The vitiligo seems to be in remission. Actually pelvic pain is even almost gone. But when she was in pelvic pain she took gabapentin for two weeks. It was the third time she had tried taking this medication and the third time she got edema from it. Every other time the Edema went away when she stopped the medication. Edema is an established, but perhaps not widely known, side effect of gabapentinoids. Prior research has demonstrated that gabapentinoid initiation can lead to prescription of loop diuretics, a so-called “prescribing cascade” (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 1 2021 and J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:2842). Gabapentin is a medication used to treat seizures, restless legs syndrome, and nerve pain from shingles. Some people taking it report fluid retention and swelling in their extremities. Swelling may be more likely if you’re older, or if you’re taking a higher gabapentin dosage. Gabapentin is a common prescription medication with an unconventional side effect of bilateral pitting edema, which can be overlooked in patients with other co-morbid conditions causing a delay in identification of a probable adverse drug reaction. The underlying mechanism has significant impact on treatment efficacy. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the main causative drugs by illustrating each pathophysiological mechanism and their management through an example of a drug. Managing gabapentin-induced edema requires a multi-faceted approach, considering both lifestyle modifications and potential medication adjustments. Our article will provide practical tips and strategies that can help alleviate and manage the swelling effectively. A very small percentage of people taking Neurontin may experience swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or other extremity locations. Shallow or labored breathing may also occur. These are potentially life threatening reactions and medical help should be sought immediately. Edema is a well-described side effect of gabapentinoid drugs (i.e., gabapentin and pregabalin). In this study from Ontario, Canada, researchers used provincial databases to examine whether gabapentinoid use was followed by diuretic prescriptions — a so-called “prescribing cascade” in which a drug is prescribed to treat an adverse effect of another drug. The primary mechanism of non-cardiogenic peripheral edema is vasodilatory edema secondary to altered myogenic tone, independent of Ca v 1.2 blockade under the experimental conditions tested. Gabapentinoid-induced peripheral edema and acute heart failure: A translational study combining pharmacovigilance data and in vitro animal experiments One case published by Kanbay et al 6 described peripheral edema related to gabapentin in a 76-year-old male. The authors reported bilateral pretibial edema after 3 weeks of gabapentin 300 mg/d for neuropathic pain. Within 3 days of discontinuation of gabapentin, the edema resolved. Introducing our revolutionary solution: The Gabapentin Edema Relief Formula. Our formula is specifically designed to combat and alleviate the peripheral edema caused by gabapentin use. With our carefully selected ingredients, we aim to reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, and provide lasting relief from discomfort. In summary, we report macular edema occurring in a male patient receiving gabapentin therapy for postherpetic neuralgia treatment. The macular edema improved after discontinuing the use of the drug. If vision loss after the use of gabapentin occurs, it is prudent to identify macular edema. There is a Request an appointment button on Mayo Clinic page for Edema - You mentioned you tried to call Mayo Clinic to see if they could help. In some of the earliest clinical trials of gabapentin for treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia, edema was noted in 3x more of those treated compared to control. Meta-analyses have confirmed this association, with Cochrane reporting edema in 7% of patients on gabapentin versus 2% for placebo. As a noticeable point, gabapentin consumption is for treatment of neuralgia, but here neuralgia is one of the gabapentin side-effects. Furthermore, localized edema is a rare side effect that we faced with severe state of it. Leg edema might be occurred in systemic and local types. Furthermore, experimental data have shown an indirect inhibitory effect of gabapentinoids (ie, gabapentin, pregabalin) on the Cav1.2 channel pore of arterial myocytes, leading to vasodilatory effects and inhibition of the myogenic tone. 96-98 These data suggest that gabapentinoid-related peripheral edema 94, 95 may exhibit the same edema that develops early in treatment with gabapentin, and this patient was maintained on gabapentin 1200 mg/d for 7 months prior to admission without eviden ce of Gabapentin induced edema, just like calcium channel blockers induced edema, is not associated with salt and water retention and hence diuretics are ineffective. Physicians, especially nephrologists, should be mindful of uncommon side effect of this commonly prescribed medication as distinguishing this early can prevent a lot of unnecessary work Treatment Options for Gabapentin-Induced Edema. If someone experiences edema while taking gabapentin, several strategies may help manage this condition effectively: 1. Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Discussing symptoms openly allows healthcare professionals to assess whether adjustments are needed regarding dosage or medication type. 2. Gabapentin can cause edema: This medication may lead to swelling in some users. Dosage matters : Higher doses of gabapentin can increase the risk of edema. Monitor side effects : Regular checks for swelling are crucial during treatment.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |