Gabapentin Side Effects (sleepy, Feeling 'drunk' & Memory Loss)

Updated

Hey everyone. I've been taking Gabapentin for about 2 months now at 300mg 3x a day. I was prescribed it after having a tumor removed from my neck which resulted in nerve damage. They help with the pain for sure as it is at least manageable now where it wasn't before. But holy the side effects! I feel like I could fall asleep anywhere, anytime of the day. I also feel off balance all the time, almost like I feel 'drunk' to an extent. I'm also finding I'm dealing with memory loss. I have a hard time remembering what I did 20 mins ago! I guess my big question is, has anyone else dealt with side effects like this? Did they ever diminish over time? I'm going to see my surgeon in a couple weeks and thinking I may have to look at a different route but wanting some input from fellow users of this drug. Thanks in advance and Cheers :)

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1

@b81,

Hey, before you get inundated with people telling you about their negative experience regarding Gabapentin, let me tell you that #1- everyone is different, therefore you'll hear mostly negative feedback simply because people will not hesitate to jump at the chance to tell another how bad the drug is, whereas the ones who are actually benefiting from it have no reason to post.... I found this out. It does have side effects, and yes, they include short-term memory (displacement) and sometimes a bit woozy, but if you're tired, you're not doing anything. If you stay focused and busy you can get lots of work done, but if you sit idle, you will nod off. Stay Active! I lost the feeling in both feet from nerve damage, and since I've been on Gab I've regained feeling. It also has helped with my overall attitude, as it makes me feel good enough to do things, again, you have to get up and go..It is not a "high" really, it just makes me feel good. I started out with 300 mg 3 times a day, and I'm up to 1800 mg/daily, and I'll be going up to 2400 mg this month. I take it with a few other meds and it seems to be a really good mix, so I'm happy. I hope that you find out whether or not it works for you soon. The side effects do go away unless you increase the dose, which I've done since starting on it in July. Good luck to you!

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2

The issues you've described, bheigh81, can be typical side effects of this medication. While the FDA has approved it to help with certain types of nerve pain, it is actually an anticonvulsant and most of them are known to cause memory and cognition problems.

Elam, they do go away for some people, but not for all. Generally, if they continue for a few months, or become severe, someone should see their doctor, because they may need to try a different medication.

How are you both doing?

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3

@ Verwon & b81,

I just started on a different dosage and tablets (600mg) as opposed to capsules (300mg). Doesn't seem like there would be much difference, right? Well, something's surely different. Could be that this generic has different properties, etc. All I know is that I've been getting the same med from the same company since I've been on it up until 2 days ago, which made me stop taking it. I was constantly tired to the point that I had to keep sitting or laying down, and then fall into a super deep sleep! Much different than the results from the last few months. I've benched this med until I see my doctor next month to find out what's going on. So, I'm not so sure about this med anymore. Maybe I can find out what the problem is and I'll try going back to the generic brand that I had been on and see. Hopefully you know by now what decision you've made B81, and either you'll benifit from it or you wont.

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4

Everyone is different. Maybe you take other Rx's, too? I knew someone who complained about horrible back pain that gaba helped tremendously. But...said they her sleepy so she went back to pain instead of drinking a cup coffee or tea with them! I've been taking 1800 mgs a day, and am a 122 lb female, for 21 yrs. And another Rx that is an anti-seizure also. I'm fine with it, and I rarely use caffeine at all. So everyone reacts differently.

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5

I’ve been taking it for years for bladder nerve pain. I take any where from 3 x 300mg to 5 x 300mg, take it all at night. If I take even one during day I’m in la la land.....which is nice but not ideal of course hehe..... it is my wonder drug would never stop taking it.

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6

My opinion your side effects won't go away. Try looking for your cell phone after taking this med.

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7

Taking this drug got me pulled over and a DUI I know different people have different effects but being tazed and pepper sprayed is not a side effect anyone would wish for.I was prescribed this poison for torsion dystonia, it did nothing for my pain or contouring.

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8

I took Gabapentin 100mg x twice a day. Once in the AM and one at bedtime. Doc changed it to 2 at bedtime and I experienced the same side effects; zombie the next day until mid afternoon and then time to take it again. Agitated, argumentative, moody, increased heart rate, forgetful and felt worthless. Never felt like this in my life. I cannot imagine the feeling from increased dosage. Not for me. Doc took me off of it.

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