Is Gabapentin making my teeth yellow?

Hi folks, I have a chronic back problem and for that I take Gabapentin 500mg x 4 daily and Co-codamol 30/500 x 4 daily. I also take Omeprazole, Atorvastatin, Nebivolol and Rivaroxaban, the last two being for an abnormal heart rhythm. Just recently I have noticed that my teeth have become rather yellow, my mouth is constantly dry and I'm having problems with acid reflux. Could this be the Gabapentin or is it one of the others? I have read recently about someone else on Gabapentin having the same problem. Thanks.

[johnsmith]

It could be the fact that you are taking multiple medications and there are side effects from the multiple meditations which would not happen if you were taking just one meditation.

[Hidden in reply to johnsmith]

Thanks John. Yes, that's probably true. I have, however, worked out my withdrawal from Gabapentin, slowly, by 100mg every three days. I can't really do much about the others although I am hopeful that the Nebivolol and Rivaroxaban may be stopped in a few months after a successful ablation for AF in September. Watch this space!

[Hidden]

Vitamin D deficiency makes your teeth yellow, get checked. Ignore John Smith, he thinks conventional medication isn't the way to deal with pain.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Jayne. I will look into that. Yes, I have seen a lot of John's posts and know the score.

[cyberbarn]

The best person to ask would be a pharmacist. They are better than GPs at knowing about the interactions between drugs and what they might be.

[Hidden in reply to cyberbarn]

Thanks, that's a good idea, will do.

[Claribelx]

Hi! It’s great that you’re reaching out about this. I also take Gabapentin for nerve-related issues, and I’ve found it to be really helpful for me. However, I haven’t experienced the yellowing of teeth or the dry mouth you're describing, so it’s a bit surprising to hear that someone else had similar issues.

The yellowing of teeth could potentially be linked to several factors. Gabapentin, in general, isn’t known to cause teeth discoloration directly, but it can contribute to dry mouth (which you mentioned). When your mouth is dry, there’s less saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, which can lead to plaque buildup and, over time, contribute to yellowing teeth.

Some of the other medications you’re taking, like Co-codamol (which contains codeine) and possibly Atorvastatin, may also affect your mouth's moisture levels. Acid reflux, which you’ve mentioned, can also contribute to tooth enamel erosion, leading to yellowing.

For now, I would suggest focusing on maintaining good oral hygiene—brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, drinking more water to help with the dry mouth, and possibly using mouthwash designed to help with dry mouth. It may also be a good idea to talk to your dentist about the issue and see if they have any specific advice for you.

If the problem persists or gets worse, it might be worth having a conversation with your doctor to review your medications and see if any adjustments can be made.