I am taking 600 mg of gabapentin 3x a day as a mood stabiliser for my bipolar 2 disorder. It works beautifully for that. I feel great. I feel upbeat but calm at the same time, if that makes sense. The only problem is that it's causing sexual dysfunction. I'm a woman in my early 30s and could previously have multiple orgasms every time and a high sex drive. My sex drive is normal now but I absolutely cannot have an orgasm, even if I try it on my own. It's so frustrating because the drive is there but I can't do anything about it. I'm just... numb. Anything I can do to help this? It's a really big problem and frustrating for my partner as well.
Gabapentin- female anorgasmia/sexual dysfunction?
Question posted by GingerAsh on 28 Jan 2015
Last updated on 15 February 2023
Added 28 Jan 2015:
I've even gotten to the point where I don't take it on a day I know he'll come over to visit, in hopes that I don't have the problem, but that's really unhealthy for me.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
31 Answers Page 2
Immie
10 Feb 2018
I know this is a very old post but I am having the exact same problem. Did you find a.solution? Because this is driving me mad
missgooch
20 April 2018
I noticed the same thing too, after I went on this drug for hot flashes. I still had great orgasms at my age until I started it last year. I've been wanting to go off for some time-I can get the pleasure part but the orgasms and muscle contractions never happen. So I saw my doctor this week and she has me on a taper down dose of 100 mg reduction each week(I'm on 900 mg a day). This drug is bad to go off of cold turkey-it has the same withdrawal symptoms as going off a benzodiazepine. It can also cause seizures it you go off cold turkey. So I would not recommend that to anyone. Taper off like my doctor has me doing.
I have read that once you are totally off it you can achieve orgasm again so I guess that's the only way to have them again. I'll take the hot flashes. Orgasms feel great and are a great stress reliever.
Frogot
21 Sep 2018
I am a 63 year old man, I take 1200 mg gabapentin 3 times today (3600 mg daily) for nerve pain in relation to my back. I have the same problem in that I am unable to ejaculate, my sex drive is not affected and neither is my ability to maintain an erection.
My woman friend is delighted as sex goes on forever.
I intend seeing the doctor for his advice as to whether there is a drug to counteract this problem
I should point out I originally started on 300 mg three times a day and the problem started almost immediately.
Nicetomeetyou
4 Nov 2017
I have had good results some pain some anxiety related with this drug except for this orgasm thing! So frustrating. Yes I read the post where they pointed out that this drug affects nerves. I will talk to my doc . I do not want this issue. I had a healthy sex life with my husband. And weird enough I actually feel like doing it more. But then we go to do it and it is great but I would like to be able to have an organ like I used to. .ps this started about 2 weeks or less into taking gabapentin. 3 times a day. 300 mg pills. Third dose is 2 of the 300 mg pill.
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
comment to my own comment- but almost three years later- I had to get off the gabapentin to get off:)
judypieking
17 July 2017
I have the same issue. I started Gabapentin just 2 months now and I am having difficulty achieving an orgasm. I have been a multiple orgasm for so long and I am wondering if I rather have the headaches.
Has anybody gone off gabapentin and sex life restored?
Lovescoob
19 July 2017
I was lucky enough to have the surgery I needed to virtually eliminate my neuropathy and need for Gabapentin. I only need it at bedtime maybe twice a week now, sometimes even less often. The great news is that my former level of desire, responsiveness, and ability to have multiple orgasms has returned. I do need to not have taken it for at least one night prior to activity, two preferably. The copious level of female ejaculate i once had has decreased, but I wonder if that is not related to peri-menopause I am still in denial about lol. So hopefully, if others are no longer in need of this med and are able to wean off, their previous level of sexual enjoyment returns as well. Good luck!
Omega843
5 Feb 2021
How long where you on gabapentin before stopping it? Is it possible that it can cause permanent damage if one is on it too long after noticing this side effect? I'm on a different drug, Tapentadol, but got the same issue. Continued on it anyway due to pain, now worried it might not go away even with withrawal.
Karenml
29 May 2017
Prescribed 100 up to 800 gabapentin and 25-50 hydroxyzine per day for anxiety. Can take as needed so I decided to take 300 gaba and 25hydoxizine a little while before intimacy and sensations from sex did become more enhanced and sensitive. It's best to be chilled and not hurried. Older boyfriend appreciates my patience and my enjoyment. He's a better lover when I'm in a happy place when we start. We are both attentive to each other's sexual needs so that's a great start for a successdful sexual experience.
Karenml
29 May 2017
That's 25 mg each pill. Not 25 pills lol
Bethany5000
19 March 2017
Despite this originally being posted some time ago, was wondering if anyone found a way around this issue without having to stop taking Gabapentin or that it was a temporary side effect that changed with continued use of the drug?
I've been taking Gabapentin for around 6 weeks, at which point the pain relief benefit is supposed to have reached it's peak. The first week I was groggy like most people, but adapted and the tiredness wore off. I was happy that, unlike Lyrica, my sex drive and ability to orgasm were initially unaffected. Now however, my sex drive is waining and it's exceptionally difficult to orgasm. I was hoping with further use this might be a temporary side effect and would gradually diminish as my body adapted - similar to the way the tiredness and feeling of being stoned stopped after I became used to the drug.
Have any long-term users of Gabapentin found their sex drive/ability to orgasm improved?
wisby
19 March 2017
I've been on gabapentin for 3 years and the problem has not gotten better - it's extremely frustrating - I'm going through a divorce and have decided to go off this medication. I use to be a very sexual person- always ready to climax to now just giving up w frustration. Looking forward to something I've missed out since being prescribed this medication. I'd rather live with widespread pain I guess. So the answer to your question is NO- ability to orgasm does not improve with long term use.
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
a doc also told me that they thought it might subside. AND no- it did not at all. I ended up having to stop the meds although it really had helped me as far as pain goes.
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
a doc also told me that they thought it might subside. AND no- it did not at all. I ended up having to stop the meds although it really had helped me as far as pain goes.
JaimeeCrawford
9 Jan 2017
Think about it; among other things, Gabapentin is used to treat nerve pain. NERVES are responsible for orgasm. It's not rocket science, people. Duh. When you monkey with your central nervous system, you can expect other nerves to be involved, too. So, to all those who are telling this poor woman her issues are all in her head, symptoms such as anorgasmia, diminished libido, and inability to ejaculate are all well-documented side-effects of Gabapentin. Google 'Gabapentin and anorgasmia" if you don't believe me. You'll see a ton of medical journal reports about studies that show a correlation. You'll also see how many people are complaining about this problem all over the internet. I am currently taking Gabapentin to curb hot flashes and, for the first time in my life, I'm now having the same issues since starting the drug. For me, the problem started the first night I took it.
Besides perpetual hot flashes, I'm not having any other issue and had ZERO problems in this department until I started Gabapentin. It pretty much makes me numb down there. When I don't take it, functioning resumes as normal, so it's REAL obvious to me that Gab is to blame. If it doesn't affect you this way, you don't need to chime in on the discussion. Dispensing ignorant advise only serves to make those of us who DO suffer this nasty side-effect feel even more lousy.
Inactive
5 Feb 2017
Well, I've taken a beating on this problem. Listen up, all of you - it was in my heart to try to help, but I didn't, but don't tell me I dispensed ignorant advice and have made those of you who suffer feel even
lousier. I AM TRULY SORRY. MY ADVICE WAS WRONG. BUT I DID SAY THAT IT WAS THE GABAPENTIN, EVENTUALLY. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SAY, I'M SORRY. I WASN'T "CHIMING IN ON
THE DISCUSSION" I WAS TRULY TRYING TO GIVE SOME KIND OF ADVICE BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE HAVING PROBLEMS. I, TOO, HAVE HAD AND STILL HAVE MANY
PROBLEMS AND IF SOMEONE "CHIMES IN" I AM THANKFUL THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE IS ACTUALLY LISTENING TO ME, AS I WAS LISTENING TO YOU. JAIMEE - YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW
I WAS TRYING TO GIVE THE COMPASSION I WAS FEELING INSTEAD OF TAKING ME TO TASK.
WE ARE ALL HERE FOR OUR PROBLEMS AND JUST THE FACT THAT I MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE
ONLY ONE WHO ANSWERED - WELL, AT LEAST YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT I CARE, BECAUSE I DID MY BEST. I TRULY HOPE AND PRAY THAT ALL OF YOU WHO ARE SUFFERING SO MUCH
GET OFF OF GABAPENTIN AND CAN FIND SOMETHING ELSE WHICH WILL NOT DIMINISH YOUR
SEX LIFE. GOOD-NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK, AND GOOD-BYE. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE
OF YOU.
TRISH
Sw61984
1 Dec 2017
I'm so glad you said this comment!!!
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
Many of us are frustrated- but to the poor person who feels yelled at and or punished please know most of us out here do understand your kind and thoughtful response and I for one do not find fault with you at all. Please know you are appreciated. It is important to treat people with kindness and you were being kind. So thank you.
MarnieS
5 Oct 2016
I take 600 mg of Neurontin 3x a day and 2 @ bedtime. Since I started this medication I couldn't reach an orgasm. I've tried everything. My gynecologist has prescribed a cream them a pill which I no longer take because they didn't work and my insurance wouldn't pay for them either. I tried going off of it and going on Trileptal but I missed feeling this good. I felt quite anxious on the Trileptal. I guess I'll have to please my husband and I'll be left out :(
doc117
1 Oct 2016
I too have had a frustrating problem with gabapentin. Used to easily orgasm at will, though I could control my orgasm to typically coincide with my wife's. Earlier this year I had an inflatable penile prosthesis implanted which was fantastic! My wife and I were like teenagers again, making love 8-12 times per week. She's 59 and I'm 63. about 2 months ago my psychiatrist put me on gabapentin 300mg 3x/day for depression which works great, unfortunately I am just unable to achieve an orgasm to save my life since then. I can make my wife cum over and over but I'm just left hanging and extremely frustrated. I really don't want to stop the gabapentin because it makes me function so much better at work but I really would like to have a more satisfying love life. An option I am going to try is the drug cabergoline .5mg twice weekly. This drug has shown promise in restoring both men and women's ability to overcome anorgasmia. I'll let you know how it works.
Lumosnox5
14 Sep 2016
This is happening to me as well. No matter what I do, I cannot achieve orgasm. My husband and I have tried, and I even try on my own. My desire and want is there, but no matter what I do it's out of reach. I feel like Samantha on Sex and The City when she stays in her room all day because she's determined to have an orgasm. I have been on so many medications in my life, but only with Nuerontin is orgasm unachievable.
doc117
1 Oct 2016
See my note dated today. Look into the drug cabergoline to overcome your problem. It looks promising in clinical trials.
doc117
Lovescoob
25 Aug 2016
Had been having horrible neuropathy and I was one of those that Lyrica made suicidal. I was reluctant to take Gabapentin as it had made me drowsy when I had to take it several yrs ago for Neuropathy caused by a different reason, but I needed some kind of relief until I could have my surgery. Previously, I would easily have over a dozen orgasms in a very short period of time in addition to having, for lack of another way of putting it, quite copious secretions. Since being on Gabapentin, my desire has diminished, I am so much drier, and am nearly giving myself permanent nerve damage trying to get myself there, not to mention that my boyfriend misses what we had going on.
And Trish, I am glad you are trying to provide emotional support, but asking if someone's issue is in their head, if one needs a new position, or suggesting wine serves instead to diminish the seriousness of an issue more than one person is struggling with. Please allow us to discuss without being dismissive of the possibility that a medication that affects nerves can be to blame for affecting, in my opinion, the greatest group of nerves.
Inactive
25 Aug 2016
So sorry if you think I have belittled you and your sex life. I only took a stab in the dark with my guesses - tried to help but,
it seems that you think I have diminished the issue at hand - this was not my purpose, and I don't think I like the way you
seemed to take issue when I was only trying to help. Perhaps you'd better get a piece before you lose your nerves
completely. Gabapentin has been so bad for me, that now my doctor has taken me off this weird medication. Don't be so
quick to jump on another person's suggestions - even though they are not okay with you, perhaps they might help
someone else. I was only trying to help, not diminish the seriousness of this issue. I have lived many, many years, I'm
75, and I am a published author, so I guess you could call me educated - these were just educated suggestions. At any
rate, I hope you all find out what is doing this (sounds like it is the Gabapentin) and your doctors will listen to you and
perhaps put you on something else that is better. (BTW - I have four children - a girl first, who has been dead of breast
cancer, lungs and brain affected - she's been gone from me for 15 years and I miss her every moment of every day.
My next child is a boy and he has grown into a fine 52 year old man. The last 3 and 4th for me was a set of identical
red haired twins who have accomplished a lot in their 46 years. They all have great sex lives, and are not taking Gabapentin! I have a great deal of medical problems but bear up under the pain - I suggest you try to do the same
instead of berating me. Good luck to you all, and God bless you with many good and great sex.
Trish
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
We are all here to help- I think we all here do have good intentions. No blame to you at all!!!
Jennymac15
19 Aug 2016
Oh my god I'm having the SAME issue on my FIRST DOSE! 400 mg BID. I took it last night and I felt way too foggy and couldn't focus at all on anything and I woke up very early so I tried to do it alone and it was the most anticlimactic climax. I normally have zero issues ever. I'm not liking this medicine at all. I think my doc misdiagnosed me with bipolar, I have ADD as I was diagnosed as a child and he is just stuck on this dx. I have no cycling at all no depression. These meds are crazy! Glad it's helping you but I hope we can find a solution to the orgasm thing!!!
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
I am sorry to say- but as a fully functioning- never before EVER had an issue with orgasms- woman who was on this med for a while- the only solution is to get off the gabapentin (if you want to be able to have an orgasm).
sd24
18 Feb 2015
I too have been prescribed gabapentin, a total of 1800 mg/day. And, just like you, since starting it I can not achieve orgasm... no matter what I do! It is very frustrating for me as well as my husband! I can not wait to get off the stuff... I'm taking it for nerve pain associated with some leg surgery I had a couple of months ago. All I can say is that you are not alone GingerAsh, this is happening to me too.
Inactive
13 Aug 2016
I hope that the two of you who are suffering without being able to achieve
orgasim. I wish the two of you all the best and may God bless you and help
you in your desperate time of need. Would a glass of wine help??? I know
we aren't supposed to drink alcohol with medications we are on, but what the hell, it's for a good purpose.
Good luck,
Trish
Amanda15
1 Feb 2015
Try being on top. Once he's in you gradually move to either side until you're almost sideways then have him do the work while you find what feels the best.
It's a position that my man and I happened into. It gives you enough control to get to where you want to be. ;D Best of luck!
GingerAsh
28 Jan 2015
I should probably try a different med, but gabapentin is so awesome for me in every other way. Trust me, it's not in my head. I still have a very strong sex drive. I just can't climax.
Inactive
29 Jan 2015
Then it could be the medicine, but I doubt it. Somebody is not doing something
right. I hope you find out what it is.
God bless and lots of Good Luck.
Are you on any other medications that might be causing this?
I'd try a counselor if it continues. Perhaps more foreplay will help?
Blessings.
Trish
GingerAsh
29 Jan 2015
No, he knows exactly what he's doing... it stopped the day I started the med. I can't even when I masturbate, and I used to be able to at least twice. Sorry to be graphic.
Inactive
29 Jan 2015
Gingerash: I just finished researching side effects with Gabapentin - normal,
rare, etc. Taking Gabapentin you can have "increased libido." But, taking
Gabapentin can also create an "inability to climax." This information is in the
side effects section below the answers you get, about Gabapentin.
I don't know what to tell you except to see your doctor about all of this - and
please read the side effects of Gabapentin below the answers the forum
have given you.
Good luck to you - I hope you find something that helps. This medication
can cause many side effects and it is up to you to read about all of them.
God bless and may you get help. Hope this helps, to know that what you
are going through is explainable.
I hope happy days soon come back for you.
Trish
Anthony2006
13 Aug 2016
I have the same problem, gabapentin works for me, but how would i know cuz i also take clonidine & i googled it & it does the same, i have a very high sexual drive i just can't climax, it's very frustrating.
Hank47
5 Feb 2017
I am having the same problem. I take 3 300 mg gabapentin 4 times a day for chronic pain. I haven't been able to have a real orgasm in months. The odd one I have had wasn't lkke before. My sex drive used to me crazy I'm in my mid 30s but not taking it would make it to painful to have sex. So I feel your frustration
Derwood1
8 March 2017
It absolutely isn't in your head this medication as well as many anti depressants have that exact sexual side effect for both men and women. It was actually very frustrating to see the comment that someone wasn't doing something right, that was way out of line especially if this person has no medical background. Unfortunately the only way to avoid this side effect is do exactly what you did, not take the medication if you know you will be having sex, then take it after. Please in the future I would not even respond to someone that comments without a medical background or references to back their absurd accusations. I feel badly for you in the sense that there is no remedy for this problem. While it takes the spontaneity out of your sex life all is not lost, you still have a high sex drive and can carefully plan to ensure you get the satisfaction you deserve. Just remember to take it after. Good luck to you and God bless.
ElizabethB
2 July 2017
I have the same problem since I started using Gabapentin. I will talk with my dr. and see if there is another alternative. I will post back when I get an answer.
Meg H
20 Aug 2017
I have the SAME problem! I was taking 400mg 3 x's/day for chronic back pain. Since they increased my dose to 600mg, I can't orgasm even with a vibrator. My libido is higher than average and I'm multi-orgasmic as well. When my dose was lower, I was able to orgasm, but not consistently.
norcalcrps
20 Sep 2017
This won't fix your issue, but may explain a little. Gabapentin is a multi-use medication. I take 600x3 daily for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome which is a nerve disease, and the Gabapentin's purpose is to "Tap" down my nerve pain. I'm no sex expert but it's hard to climax when your nerves are tapped down.
Happymom17
16 Nov 2017
I am in the same boat! 30 years old. Always had a good sex drive and no problem climaxing. Not long after starting gabapentin I started feeling numb in that area. Please update me if possible this isn't sitting well with me.
Dawn313233
27 Feb 2018
I am a nurse. I have worked in the psychiatric field specifically with adolescents. I have had to have the difficult conversation many times about SSRI antidepressants and sexual dysfunction. But, I didn't know about the possibility of sexual problems with Neurontin, until now... I am taking 1200mg daily for new onset anxiety and I cant orgasm. It is EXACTLY what you describe, the desire is there but climax just wont happen. I am a woman in my early 50s. I know how to masturbate and my husband of 19 years certainly knows what works so this is NOT technique. I have access to research articles and it is very telling that most discuss male issues of dysfunction but very, very little on female problems! At this point, even though the gabapentin works great, I will be looking for another option. Good luck and hope you find a resolution that works for you.
Stacytaylor49
30 Jan 2020
Did you find help
Inactive
28 Jan 2015
Has this ever happened before? Could it be all in your head? Don't mean to be sarcastic or anything like that - just a thought.
I'm so glad to hear that the Gabapentin is working, though. Hope you find out
what it is that's making you feel this way. I wish you good luck and God bless
you. Do ask your doctor or pharmacist, though - always a good idea.
Trish
Nicetomeetyou
30 June 2020
I realize you mean this kindly, but to be honest- as someone who went through this, it is not at all helpful to say it could be ini your head. The woman said clearly she never had an issue with orgasm before the gabapentin. That was my story too! And it is only frustrating and dismissive (although albeit unintentionally) to suggest it is "all in her head"
Related topics
bipolar disorder, gabapentin, sexual dysfunction, female, disorder
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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