Has anyone experienced trouble with bowels on gabapentin?

I’ve been on gabapentin for about 5 years. For about 6 months while using it I had fecal incontinence. I later read this is one of the possible side effects of gabapentin. When I reduced my dose to 1200 mg instead of 1800 mg the fecal incontinence got better. I now plan to titrate off the drug completely.

I also been on this stuff for a year now and have gained 30 lbs and just realized that maybe it is the drug (gabapentin) that might be doing this.. then iseen your post... and I feel that the muscle that causes me to release regularly is not working properly. If so I don't know if I can quit the drug cause I been relying on it for so long

Hi patcee. I have had problems with constipation from taking Gabapentin too. Along with many other side effects. I’ve been taking it for 8-9 years. I am drowsy and weak all the time and I can’t do much of anything. I take magnesium and probiotics and they are both helping me to be regular. I am tapering off Gabapentin slowly now at 10% every 12-14 days. Sometimes if I’m still not feeling well I will hold there for another day or two. If you have any questions I don’t mind answering them for you.
Cindy59

Hey Patcee!

I have heard of people having issues with bowel movements being loose. I have had some customers come to me and ask me this and it can affect your bowels because of the nerves being over stimulated. Depending on how long you have been on this medication you can have withdrawal and you should talk with your doctor about tapering down.