Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves. There are things you can do to help cope with them: As your body gets used to gabapentin, these side effects should wear off. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, problems with balance or walking, swelling in the feet or legs) and age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving gabapentin. According to Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, “most side effects are because it is sedating, and these can include dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, all of which generally improve within days or up to a few weeks from starting.” Gabapentin side effects may make you want to stop taking the drug. But don’t stop taking it without first talking with your doctor. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause serious problems, Case reports have shown that gabapentin withdrawal often lasts for 5 to 10 days, but some people have taken as long as 18 weeks to completely taper off gabapentin while managing withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms may start within 12 hours to 7 days after stopping gabapentin and may be severe. 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). By taking these steps, individuals may find they have a smoother transition away from gabapentin while minimizing uncomfortable side effects. Potential Long-Term Effects After Stopping Gabapentin After successfully discontinuing gabapentin, some individuals may still experience lingering effects that warrant attention: Gabapentin can affect people differently depending on age, weight, and genetics. Because of this, your doctor may start you on a low dosage, so the drug does not build up in your body too quickly and cause adverse side effects. How long does it take for gabapentin side effects to go away? Most side-effects experienced from gabapentin are mild The most common gabapentin (Neurontin) side effects are dizziness and fatigue. These side effects may improve over time. But, in the meantime, it may be difficult to do activities that require alertness, like driving. Some gabapentin side effects, such as feeling drowsy, are more likely to occur when you start taking the medicine. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts. Avoid driving, operating machinery or other activities that could be dangerous if you're dizzy, drowsy or not steady. anxiety, vertigo, generalized anxiety disorder, gabapentin, side effect. Further information. Gabapentin uses and safety info; Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals) Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed) Similar questions These side effects may go away after consistently taking gabapentin for several days to a few weeks. If the side effects are unbearable or are impairing normal everyday activities call your pharmacist or physician to discuss the possibility of stopping the medication. While the specific length of time can vary from person to person, most side effects of gabapentin are temporary and will go away on their own. Short-term Side Effects Many individuals who start taking gabapentin may experience short-term side effects that can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Common side effects that are generally mild and go away with time are: drowsiness; dizziness; blurred vision; cold or flu-like symptoms; delusions; dementia; Side effects of gabapentin. Gabapentin side effects can also include an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about this possible in 2008). Talk to a doctor or a The half life of gabapentin is approximately 6 hours meaning that after 6 hours only 50% of the last dose remains in your system, after another 6 hours only 25%, etc. Side effects should resolve within less than a day and probably even less than that as you reach the low percentages. Talk to your healthcare provider if any side effects do not go away. Are there any serious interactions with gabapentin and other medications? Serious breathing problems can happen if you take gabapentin with drugs that cause severe sleepiness or decreased awareness. 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. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. I take 1800 mg and have for a long time. The side effects do go away. I have neuropathy and gabapentin is a lifesaver! I also take it in combo with multiple meds and no problem. Hope yours gets better.
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