RASH ASSOCIATED WITH GABAPENTIN

[BAB97TIE]

I have been taking Gabapentin for about 9 months. I recently developed a skin rash. A google search indicates that a skin rash can be a serious side effect of Gabapentin. I would hate to stop taking it because it has really improved the quality of my sleep.

I have been using a steroid cream off and on for the last 2 months and it helps reduce the rash but it never goes away completely and occasionally the rash become more severe when I stop using the cream.

Has anyone had a similar reaction to Gabapentin?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[SueJohnson]

Unfortunately it means you are allergic to it. You might want to try switching to pregabalin. Although it is basically the same drug except you don't need to divide the doses, and the side effects are basically the same, some people find that the side effects that bother them on one don't bother them on the other.

Normally for side effects I would suggest you switch directly but I think with the skin rash it would probably be best to come off the gabapentin first and let the rash completely clear up before switching to pregabalin. And then I would start with 75 mg and wait to see if you develop a rash before increasing it slowly to the equivalent dose of gabapentin which would be the gabapentin amount divided by 6.

To come off the gabapentin you need to do so very slowly to avoid withdrawal effects. Reduce by100 - 200 mg every 2 weeks. If you do so you will have very few or no withdrawal effects. If you do have any, slow down even further, In very very rare cases you still might have withdrawal effects.

You are going to need a low dose opioid to control your RLS during this process.

[BAB97TIE in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you for your reply Sue. Can you tell me what low dose opioid is usually used for RLS?

[SueJohnson in reply to BAB97TIE]

Buprenorphine or methadone as they are long lasting. Most of the others last only 4 to 6 hours and need to be taken that often or you will have mini withdrawals. If you are prescribed one of the others be sure you are given enough to take them that often..

[BAB97TIE in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks Sue

I will talk to my Gp about that

[Noneoftheabove]

Good morning BAB97TIE from the United Kingdom, I took got a rash on my arm almost like a bleed under the surface of the skin, I checked the side effects on the leaflet inside the medication box and it and Dr Google mentioned the rash and that dosage was a factor. I had previously been on 1200mg and my restless legs were not responding to the tablets, so I took the step to increase my dosage, that’s when the rash appeared.. I went back to the original dosage and it slowly faded away.

I am having to stick with my 1200mg despite the discomfort. Sue mentioned for me to also go for Pregabalin but I can’t face another session with my GP, as it was I who asked to switch to gabapentin.

Hope you get sorted and, stay safe out there…🙏

[BAB97TIE in reply to Noneoftheabove]

That’s interesting because my rash started when I increased from 1200 to 1300mg

I will try going back to 1200 and see what happens

thank you

[Noneoftheabove in reply to BAB97TIE]

I went up to 1500 from 1200 😱

Went into panic mode when I spotted the rash, I tell you 😆

[SueJohnson in reply to Noneoftheabove]

You might want to try 1300 mg.

[Noneoftheabove in reply to SueJohnson]

Hiya Sue, yes you’ve mentioned the 1200mg in a previous post to me.. “Must pay attention” I can hear my teacher telling me”😆 ooops, sorry Sue.

Thing is, I’d need a separate prescription, and at £9.90 per item, and with me not working😱

I’ll look into a season ticket, could work out cheaper 🤔