Short & Long-Term Effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin is a widely used medication, often prescribed for conditions like seizures, nerve pain, and RLS (restless leg syndrome). While it can provide relief for many people, gabapentin also carries potential risks. Both short-term and long-term use can lead to side effects that affect the body and mind.

In this guide, we explore what gabapentin is, how it works, and what you should know about its effects, including what are the most serious side effects of gabapentin. Understanding these risks can help you make more informed decisions about your health.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of conditions. It was originally developed to help control seizures in people with epilepsy. Doctors also prescribe gabapentin to relieve nerve pain. From 2012 to 2016, gabapentin prescriptions in the U.S. nearly doubled, reaching over 64 million prescriptions; the rise was partly due to opioid restrictions [4]. Gabapentin rose in popularity as an alternative pain medication for shingles, RLS, or diabetic neuropathy.

The drug affects chemicals and nerves in the brain that contribute to seizures and pain signals [1]. Available in capsules, tablets, and liquid form, gabapentin is usually taken several times a day, depending on the prescribed dose. While it can provide relief for many people, gabapentin also carries significant risks, especially if misused.

Effects of Gabapentin

Gabapentin affects the brain by calming nerve activity. For those with epilepsy, it helps prevent seizures by reducing abnormal electrical activity. It also soothes nerve pain, relieving postherpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles) or restless leg syndrome. While it is effective for these uses, gabapentin may cause physical and mental effects even when used as prescribed. The effects can vary from person to person, with some experiencing minimal discomfort and others facing more serious side effects. The severity of these effects often depends on the dose, how long the medication is used, and personal health.

Common Short Term Side Effects of Gabapentin

Short term side effects are the most frequently reported when starting gabapentin or adjusting doses. These effects are usually mild but can be uncomfortable. The most common short-term side effects include:

• Drowsiness: Gabapentin often makes people sleepy, affecting their ability to concentrate or complete tasks.
• Dizziness: Many people report feeling lightheaded or unsteady when taking gabapentin, especially after standing up.
• Coordination problems: Some people find it difficult to move smoothly or maintain their balance, leading to clumsiness or falls.
• Blurred vision: Gabapentin can affect your vision, making it difficult to focus or see clearly.
• Nausea and vomiting: Stomach discomfort can occur, leading to feelings of nausea or vomiting.

These side effects often decrease as your body adjusts to the medication, but you should talk to your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Gabapentin Long Term Side Effects

Using gabapentin over a long period can lead to more dramatic health risks. While it can be effective for managing pain or seizures, prolonged use increases the chance of developing serious side effects. Some of the most common Gabapentin long-term side effects include:

• Memory loss: Long-term gabapentin use has been linked to problems with memory and difficulty concentrating. Consult your physician if you have concerns about gabapentin and memory loss.
• Mood changes: Some people experience changes in mood, including depression or anxiety, which may become worse over time.
• Muscle weakness: Gabapentin can cause your muscles to feel weaker, making daily tasks harder to complete.
• Weight gain: Extended use of gabapentin can lead to weight gain, which is thought to be related to increased appetite or changes in metabolism.
• Dependence: Although gabapentin is not classified as highly addictive, long-term use can lead to physical dependence [2]. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, and difficulty sleeping.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking gabapentin, especially if you need it for long-term use. Monitoring changes in your health can help prevent more serious side effects from developing over time.

Serious & Rare Effects

While gabapentin is commonly used for treating seizures and nerve pain, it can also lead to serious and rare side effects. Some people may experience more intense reactions that require immediate medical attention. These serious side effects can include:

• Breathing problems: Gabapentin can slow breathing, especially when combined with other medications like opioids. This can be dangerous, especially for older adults or those with lung conditions.
• Severe mood changes: Some people may experience suicidal thoughts, intense anxiety, or depression while taking gabapentin. If you notice unusual changes in your mood or behavior, contact a healthcare provider.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, gabapentin can cause severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, throat, or tongue. This can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing and should be treated as an emergency.
• Kidney and liver problems: Gabapentin is processed through the kidneys, and people with existing kidney conditions may be at risk for toxicity [3]. It can also affect liver function, leading to symptoms like yellowing skin or dark urine.

Although these effects are uncommon, they can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Always watch for signs of serious side effects when taking gabapentin, especially if combined with other medications.

What are the Permanent Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Permanent side effects are rare, but they can occur, particularly with long term use of gabapentin, or in cases of misuse. These lasting effects may include:

• Cognitive impairment: Prolonged gabapentin use has been linked to memory loss and concentration issues. Some people may find it difficult to focus or retain information, and these problems can persist even after stopping the medication.
• Nerve damage: While gabapentin is used to treat nerve pain, some people report lasting nerve problems after extended use. This can result in ongoing tingling, numbness, or weakness in certain areas.
• Coordination problems: Long-term use can lead to permanent issues with balance and coordination, making it difficult to walk or perform physical activities without stumbling or falling.
• Muscle weakness: In some cases, muscle weakness caused by gabapentin may not fully improve, leaving individuals with reduced physical strength.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially over a long period, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or considering alternative treatments.

Using Gabapentin

Gabapentin is normally taken by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid. Doctors usually prescribe it one to three times a day. Follow the prescribed dosage exactly and do not skip doses or stop taking it without consulting a doctor. Gabapentin can be taken with or without food, but it’s recommended to take it at the same times each day for consistent levels. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next dose – never double up. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsen the condition it’s treating, so any changes should be made under a doctor’s supervision. 

How Long Does It Take to Notice Any Effects?

The time it takes to feel the effects of gabapentin can vary. Most people notice relief within a few hours after taking their first dose. It may take a few days to a week for the full benefits to become noticeable for nerve pain. If you take gabapentin for seizures, it may take a few weeks of regular use before it effectively reduces seizure activity. Remember that some adjustments in dosage may be required before reaching the most effective dose for your needs, so patience is key during the early stages of treatment. Always talk to your doctor if you don’t feel improvement within the expected timeframe.

Stopping Gabapentin—Withdrawal

Stopping gabapentin suddenly can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes serious withdrawal symptoms, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long period or at high doses [5]. Your body adapts to the presence of the drug, and when it’s removed too quickly, your system can react negatively. Some common withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Anxiety and restlessness: You may feel unusually anxious, irritable, or unable to stay calm.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a frequent withdrawal symptom, leading to extreme fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting: Stomach upset, including nausea and vomiting, is often part of the withdrawal process.
• Sweating and chills: Sudden changes in body temperature can cause excessive sweating or cold chills.
• Seizures: If gabapentin was prescribed to manage seizures, stopping it abruptly could lead to increased seizure activity or even dangerous, prolonged seizures (status epilepticus).

To prevent these withdrawal symptoms, doctors recommend a gradual tapering of the medication. This process involves slowly reducing the dose, allowing your body to adjust. Tapering off gabapentin under medical supervision ensures that withdrawal is manageable and safer, reducing the risk of severe side effects. 

Misuse and Addiction Risk

Gabapentin is generally considered to have a lower risk of addiction than opioids or benzodiazepines, but it can still be misused. Some people take more than prescribed to experience feelings of relaxation, euphoria, or to amplify the effects of other substances like opioids. This misuse increases the likelihood of developing both physical and psychological dependence. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Tolerance: Over time, the body can develop tolerance to gabapentin, meaning that larger amounts are needed to feel the same effects [6]. This can prompt escalating doses, increasing the risk of side effects and dependence.
• Psychological dependence: Some people may become reliant on gabapentin to manage stress, anxiety, or sleep issues, even when it’s not medically necessary. This can create a cycle of misuse, where the person feels they cannot function without the drug.
• Polydrug use: Combining gabapentin with other substances, especially opioids or alcohol, heightens the risk of dangerous side effects, such as extreme drowsiness, breathing difficulties, or overdose. This practice is particularly concerning because it can mask the signs of overdose until it’s too late.

If you or someone you know is misusing gabapentin, seek professional help. Addiction treatment programs can offer support through detox and recovery, helping people stop using the drug safely while addressing the reasons behind the misuse.

Gabapentin Effects | FAQs

Why is gabapentin bad?

Gabapentin can be harmful if misused or taken for long periods without proper medical supervision. It may cause serious side effects like dizziness, memory loss, or mood changes.

Is gabapentin addictive?

While gabapentin isn’t classified as highly addictive, some people misuse it to feel relaxed or to enhance the effects of other drugs, which can lead to dependence. 

Can gabapentin cause tremors?

Yes, gabapentin can cause tremors in some people, especially when used long-term or in higher doses.

What are the side effects of gabapentin 300mg?

Common side effects of gabapentin 300mg include dizziness, fatigue, and coordination problems. Some people may also experience nausea or blurred vision.

What are gabapentin side effects in women?

Women may experience the same side effects as men, including dizziness, weight gain, or mood changes. Hormonal changes could potentially affect how gabapentin works in women.

How long can you stay on gabapentin?

The length of gabapentin use varies based on your condition. Some people may need it for short periods, while others might use it long-term under careful doctor supervision.

What is the biggest side effect of gabapentin?

The most common side effect of gabapentin is dizziness, which can affect daily activities like driving or walking.

Does memory come back after stopping gabapentin?

Memory may improve after stopping gabapentin, but it depends on the person and how long they have taken the medication. 

What is the number one side effect of gabapentin?

Drowsiness or fatigue is often the most reported side effect, making people feel tired during the day. 

Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment in a Renowned Rehab Center at Renaissance Recovery

If you or someone you care about have been misusing prescription drugs like gabapentin, we can help you get back on track at Renaissance Recovery. We have luxury beachside rehab centers in California and Florida, where we treat addictions and mental health conditions in an outpatient setting. 

We can connect you with medical detox centers nearby if you need help with a tapered reduction of gabapentin to make withdrawal safer and easier. You can then continue with outpatient treatment at one of our California or Florida rehabs. 

All treatment plans at Renaissance are personalized to reflect the unique nature of all addictions. Therapies include:

• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapies
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Group therapy
• Aftercare 

Start tackling prescription drug abuse right away by calling 866-330-9449.

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9551785/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3404313/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3030103/
4. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2798312
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15898970/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/