Gabapentin has been approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for postherpetic neuralgia and as adjunctive therapy for focal seizures. 1 However, a recent analysis of US physician office-based prescription practices between 2011 and 2016 found that less than one percent of gabapentin prescriptions are for such indications. 2 In 2020, gabapentin was reported to be Depression is a serious, yet uncommon, side effect of using gabapentin. It can either cause depression or make existing cases of depression worse. Individuals have a higher risk of developing depression as a side effect if they already have a history of a psychological disorder. Should You Stop Using Gabapentin? Some reports suggest that gabapentin can exacerbate mood issues and has been linked to depressive symptoms, highlighting a complex relationship between the medication and mental health. Common side effects of gabapentin include: flulike symptoms such as fever or body aches. Rare but serious side effects of gabapentin include: changes in memory, ability to concentrate, or personality. Gabapentin may cause breathing problems in people who use opioid pain medicines and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When Your Brain Goes Rogue: Neurological Side Effects. Now, let’s venture into the realm of neurological side effects – because apparently, messing with our emotions wasn’t enough for gabapentin. These effects can have a significant impact on our mental well-being, even if they’re not directly classified as “mental” side effects. Taking gabapentin or pregabalin with opioids, anxiety meds or antidepressants, or if you have lung issues or are elderly, can lead to serious breathing problems. Watch for breathing issues Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Gabapentin can affect mood and may cause depressive symptoms, though this is considered a rare side effect. While it is primarily used to treat seizures and nerve pain, some individuals have reported experiencing feelings of sadness or worsening depression during treatment. Gabapentin can help control seizures as well as nerve pain from shingles. It may sometimes cause side effects, especially if you misuse it. Learn more. More often, it’s given to ease anxiety symptoms for someone who also has depression or bipolar disorder. (Anxiety is commonly comorbid with depression and bipolar.) The reason is that it may Some patients find that activities like yoga or meditation can help balance out some of the psychological effects of gabapentin. In some cases, considering alternative medications may be necessary. If the psychological side effects of gabapentin are proving too challenging, your doctor might suggest trying a different medication. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gabapentin: More common in children. Some side effects of gabapentin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. The most common gabapentin (Neurontin) side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. This may affect your ability to drive or perform other activities. Other gabapentin side effects include edema (fluid buildup), weight gain, and eye problems, but these aren’t as common. Gabapentin side effects. When you start taking a new medication, you may experience some common side effects. These will likely reduce within a short time, but if they persist or become problematic, consult with your doctor, as you may need a reduced dose or a change of medication. Common side effects of gabapentin include : Respiratory depression, a highly mortal condition, due to gabapentin and pregabalin has been emerging for the past few years even in patients who were not on opioids, though post-marketing studies showed similar effects among patients taking these medications concurrently along with other respiratory suppressants 6. In December 2019, the United Gabapentin has been associated with various psychiatric side effects, including depression. Patients taking this medication have reported significant personality changes and heightened feelings of depression, aggression, and suicidal ideation. Side Effects of Gabapentin. Like any medication, gabapentin has a range of side effects. These can range from common physical symptoms to less frequent, but more serious, psychiatric effects. It's important to understand these potential side effects when discussing the question, 'can gabapentin cause depression?'. Psychiatric Effects Gabapentin, one of the antiepileptics, shows its effects via voltage-gated calcium channels. Sedation and mood elevation are among its side effects. The most common side effects of gabapentin in therapeutic doses are drowsiness, somnolence, dizziness, movement disorders, diarrhea, and weight gain. In addition, cases have been reported of gabapentin-related suicidal acts and aggressive behavior [ Table 1 ].
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