med file that said I was allergic to it. No more problems with anyone trying to prescribe.

I know this med works for some folks, but not for me.

I did not know of link to diabetes from Neurontin. I GOT DIABETES AFTER i STARTED TAKING GABAPENTIN.

Pete, if you gained a substantial amount of weight on it that can be a link to bringing on your diabetes.

Same with Zyprexa or any drug that has weight gain as a side effect.

dh

My oncologist recently prescribed Gabbapentin for the neuropathy side effects of chemo treatments. I'll discuss this with her next visit. Until then. I'll just live with the numbness...

I am still on Active duty and the doctor prescribed neurontin (gabapentin) for chronic pain syndrome.  I was not sure what CPS was/is but considering all the orthopedic issues I have I know that he was just trying to find something to get rid of some of the pain.  I call the substance "Morontin" as it made me feel as though I was not myself and was forgetting things.  I stopped taking it after a few days and discussed this with the doctor.  He stated that it is a fairly common side effect.  For some people I am sure it is a great thing but for me....I will never take it again.