What is gabapentin? Gabapentin (brand names: Neurontin®, Aclonium®, Equipax®, Gantin®, Gabarone®, Gralise®, Neurostil®, Progresse®) is an anti-seizure and pain medication that is used with other medications to treat seizures and chronic pain, primarily nerve pain, in dogs and cats. Side Effects of Gabapentin for Dogs. Gabapentin has a huge safety margin in dogs. It won’t hurt your dog’s kidneys or liver and is even safe to use with CBD products, although the mild sedative effect of both products may be enhanced. There are some important precautions of gabapentin for dogs, however: Gabapentin for dogs is commonly prescribed for pain, anxiety, or seizures. It's generally safe, but there are some known side effects to be aware of. The most common side effects of Gabapentin in dogs are sedation and ataxia (loss of coordination). Many pet owners notice that their dogs become sleepy, lethargic, or less active while on the medication. One of the benefits of gabapentin is that many dogs experience no side effects or only mild transient side effects. The three most common potential side effects listed in the drug handbooks (and corroborated by my personal experience) are sedation, loss of coordination, and GI upset. When used long-term, Gabapentin can cause several side effects in dogs, with the most common being sedation and drowsiness. Your dog may appear more tired than usual or show a lack of energy. While this is a typical side effect, it can be concerning if the sedation is excessive or impacts your dog’s quality of life. Like any drug, gabapentin comes with associated side effects that should be discussed with your vet before giving it to your furry friend. 1. In this post, we’ll discuss what you should know about gabapentin for dogs, including its applications, side effects, and more. What Is Gabapentin? Gabapentin For Dogs: Uses; Side Effects Of Gabapentin Trazodone Side Effects in Dogs. When considering the use of trazodone for dogs, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. While these are generally uncommon, they can occur, especially when starting at low doses. Common side effects include: Vomiting: Occasionally, dogs might experience vomiting after taking trazodone. What are the side effects of giving a dog gabapentin? The most common gabapentin side effect in dogs is drowsiness, which can be managed by starting with a low dosage and increasing it slowly. Most dogs become tolerant of this side effect with continued dosing. All medications cause side effects – some more and others less severe. The two most common side effects of Gabapentin are: Sedation (increased sleepiness) Ataxia (loss of coordination) Although common, the risk of these side effects can be minimized if the Gabapentin introduction is performed gradually over an extended period. Teva-Gabapentin: Gabapentin belongs to the class of medications called anti-epileptics. It is used in combination with other seizure control medications to manage and prevent seizures associated with epilepsy. Gabapentin does not cure epilepsy and only works to control seizures as long as the medication is taken. Gabapentin works by affecting the transmission of nerve signals in the brain. Gabapentin Side Effects in Cats. The most common side effects seen in cats with gabapentin are lethargy and abnormal walking/movement, which is called ataxia. It is important to note that some of these effects may be expected or even desired when gabapentin is used intentionally as a sedative. Effects typically start to wear off within 12 hours. 2. What are the potential side effects of gabapentin for dogs? Common side effects of gabapentin in dogs may include drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as liver damage or allergic reactions may occur. 3. Can gabapentin be used for long-term pain management in dogs? Dangerous side effects could occur. Gabapentin side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to gabapentin: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin in Dogs? Sedation is the main potential side effect of gabapentin, and the level of sleepiness varies from patient to patient. Veterinarians will prescribe a starting dose, and if this results in the dog becoming a little too sedate, the veterinarian will taper the dose down to the most effective one. Gabapentin is a medication commonly prescribed for dogs to help manage pain and seizures. While it can be a helpful tool in veterinary medicine, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the potential side effects that can occur when their furry friends are taking this medication. Gabapentin can cause deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B1 and folate. Not only will this make your dog unwell, but because vitamins D and B1 are required for nerve repair, it can also put a dent in recovery. Potential Side Effects of Gabapentin. The most reported side effects described by owners administering gabapentin to their dogs are sedation and ataxia (loss of coordination). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The most serious side effects of gabapentin in dogs include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, hives, seizures, and collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog after taking gabapentin, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |