Side effects of Gaberpentin

[DisneS]

I have been taking 600 mg of Gaberpentin for several months and it has helped with my RLS. Unfortunately it seems to be causing severe constipation even though I have also been taking Senna which the doctor has prescribed. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Joolsg]

It’s a common side effect- I had the opposite problem- it caused diarrhoea.

Try eating at least 5 portions of veg with your evening meal.

If that doesn’t help maybe switch to pregabalin which is a similar drug but with fewer side effects.

[DisneS in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks for trying to help, but I eat plenty of fruit and veg. Also one of the listed side effects of Pregabalin is constipation and, if that’s on the list, there’s no doubt I will be affected. In fact, there is very little I can take without being affected with constipation. I’m beginning to think I’ll have to give up all drugs but then, as you all know, it will mean night time agony!

[Joolsg in reply to DisneS]

It’s no fun. Ask your doctor if there’s anything to counter the effects. Something stronger than senna? Or try magnesium citrate at least 2/3 hours away from the Gabapentin. It causes loose bowels in most people ( take 2/3 tablets) and has the added benefit of helping RLS in many people.

Hope it helps

[DisneS in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks a lot Joolsg. I do apply magnesium in a spray form to my legs each night but don’t know if the tablets would work better

Thanks anyway

[Joolsg in reply to DisneS]

Definitely as they affect the digestive tract.

I use them every night to counter -act constipating effects of OxyContin.

Give them a go

[DisneS in reply to Joolsg]

Have just ordered some tablets so am hoping for the best!

Many thanks Joolsg

[Joolsg in reply to DisneS]

Don’t forget to take them 2/3 hours before or after the Gabapentin as magnesium interacts with the gaba.

Good luck.

[martino]

I don’t know about senna but I use Fybogel which keeps me going. I am on a high dose of Gabapentin plus other stuff which can cause constipation.

[Parminter]

Senna is a slightly odd choice for a doctor.

It is quite hit-or-miss and can be violent when it does work.

I would try Dulcolax, two or three or four tablets, depending upon your own need, to which you add a stool softener. (I use a product called Lacson, which is lactulose).

That should do it.

When all fails, use a Dulcolax suppository.

I must use strong opioids, which turn me to stone, but this combination works.

[Unhappygirl]

Really interesting comments, l too suffer awful constipation, l take 1200mg gabapentin daily plus 1 codiene 30 mg at night. Lactulus doesnt help me anymore so lm finding these comments really helpful. Thanks

[DisneS in reply to Unhappygirl]

Just wondered if you found anything to help your constipation. I am now taking magnesium citrate which Joolsg recommended and the doctor prescribed a stool softener which worked well at first but now is hardly working at all.

[Unhappygirl in reply to DisneS]

My gp gave me dioctyl 1 3 times a day also dulcolax 1 at bedtime but l find your system soon gets immune to them, lm still struggling unfortunately

[DisneS in reply to Unhappygirl]

Sorry to hear that!!

[Chileman]

Just get a bottle of stool softeners. 3 or 4 a day should help.

[Phil3819]

I take pregabalin and Zomorph which affect my colon and bung me up terribly. My doctor prescribed Macrogol which works a treat. It's a powder that dissolves in water (I add an effervescent vitamin tablet to flavour it. Either that or use flavoured water). It's gentle and effective in my case.

[EveC]

For constipation, always drink at least 3 litres of water a day. Fluid is Number 1 on the list of treatments for constipation.

[Bajatom]

I'm also taking 600 mh gabapentin. Complete plant based whole foods only took care of constipation problem. I also take tablespoon of freshly ground flax seed with full glass of water for fiber and needed Omega 3. Start with one teaspoon. Meat and dairy are constipating. Side effects of plant based no portion limitations are all good.

[Grammieof4]

Miralax every nite will work.

[DisneS]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Lactulose doesn’t suit me but I might try Dulcolax and more water