Can Gabapentin cause diarrhea?

[frothymilk]

I have been taking gabapentin (1800 mg a day) for about 4 months and have had soft stools but now have had liquid diarrhea several times a day for the past 4 days. I thought it might be a flu bug but I have no other symptoms. I noticed in side effects for gabapentin online that diarrhea is one possibility. The gabapentin is working beautifully in stopping my RLS so I don't want to stop it. Can I take Imodium while on the gabapentin? or is there a better medication to stop the diarrhea? Advice will be very much appreciated

[SueJohnson]

Yes you could do that.

[frothymilk in reply to SueJohnson]

thank you, Sue.

[frothymilk in reply to frothymilk]

if i take an aid for dehydration that has zinc in it will that be a problem ?

[SueJohnson in reply to frothymilk]

Nope

[frothymilk in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you

[Joolsg]

Yes. It's why I had to switch to pregabalin. Pregabalin didn't cause diarrhoea for me.

[frothymilk]

just want to clarify that my diarrhea seems to have been due to a virus and not a side effect of gabapentin. I’m almost over the diarrhea now and am still taking gabepentin.

[frothymilk in reply to frothymilk]

now I think the liquid diarrhea improved as I had stopped taking ferrous fumerate. Since starting to take it again the liquid diarrhea is back. When I searched for side effects of ferrous fumarate I see that diarrhea can be a side effect. I was taking it on an empty stomach. Anyone else has had this side effect from ferrous fumarate.

[Charlotteex]

Hi there! I’ve actually been taking Gabapentin for quite a while too, and it’s been a real game-changer for me — especially for nerve pain and sleep. I haven’t personally experienced diarrhea from it, but I do know that for some people, especially at higher doses like yours, it can happen. Since it’s helping so much with your RLS, I totally understand not wanting to stop it. You can usually take Imodium (loperamide) alongside Gabapentin without issues, but it’s always best to check in with your doctor just to be safe, especially if the diarrhea continues for more than a few days. Also, try staying really well-hydrated and maybe cut back on any foods that could irritate your stomach while things settle down. I hope it eases up for you soon!