Neurontin (Gabapentin) Side effects? Stomach?

[Lori707]

I was just given a script for Neurontin (Gabapentin) from my neurologist. Need to know side effects. Also, how tolerated is this for a persons stomach or digestive track?

[caregiver222]

If you don't mind dropping your IQ a couple of dozen points take the gabapentin.

It works, but then again so does hypnosis, acupuncture and a TENS device.

I think the drug stinks.

But then again, I don't work as a pharmaceutical salesman.

[ljcin]

I've been on Neurontin/Gappapentin for 2 years and stopped talking it two days ago. Life changing results. I hadn't exercised for nearly 7 years and now, touch wood, my nerve pain is nearly non-exsistant. Your stomach does get s burning feeling while you are on it, particularly if you consume alcohol, resembeling hunger pains. I just made sure I chose healthy options when I could and had small snacks to take the edge off. Granted I'm exercising again, but I lost weight while taking it.

[Glenislay]

Experience from someone using high doses: After going through the gamut for neuro pain attacks, it took getting up to 3600mg/d of gabapentin to get it under control.  At 2400, I still was getting milder attacks. The side effects/negatives for me with gabapentin were much less than muscle relaxers, SSRI’s, epitol, pain meds, trigger point injections, topical combinations, lidocaine patches, etc.   I believe gabapentin caused my feet to slightly swell to where I use diabetic socks to keep from cutting off circulation and getting cold feet.  My vision changes anytime the dosage of gabapentin is changed, so I have had to update glasses almost every dosage change.  Noticed certain fluorescent lights take time to adjust to, but can't say if it is connected to gaba.  Initially when on 300mg/d, I learned if I skipped gaba a couple days, I would go through the adjustment side effects of dizziness, etc. all over again the next time I took it.  Even though it says to stay away from grapefruit and maybe other citrus while on gaba, I also discovered that drinking Squirt and some other popular clear sodas with citrus will greatly interact with gaba and cause a feeling of being slightly drunk (they should mention grapefruit AND Squirt on the insert and the neurontin website because people don't think of grapefruit with sodas).  I have gained about 15 pounds either from inactivity or gaba or both over the last two years.  I have extreme gerd/acid reflux and gaba doesn't seem to bother me, but have noticed PPI's, ranitidine, sucralfate, and other digestive meds do give me some of their listed side effects.  I take gaba with and without food and doesn't seem to bother me.  Pertaining to all meds, certain gerd meds may block the amount of dosage absorbed, so a person with gerd can get the side effects of changing gaba dosages if not timing when meds are taken. I have had multiple pneumonias, but can't say gaba was a factor, because my pain is/was at such a level, I wasn't able to breath deeply to keep my lower lobes in use, so fluid could pool for infections.  I am a computer programmer and have to admit, I cannot do those 25 step calculations in my head anymore. I think my concentration regained somewhat after a long term adjustment to the dosage.  My creatine and bun have been good. I am sure side effects are different for each person, but gabapentin allows me to get back some of my life.  

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Neurontin in adults are dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. But it does affect the whole body . The effects on digestive system are – diarrhea , constipation , flatulence , nausea and vomiting . For complete information, please visit - http://www.rxlist.com/neurontin-drug.htm. Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !

[gardenia76]

A high dose can make you feel really dopey, especially if you have not eaten for a couple hours.

[Cam198]

I have been on Gabapentine for over 4 yrs and I must say that I have very slight side effects. I have been taking it for lower back pain (tethered cord) and neuro pains. It has been helping manage the pain.