Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that can treat seizures, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome. It may have some side effects, such as drowsiness, weight gain, and swelling, and may interact with opioids and other drugs. Introduction to Gabapentin and Blood Pressure. Gabapentin, a medication commonly used for neuropathic pain and seizures, has been studied for its effects on blood pressure (BP). This article synthesizes research findings to determine whether gabapentin can increase blood pressure. Gabapentin's Effect on Blood Pressure in Animal Studies Overall, gabapentin does not raise blood pressure; in fact, it tends to lower BP, particularly in hypertensive models and during stress-inducing procedures like surgery. Its hypotensive effects are primarily mediated through the sympathetic nervous system and central mechanisms involving the NTS. Gabapentin can help control seizures as well as nerve pain from shingles. a medication used to treat high blood pressure ; ethacrynic acid Smoking may increase seizure frequency in people One possible explanation for the findings is that gabapentin and pregabalin can alter arterial myogenic tone and cause fluid retention . Fluid retention causes either an increase in cardiac output or an increase in blood pressure . Velocity of blood flow increases either way, thereby increasing turbulence of blood flow . Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases and public health problems worldwide. 13, 14 Our previous study indicated that oral gabapentin can markedly attenuate blood pressure in chronic kidney disease-induced hypertension. 15 Another study showed that the intravenous administration of gabapentin decreased blood pressure in Studies have shown that in some individuals, Gabapentin can cause a slight elevation in blood pressure. It is important to note that the increase in blood pressure observed with Gabapentin is generally mild and may not cause any significant health issues for most people. Summary: High blood pressure is reported as a side effect among people who take Gabapentin (gabapentin), especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month also take Tylenol, and have Rheumatoid arthritis. Gabapentin can cause increases or decreases in blood pressure in some people, depending on various factors. Learn how to manage your medication concerns with Statcare's urgent care, primary care, and virtual care services. When taken alone, gabapentin is generally considered safe. But research has found that the combination of gabapentin and opioids can increase the risk of overdose death. If you’re taking gabapentin with any other medications, check with your healthcare team to make sure it’s safe. Does Gabapentin Raise Blood Pressure? Understanding the Cardiovascular Effects. The question of whether gabapentin raises blood pressure is complex, and the answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no. While some studies and initial findings suggested that gabapentin might actually Blood Pressure Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood pressure to detect any increases. Cholesterol Monitoring: Gabapentin may increase LDL cholesterol, so regular monitoring is important. Open Communication: Inform your doctor about any changes you experience, such as swelling, palpitations, or chest pain. Yes, under certain circumstances gabapentin has the potential to increase blood pressure in some patients. The mechanism for how gabapentin affects blood pressure isn't fully understood, but it’s thought that it affects myogenic (muscle) tone and increases water retention, leading to higher blood pressure. Yes, it can cause High Blood Pressure (hypertension) Cardiovascular side effects including hypertension have been reported to occur in more than one percent of patients taking gabapentin. Read more at: The relationship between gabapentin and blood pressure is complex, as the drug may exert both hypertensive and hypotensive effects depending on the patient’s clinical context and individual response. In some cases, gabapentin has been reported to cause a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in patients with autonomic dysfunction or those One possible explanation for the findings is that gabapentin and pregabalin can alter arterial myogenic tone and cause fluid retention . Fluid retention causes either an increase in cardiac output or an increase in blood pressure . Velocity of blood flow increases either way, thereby increasing turbulence of blood flow . Gabapentin is not known to raise the blood pressure. The only time it may increase the blood pressure is if the patient stops Gabapentin abruptly and they start to have pain. In this case, the increase in blood pressure is not due to Gabapentin but due to the patient not taking the medication and being in pain. We have explained how gabapentin can cause high blood pressure. However, not every individual taking gabapentin would experience high blood pressure or the same side effects. Other factors can increase one’s risk of high blood pressure besides gabapentin. Research suggests that gabapentin can lower blood pressure by reducing the body’s production of certain hormones that can increase blood pressure. It may also help to relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them. Pain and blood pressure appear to be strictly related. According to available evidence, both pain and analgesic therapies may induce a clinically significant destabilization of blood pressure values. The subsequent implications on hypertension incidence and blood pressure control remain unclear and should be explored in future studies. Funding
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