Is Gabapentin Safe? Risks, Side Effects

Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin, among others) is a medication often prescribed to treat seizures and nerve-related pain. It’s also FDA-approved for restless legs syndrome. Doctors may prescribe it for nerve pain from shingles, diabetes, fibromyalgia or spinal injury. Many people find it helpful, but like any drug it can cause side effects. 

Some users report feeling that gabapentin “ruined my life” when they experienced very bad reactions or withdrawal. These stories often involve unusually high doses or other risk factors. 
In fact, clinical sources note that gabapentin is generally considered safe at prescribed doses. Nevertheless, it’s important to know what may happen when you start or stop this drug.   

Below we cover the common and serious side effects, the chance of dependence or misuse, withdrawal symptoms, and key safety precautions. 

Common Side Effects 

Some people may have mild to moderate side effects from gabapentin, but these often ease as the body gets used to the medication. Common side effects include: 

These effects are usually temporary. For example, feeling sleepy often gets better in a week or two. If side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor — sometimes a lower dose or slower increase helps.  

Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Colostrum for IBS Relief 

Serious Side Effects 

In rare cases, gabapentin may cause more serious problems. Reach out to your doctor without delay if you spot any of these symptoms: 

These serious effects are uncommon, but they underscore why doctors start gabapentin at a low dose and increase it slowly. If you have any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. 

Real Story to Keep in Mind 

A published case described a man who was already dealing with depression and alcohol issues. After he started taking gabapentin along with two other medications (clonidine and prednisone), his mental health quickly declined. Just over a week later, he died by suicide. 

This is a heartbreaking example of how certain drug combinations can have serious effects, especially in people with a history of mental health challenges. It shows why it's so important to watch closely for changes in mood or behavior when starting a new medication. 

Dependence and Misuse 

Gabapentin is not listed as a controlled drug like opioids or sleeping pills. Even so, some people misuse it. There have been reports of individuals taking much higher doses than prescribed to feel calm or sedated. Most of these cases involve people who already struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. 

In the general population, misuse is rare and affects about 1 percent of people. Among those in addiction treatment, the rate is much higher, closer to 22 percent. For most people without a history of substance abuse, serious problems with gabapentin are uncommon. But if you have struggled with addiction in the past, the risk of misuse is higher. 

Doctors are encouraged to ask about any history of substance abuse and to keep an eye out for warning signs. These might include quickly increasing the dose or visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions. The FDA now requires stronger warning labels and further research into the risks, especially when gabapentin is taken along with opioids.  

Withdrawal Symptoms 

If you’ve been on gabapentin for a while, don’t stop it abruptly. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These may include: 

To avoid this, doctors generally taper your dose gradually over at least a week. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when stopping gabapentin. Forgot a dose? Take it when you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one — in that case, skip it. Taking both doses at once isn’t recommended.  

Precautions and Safety Tips 

Here are some practical tips to use gabapentin safely: 

Gabapentin can make you drowsy or dizzy. Make sure you know how it affects you before doing anything like driving.  

Alcohol, opioids, sleeping pills, or anti-anxiety medications can add to gabapentin’s sleepy effects. Combining them can be dangerous.  

Monitor for new or worsening depression, aggression, or thoughts of harming yourself. As mentioned, any suicidal thoughts on gabapentin – even if rare – should be reported.  

If you have lung problems (like COPD) or sleep apnea, tell your doctor. Gabapentin can further slow breathing when mixed with opioids or other central nervous system depressants.  

Gabapentin is not known to be safe for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss risks with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Always read the medication guide you get with the prescription. Keep all medical appointments and let your providers know all other drugs and supplements you take. 

Balancing the Benefits and Risks 

For many people, gabapentin provides significant relief. It can greatly reduce certain kinds of nerve pain and prevent seizures, improving sleep and quality of life. At the same time, it is not a harmless supplement. Like any medication, it can cause problems in some users. 

Personal stories about gabapentin running “ruined my life” do emerge online, but they usually involve extreme situations.  

For example, a clinical review found that every documented case of gabapentin abuse, dependence, or withdrawal involved patients with prior substance-abuse history taking very high doses. Similarly, severe withdrawal symptoms tend to happen only if gabapentin is stopped abruptly after long-term use. So, while we should listen to patient experiences, it’s also important to understand the context. 

Final Tip: Know Your Body, Speak Up 

Gabapentin works for many, but it's not one-size-fits-all. If you start feeling off; mentally or physically; don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Safe use starts with staying informed and saying something when something feels wrong. 

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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or health routine. Individual results may vary. 

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