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Neurontin Side Effects

Generic name: gabapentin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 23, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Neurontin Side Effects associated with gabapentin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Neurontin.

Applies to gabapentin: oral capsule, oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release 24 hr.

Serious side effects of Neurontin

Along with its needed effects, gabapentin (the active ingredient contained in Neurontin) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gabapentin:

More common

  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling eye movements

More common in children

Less common

  • black, tarry stools
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • cough
  • depression, irritability, or other mood or mental changes
  • fever
  • loss of memory
  • pain or swelling in the arms or legs
  • painful or difficult urination
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • swollen glands
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • clay-colored stools
  • coma
  • confusion
  • dark urine
  • decreased urine output
  • diarrhea
  • difficult or troubled breathing
  • dizziness
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • headache
  • increased thirst
  • irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  • itching or skin rash
  • joint pain
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle ache or pain
  • nausea
  • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, irritated eyes
  • seizures
  • stomach pain
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • vomiting of blood
  • yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Neurontin

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.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • blurred vision
  • cold or flu-like symptoms
  • delusions
  • dementia
  • hoarseness
  • lack or loss of strength
  • lower back or side pain
  • swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs
  • trembling or shaking

Less common or rare

  • accidental injury
  • appetite increased
  • back pain
  • body aches or pain
  • burning, dry, or itching eyes
  • change in vision
  • change in walking and balance
  • chest tightness
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • congestion
  • constipation
  • cough producing mucus
  • decrease in sexual desire or ability
  • dryness of the mouth or throat
  • earache
  • excessive tearing
  • eye discharge
  • feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheadedness
  • feeling of warmth or heat
  • flushed, dry skin
  • flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
  • frequent urination
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • impaired vision
  • incoordination
  • increased hunger
  • increased sensitivity to pain
  • increased sensitivity to touch
  • increased thirst
  • noise in the ears
  • pain, redness, rash, swelling, or bleeding where the skin is rubbed off
  • redness or swelling in the ear
  • redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
  • runny nose
  • sneezing
  • sweating
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • tingling in the hands and feet
  • trouble sleeping
  • trouble swallowing
  • trouble thinking
  • twitching
  • unexplained weight loss
  • voice changes
  • vomiting
  • weakness or loss of strength
  • weight gain

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to gabapentin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema.[Ref]

Nervous system

Respiratory

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]

Hypersensitivity

Psychiatric

There are postmarketing reports of withdrawal symptoms shortly after discontinuing this drug. The most frequently reported reactions with abrupt discontinuation have included anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating. Discontinuation at higher than recommended doses have been associated with agitation, disorientation and confusion. These symptoms have resolved after restarting this drug. The dependence potential of gabapentin (the active ingredient contained in Neurontin) has not been evaluated in human studies.[Ref]

Immunologic

Dermatologic

Cardiovascular

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Hepatic

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Ocular

Oncologic

Other

Renal

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Neurontin (gabapentin)." Parke-Davis

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

4. (2021) "Product Information. Horizant (gabapentin)." GlaxoSmithKline

5. (2021) "Product Information. Gralise (gabapentin)." Depomed Inc

6. Crawford P, Ghadiali E, Lane R, Blumhardt L, Chadwick D (1987) "Gabapentin as an antiepileptic drug in man." J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 50, p. 682-6

7. The US, Gabapentin Study Group No. 5 (1993) "Gabapentin as add-on therapy in refractory partial epilepsy: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study." Neurology, 43, p. 2292-8

8. Pittenger C, Desan PH (2007) "Gabapentin abuse, and delirium tremens upon gabapentin withdrawal." J Clin Psychiatry, 68, p. 483-4

9. Ragucci MV, Cohen JM (2001) "Gabapentin-induced hypersensitivity syndrome." Clin Neuropharmacol, 24, p. 103-5

10. Short C, Cooke L (1995) "Hypomania induced by gabapentin." Br J Psychiatry, 166, p. 679-80

11. Tallian KB, Nahata MC, Lo W, Tsao CY (1996) "Gabapentin associated with aggressive behavior in pediatric patients with seizures." Epilepsia, 37, p. 501-2

12. Sahin S, Comert A, Akin O, Ayalp S, Karsidag S (2008) "Cutaneous drug eruptions by current antiepileptics: case reports and alternative treatment options." Clin Neuropharmacol, 31, p. 93-6

13. Gidal BE, Maly MM, Nemire RE, Haley K (1995) "Weight gain and gabapentin therapy." Ann Pharmacother, 29, p. 1048

14. Lasso-de-la-Vega MC, Zapater P, Such J, Perez-Mateo M, Horga JF (2001) "Gabapentin-associated hepatotoxicity." Am J Gastroenterol, 96, p. 3460-2

15. Zhang C, Glenn DG, Bell WL, O'donovan CA (2005) "Gabapentin-induced Myoclonus in End-stage Renal Disease." Epilepsia, 46, p. 156-158

16. Reeves AL, So EL, Sharbrough FW, Krahn LE (1996) "Movement disorders associated with the use of gabapentin." Epilepsia, 37, p. 988-90

17. Silvia RJ, Spitznas AL (2007) "Gabapentin-Related Changes in Renal Function: Two Case Reports." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 27, p. 118-119

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Neurontin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.