Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used mainly to control seizures, treat nerve pain in people with shingles, and treat restless leg syndrome.[1] It is also sold under different brand names such as Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant.

Gabapentin works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain in people with partial seizures. Researchers believe that for people with shingles, it changes the way pain signals are sent through the body. Studies are still being conducted to determine the effectiveness of this treatment in individuals with restless leg syndrome.

While gabapentin can do all of these positive things to treat various conditions, it can also cause side effects. Constipation is among them. If you are prescribed gabapentin, it’s important to be aware of this and other side effects.

Can Gabapentin Lead to Constipation?

If you take gabapentin, it can cause constipation. But, among all of the gabapentin side effects someone can experience, it ranks very low on the list. It is also not among the serious side effects that some people encounter when taking the drug.

How Common is It?

Clinical trials show that only 4% of people taking gabapentin experienced constipation. [2] When you start looking at other side effects, this is an extremely low percentage.

What can I do if gabapentin causes constipation?

If taking gabapentin leads to constipation, there are several things you can do to get relief: [3]

• Stay hydrated to keep stools soft.
• Eat a diet rich in fiber because it promotes regular bowel movements. Include grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
• Exercise regularly because physical activity can prevent constipation.
• Over-the-counter laxatives can also help, but it’s best to consult a doctor first to ensure proper use.
• Stool softeners can also make bowel movements easier by increasing the amount of water in the stool.

If you try several of these things and they don’t work, you’ll want to consult your healthcare provider to see how they may be able to help.

Common Side Effects of Gabapentin

Although gabapentin can lead to constipation in a very small number of people who take it, others experience more common side effects that can be unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening. [4]

Dizziness

Dizziness is at the top of the list of gabapentin side effects. Studies show that nearly 30% of people prescribed the drug for postherpetic neuralgia, and more than 15% of people taking it for seizures, reported being dizzy.[5]

If you experience dizziness from taking gabapentin, it can improve. But if it is impacting your daily life and preventing you from doing what you need, talk to your doctor. They may stop the medication or lower the dosage.

Swollen Legs and Arms

Experiencing swollen tissues throughout the body, also known as edema, is another gabapentin side effect. This typically occurs in the legs and arms. As many as 8% of people who take gabapentin also report edema. [6]

Edema is more likely to occur in older adults. While it is typically mild, it can cause serious issues for people with heart conditions because of the added stress it puts on the heart. If your swelling becomes painful and warm to the touch, you will want to contact your doctor immediately because this could be a symptom of a blood clot.

Eye Problems

Blurred or double vision can also be a side effect of taking gabapentin. Seek medical advice if you start to experience vision problems. They can make it difficult to perform daily activities.

Drowsiness

Studies show that about 20% of people who take gabapentin get sleepy or fatigued. [7] Taking gabapentin with other medications, such as opioids, antidepressants, and muscle relaxers, can worsen drowsiness.

Difficulty Breathing

Part of the way gabapentin works is by slowing down the brain. If you take gabapentin with other medicines that also slow down the brain, difficulty breathing can occur, as well as confusion and sleepiness. [8] The risk also increases for people who already have breathing problems.

Erectile Dysfunction

Some men taking gabapentin may experience erectile dysfunction. Research is still being done to study the medication’s impact in this area since erectile dysfunction can happen due to other health conditions.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Product information for gabapentin includes a warning for rare, but severe allergic reactions. [9] These types of responses include angioedema or anaphylaxis.

Angioedema occurs when there is swelling in the face, mouth, or throat. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that involves the entire body. Hives, swelling, and itching are all symptoms. Some people with severe anaphylaxis may also experience a fast heartbeat and trouble breathing. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Call 911.

Weight Gain

Taking gabapentin may lead to weight gain. If you notice a change in your weight after you’ve started taking gabapentin, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a lower dosage or may tell you to stop taking the medicine altogether.

Gastrointestinal Problems

While not common, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can occur in some patients taking gabapentin.

Suicidal Thoughts

People who take antiseizure medications can also be at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you notice any new or worsening depression after starting the medication, let your doctor know right away so that they can make changes before something serious occurs.

Other side effects of gabapentin include memory problems or confusion. Dry mouth can also happen, leading to dental issues.

Gabapentin Withdrawal Symptoms

When people stop taking gabapentin, they may also start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These can include:[10]

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Restlessness

These withdrawal symptoms can be minor in some patients. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, you’ll want to talk to your doctor to see what can be done to ease them.

Gabapentin Warning

When discussing the side effects of gabapentin, it’s important to note a 2019 warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [11]

This states that if someone takes gabapentin and is also taking an opioid pain medication or has chronic lung disease, they are at risk for possibly fatal difficulty breathing. If any of these impact you, it’s essential to let your prescriber know whether you are also taking an opioid drug or if you’ve even been diagnosed with a lung disease.

Learn More About Gabapentin & Medication Side Effects

If you are taking gabapentin or other medication, it’s essential to learn about all potential side effects. Take time and get educated about the medicines you are putting into your body so you can be aware if issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Gabapentin Cause Constipation