Side effects of Gabapentin.

[Jessica_Burt]

Is anybody else taking Gabapentin? I’ve recently started it and don’t seem to be getting on with it very well. I feel very dizzy a lot of the time and feel like I can feel my heart beat all over my body. I’m currently having between 10-19 seizures a day.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Jessica-Burt

Thank you for your post. It sounds like you're having a difficult time with your epilepsy medicine. When someone does have side effects from their epilepsy medicine, they are hard to deal with.

Generally when someone starts a new medicine they may get side effects for a few days or weeks. Feeling dizzy is a common side-effect. If it is palpitations you are experiencing this too can be a side-effect of Gabapentin. bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/gabape...

The role of the medicine is to give you a better quality of life, so if your side-effects don't settle it may be worth talking to your epilepsy specialist or nurse again about your concerns.

They may suggest trying a different epilepsy medicine.

Unfortunately, it’s a case of finding the fine balances against feeling so unwell with side-effects and seizure control

If it would help to talk to someone on our helpline team, the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 is open Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 7.00pm, Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Regards

Diane

[redstar9]

Gabapentin does make you feel funny at first but the side effects lesson over time. If you are still having a lot of seizures you will probably need a higher dose but it is best to increase gradually to minimise side effects and allow your body to adjust.

[coady123]

ask your dr to be taken off of it, i did when i was on keppra, it was horrible, i was like the incredible hulk after taking it, i am sure there must be something else the dr can put you on like lamotrogine, zonisomide, tegretol etc, i hope i was helpful to you