Periods and Gabapentin

[athenadark]

I recently increased my dosage of gabapentin from 400mg three times a day to 500mg three times a day and my period has gotten much heavier and lasting a lot longer, I'm passing large clots and I'm not sure if it's a gabapentin problem

I had a huge stress time over Christmas - from November to very recently, and I missed those periods, with spotting all over the period, not enough to be called a period but enough to need a liner. I put this down to stress and knew this period would be heavy, but my doctor increased my gabapentin dosage to help with a severe chronic back problem in conjunction with fibro

I have no idea what is going on and if I should be worried, my iron levels seem fine and I'm drinking lots of fluids but I'm still heavy on day seven, there are no cramps or dizzy spells or anything, I'm just VERY heavy

has anyone else had problems like this?

I've made the decision if it's still ongoing on Monday I'm calling the doctor but I don't know if it is serious or not

[Welshcatlady]

Sorry I can't comment on whether there is a connection to the increased dosage of Gabapentin, but I would certainly speak to your GP about your period as it could be caused by a number of different things. Take care x

[athenadark in reply to Welshcatlady]

Im aware that your period can be altered by a change in the wind - joys of menstruation, so I wasn't worried until it just kept going. I think it's finished now but I'm booked in with my GP

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

No idea if it's connected to your meds increase. You could maybe give your local pharmacist a call and ask if it's a known side effect, otherwise definitely speak to your doctor

[athenadark in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I booked an appointment with my GP and they'll be able to tell me if it is serious, and thanks for replying,

[LoneEra]

I definitely noticed menstrual issues when I first started on Gabapentin. My period was late and yes, heavier. It seems to have regulated a bit more now I’ve been on it a while.

I’ve always had quite heavy periods though and clots etc. The joys of being a woman!

As others have said, have a chat with your GP. Maybe book in a smear if you haven’t had one in a while, just to be safe.

Hope you get it sorted xx

[athenadark in reply to LoneEra]

I recently had a smear and I have no pain whatsoever, just something out of the shining. I've always been heavy too, I swore by my menstrual cup until I couldn't use it anymore because of my back. I think it's slowed down now, fingers crossed, and I'm booked in with my GP next week.

[LoneEra in reply to athenadark]

Ah, that’s good. There’s some research that suggests Gabapentin can increase prolactin levels...and have a knock on effect on periods. I’ll try to find the link when I have time. Don’t worry too much xx

[Cassidyx]

Hey, I totally get where you're coming from. I've been on Gabapentin myself, and it’s been a game-changer for my nerve pain and chronic issues. But I did notice some side effects, too, especially with things like mood changes and, at times, changes in physical symptoms. As for your situation with the period, it’s definitely a good idea to check in with your doctor. Gabapentin can sometimes mess with your body in unexpected ways, and stress only adds to the mix. That said, the heavy flow and clotting might just be a weird side effect from the med increase, but it’s always better to be safe. If you're feeling fine otherwise and there's no major pain or other alarming symptoms, it might be something temporary, but checking with your doctor on Monday sounds like a smart move. Keep an eye on it, and definitely reach out if you feel unsure!

[FatmaSardina_79]

hi! Could you please let me know if you found a connection between the heavy clots and gabapentine? My doctor increased my dosage to 900 and sometimes to 1200 based on the pain level I have in my back. And I have the same exact experience you kindly described in your post. Many Thanks!