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. Rare but serious gabapentin side effects include mood changes in children. 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. 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. When the patient was rechallenged with gabapentin, the edema returned after 5 days, suggesting the authors' suspicions of an adverse effect from gabapentin was likely correct. 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. 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. The swelling associated with gabapentin isn't uniform across all users. Some might experience mild swelling in their extremities, while others could notice more significant changes. This variability often leads to questions about the duration and management of such side effects. This study confirmed the prescribing cascade that links gabapentinoids and loop diuretics, without identifying risk factors beyond polypharmacy. Although incidence of the prescribing cascade appears to be low at 0.5%, it's a substantial proportion of patients who develop edema with gabapentinoids. I have swelling in my legs caused by lymphedema and have to wear compression socks but mine was not caused by a medication. I also would be concerned if it's been over 5 months since stopping gabapentin and the swelling and pain is still in the hands and feet. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. [Ref] Reports of life-threatening or fatal respiratory depression have been reported in patients taking this drug with CNS depressants including opioids, or in the setting of underlying respiratory impairment. [Ref] I take 600 mg of gabapentin, 300 mg twice daily. No swelling in my feet. I still get some cramping and stabbing. I hope everything is going well with others. For healthcare professionals. Applies to gabapentin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. General adverse events. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. Gabapentinoids can cause concentration-dependent peripheral edema of early onset. Reduced myogenic tone is the main mechanism of these non-cardiogenic edemas. In case of peripheral edema or heart failure, a drug etiology should be considered. Gabapentinoids can cause concentration-dependent peripheral edema of early onset. The primary mechanism of non-cardiogenic peripheral edema is vasodilatory edema secondary to altered myogenic tone, independent of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 blockade under the experimental conditions tested. Almost all cases of gabapentin induced pedal edema have been reported in elderly patients receiving doses >1200 mg/day.[2,3] In a pooled analysis of three clinical trials of gabapentin used in postherpetic neuralgia, Parsons et al. found the incidence of pedal edema to be 7.5% in geriatric patients receiving doses above 1800 mg/daily. 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. Medications are a common reason for swollen ankles and feet, also called pedal edema. Amlodipine (Norvasc), gabapentin (Neurontin, Horizant, Gralise), and pregabalin (Lyrica) can cause puffy legs and ankles. Similarly, the incidence of peripheral edema caused by CCB is dose related and common in the elderly, comparable to reports of gabapentin induced edema. This case illustrates that gabapentin induced leg swelling can confound the clinical picture and it is thus important to recognize this side effect of gabapentin. 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. 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. swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles; back or joint pain; flulike symptoms such as fever or body aches. Rare but serious side effects. Rare but serious side effects of gabapentin include: rash, itching, or yellowing of the skin; swelling of the face and throat, a condition called angioedema; problems speaking or swallowing
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