Gabapentin Side Effects

[Ikeeptrying]

Hi everybody, I was wondering if anybody that is taking Gabapentin (Neurontin) suffers from side effects. I'm not sure if that's what causing this but everyday in the late afternoon I get so depressed and start bawling. My mood gets pretty dark and I start thinking suicidal thoughts. Not that I'm tempted to do it but the thoughts are there. If Gaba is what's causing it I'm going to have to find something else. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

[involuntarydancer]

There is a well established link between these drugs and suicide ideation in some people.

I would go back to your Gp with this. Maybe you can convince him/her that:

1. 73 is not elderly; and

2. Anyone can fall over when on opiates - it is age discrimination to pick on 73 year olds;

3. Even if there is a risk of falling over on opioids it is lower than the risk of falling over due to lack of sleep caused by Rls.

[martino]

I take quite a high dose and thankfully have not had any side effects. Having said that, I know from the comments of others that side effects are common. It may well be worth chatting to your doctor.

[Joolsg]

I didn’t have any dark thoughts when on Gabapentin but I did suffer severe dizziness, double vision and diarrhoea. I’m now on pregabalin ( a similar drug) which has fewer side effects. That may be an option if your GP is difficult about prescribing opioids. I’m also on opioids and they haven’t increased my risk of falling ( and I have MS which means my balance is dreadful and I’m likely to fall more The an general population).

[John_naylor]

Just weight gain for me and that’s a bonus as I need a bit more insulation!

[marsha2306]

Weight gain for me. Cut back by 300 mg and the weight came off.

[birdman74]

I did take Gabapentin for some time without any side effects. However I was finally requested to slowly take myself off and I had to report that there was no change at all to my RLS. My specialist suggested at the time that Gabapentin hadn’t helped my condition at all. Best of luck.

[Narcis]

For me both Gabapentin and Pregabalin doesn't work and even at the end both increased my RLS. Now I have stop of any drug, only taken some help for stress and anxiety at it seems to work.

[gypsymooms]

Neurontin made me crazy. The side effects were all mental. I can not take that stuff! My best friend swears by it!