Individuals taking gabapentin should talk with a doctor about any problems they experience while doing so, especially if they are severe, ongoing, or getting worse.
People taking gabapentin should be aware of the following serious safety concerns.
Breathing problems
In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source issued a warning that people with respiratory risk factors who take the different brands of gabapentin may experience serious breathing difficulties.
People who have conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma should speak with a doctor before taking gabapentin.
Risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Studies suggest that some people may experience thoughts of suicide or exhibit suicidal behaviors when taking gabapentin or other anticonvulsants.
If a person or their loved one notices any changes in their mood or behavior, they should contact a doctor immediately.
Risk of overdose
Despite research in this area, it is not always clear whether suicidal behaviors in people who take gabapentin are a result of the drug itself or related to an existing mental health condition.
It is clear, however, that the risk of overdose from the drug is higher if a person also has a mental health condition such as depression.
In addition, when taking gabapentin, a person should monitor themselves carefully to make sure that they are not accidentally taking the wrong dosage.
People should also check on loved ones and minors taking this medication and seek help if there is any concern that they may have suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Data from U.S. poison centers show that between 2012 and 2017, the number of suspected intentional suicide attempts from a gabapentin overdose grew by 80.5%.
According to the FDA, there have been reports of oral overdoses from taking up to 49 grams of the drug.
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
- sleepiness
- lethargy
- double vision
- slurred speech
- diarrhea
- coma, in cases when someone has chronic renal failure and has received treatment with Neurontin
Interactions with other medications and substances
Gabapentin can interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People should be sure to give a doctor a full list of their current medications and supplements before taking gabapentin.
The results of another 2017 reviewTrusted Source suggest that the following are some of the main substances that interact with the drug:
- caffeine, which is present in tea, coffee, and cola
- ethacrynic acid, which is a diuretic
- losartan, which is a medication for high blood pressure
- magnesium oxide, which is a mineral supplement and antacid
- mefloquine, which is an antimalarial drug
- morphine, which is an opioid pain medication
- phenytoin, which is an anti-seizure medication
If gabapentin causes sleepiness, a person should speak with a doctor before taking other medications that can also cause drowsiness, including:
- antianxiety medications
- antidepressants
- antihistamines
- cold and flu medications
- muscle relaxers
- narcotics, which are pain medications
- sleeping pills
Presence of other health conditions
To ensure that gabapentin is safe to take, a person should tell a doctor if they also currently have or have ever had:
- diabetes
- dialysis treatment
- drug or alcohol misuse issues
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizures (if taking gabapentin for conditions unrelated to seizures)
Risks during pregnancy and when breastfeeding
People who are pregnant and those who intend to become pregnant should tell a doctor before taking gabapentin.
Research from 2020 suggests that taking this drug during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of cardiac malformations in the fetus, a condition called small for gestational age, and preterm birth.
However, it is also essential to control seizures during pregnancy, so pregnant people should only take the drug if it is absolutely necessary.
People should never start or stop taking gabapentin for seizure control before talking with a doctor. They will assess the potential risks and benefits.
After childbirth, gabapentin passes into breast milk. At low levels, it may not affect the infant. However, it is best to discuss this issue with a doctor before breastfeeding.
Potential for allergies
People with gabapentin allergies should not take this drug.
Also, the medication may contain other ingredients that can trigger allergy symptoms in some people. For this reason, people should discuss all drug and food allergies with a doctor before taking gabapentin.
It is important to seek emergency medical treatment if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction occur. These may includeTrusted Source:
- breathing difficulties
- extreme dizziness
- fever
- hives
- rash
- severe weakness
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, otherwise known as jaundice
People can report adverse drug reactions to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088 or through MedWatch.
Other safety considerations
Because gabapentin can cause drowsiness, anyone taking this drug should exercise caution while driving or using machinery.
Also, people should not take antacids within 2 hours of taking gabapentin, as antacids reduce the body’s ability to absorb the drug.
People should also avoid alcohol or limit their intake of alcohol while taking gabapentin, as there is a risk of adverse reactions.