Potential Long Term Effects Of Gabapentin

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I have been on Gabapentin on and off for about 7 months (since approx January). I was taking it for chronic pelvic pain, and it worked well, but it made me very emotional and made higher cognitive functions difficult. After 4 months of semi-regular use, I got off it quickly, but kept it around in case of a severe pain flare up. As of now I have gone through 2 "100 capsule" bottles of 100mg pills, so not too much. Never took a higher dosage then 300mg and never took more than 300mg in one day. 

I've used it a few times recently (in July, just a few weeks ago) when the pain really flared up, thinking it would only have minimal side effects, but it has resulted in continual severe depression and dark thoughts even though I haven't taken any in two weeks. I took it occassionally because I thought the depression was predominantely from the chronic pain, but now I realize the gabapentin was the root of it. I'm terrified because I know the drug has long since left my system but I can't shake the side effects. Doctors and psychologists won't listen to me. They say I'm just depressed and it isn't the medication, but I'm positive it is. The pain is finally improving, I'm going back to school, and things are looking up. But there is this unshakable auora that is plauging me. No matter how hard I distract myself and push through there's this cloud that impares my ability to emotionally and physical function (feelings of detachment, separation, depression, and some suicidal thoughts). Words come slower, it's harder to focus, memory is very dull. I wasn't concered within the first few days, but it's been a few weeks now and I'm alarmed that it doesn't seem to be improving.

Do the side effects ever go away... How long does it take and what can catalyze the healing process? Is it possible to incur permanent damage from a low dosage, or does it take months to heal. Can anyone explain the biomechanics behind how gabapentin can affect patients weeks after usage. 

Hopefully there is an answer and the possibility for recovery, but at the moment things are very frightening. 

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  • Posted

    I was on gabapentin for awhile after multi-level fusion in 2009. After surgery, pain in back and down right arm, hyper sensitive in forearm and hand.

    Gaba made me feel detached from my senses, like I couldn't quite process stimuli like I could prior. I felt like I was in a bubble. It's very hard to explain. Even when I got off it, I never quite returned to normal.

    Fast forward to 2014, still dealing with chronic pain, found a new pain management doctor...he prescribed "Gralise" (sp?) which is time released Gabapentin labeled for chronic pain. I protested and explained what happened the last time, but he said I just take at night and side effects wont be notable during the day.

    He was wrong. I got myself off it, but it was months later. I was worse off than ever. Emotional detachment, slower focus, slower memory, fractured thinking,  almost like I've been partially lobotomized. All I see in my "inner eye" is a gray wall of nothing. I'm not sad or depressed - that might actually be an improvement as I would actually feel some sort of strong emotion. Every moment I am overshadowed by the realization that I could just "let go" and I would not exist anymore.  I could yammer on, but unless you've experienced it, it's just a bunch of words. I've been searching the web to see if anyone has experienced anything like this.

    It's almost 2016 now and no relief from gaba.

    • Posted

      I hear you some old guy,

      I was thinking the same thing today. I am a mental health therapist. I only feel exhaustion and stress. It was raining here and I felt pretty depressed for 10 minutes in the a.m. other mornings I do feel extreme happiness. Only for brief periods of time. Mostly I feel nothing. To others I just appear flat and lethargic. I'm weaning off the gb. I'm at 45 mg (using a scale). My only other emotion experience is extreme irritability and rage. That continues to improve but only by a nothingness

    • Posted

      I'm sorry to hear about your negative experience because I know all too well how you feel. It's made me a different person and not in a good way. I feel detached also, like I'm in a dream world. My brain feels like it's wrapped in cotton. I'm going to try and taper off of the Gabapentin because I can't live like this. I hope you get to feeling better soon!

  • Posted

    I have taken gabapentin for 10 yrs from a failed fusion surgery.  It is by far the best drug for nerve pain.  I take 3 800 mg pills a day.  I have very little side effects.  I have in the past taken doses of 1600 mg 3 times a day.  The key to any drug therapy for pain is to use enough to make it bearable.  Do not use it to get high.  Comared to a opiate such as percocette the side effects are mild for gabapentin.  I have prescription for both but I rarely use the opiate and only occasion when I have extreme sciatica.  Gabapentin you need to ramp up and down.  If your having problems with a 100 mg you really need to talk to Dr.  For pain that low you really should be on a advil or tylenol regimen.  Meaning max dose 3 times a day.  To many Dr's are perscribing gabapentin for people who are not utilizing the over the counter regimin 1 st.
    • Posted

      I too have taken Gabapentin for a number of years. I started off on 300mg tablets, one three times a day. I am now taking 600 mg tablets, two tablets three times a day, yotal dose is 3,600mg a day.

      Because I was started off on such a low dose, I can now tolerate the high dose with no problems.

      This drug needs to be built up slowly, and also taken regularly. I have seen a comment on here somewhere, that someone is tsking these tablets as and when needed. They need to be taken regularly so that they build up.

      Taking one tablet one day and missing the next day, is no good.

  • Posted

    Hi Adam, some people have little side effect you might be effected differently, best think to do is tlk to your gp if you are in the UK, surely your go must have informed you the side effect of taking prolong of medicqtion (its also stated in their SMPC) the leqflets inside the tablets, or you might need to be titrated down or chnage different medication..because it is dangerous to feel suicidal..you really need to ask your gp to referred you to your physiocologist
  • Posted

    They improve overtime if you come off it . My suicidal thoughts went away after a few months. But I went back to my full dose and slowly came off the med.
  • Posted

    Hey Adam,

    My name is Becky and I was wondering if after a year, if you're feeling better and if anything has changed with your memory? I have severe fibromyalgia and am on gabapentin. I have since had to quit going to college and my life is going down the tubes because of my disorders and the medications I'm on. My memory and deep depression are at an all time peak. Thank you for sharing!

    Sincerely,

    Becky

    • Posted

      I feel for you, I don't think I could go through education now with the mess gabapentin followed by a change to pregabalin have left my memory in......I was on gabapentin at 1800mg a day for a few years, then dropped to 1500mg a day. then swapped by another dr to pregabalin ......they both are pretty similar although I believe gabapentin is a lot cheaper than pregabalin, and some drs think side effect profile of pregabalin better - through my own experience. The swaps in dose and meds were due to memory problems I was experiencing and getting half way thru sentences and not knowing what I was talking about.....I gradually weaned myself off , be ablout 1 year now.....I still have memory problems, some days are worse than others, it's def. not getting any worse anymore, I was seriously worried given I had a good job in pharma industry and was hiighly trained and also have a 2i myself....felt like I was losing my mind literally. Still not great, still some residual issues for sure. I was suffering from depression anyway, so hard to say what impact this medication had / didn't have on it.....I still take 150mg sertraline, been on this SSRI a few years now as I got pretty bad.....helps get me through ....I am 41 now, so did my degree 20 years ago, but I was still selling medication to professors for pharma company I worked for 9 years ago....there would be no chance these days after this medication that I could retain the knowledge to hold down such a job ...I wsh you luck....I was on it for about 5 years, best advice I can give you is to try something else - I wish I had never gone on the drug
    • Posted

      Hi Holly, I can't help but sending you this message after reading your post, which pharma are you working at, just wondering, you know as a sales rep the effect on any SSRI or SNRI, as well as the NICE guide line?, why did you go on it at the first place?, I though being a rep you should know better you should change your life style first or even getting supplement instead getting on the drug, but still not too late though, if you like to get off.. you have to discuss with your gp..they can help you..medication will never ever cure it..it is only to manage for a temporary period of time, the longer any one using the drug the side effect (as printer on the SMPC) will have on the patient..so in my opinion..I would go to my health care professional let them know (you must know, as you are promoting the drug itself) you would like to get off from it.. get supplements, drink plenty of waters each day, do 20 minutes exercises at least, get a proper healthty food (stop smoking, lesser alcohol intake, stop fried food, gluten free, stop eating process food) then you will be ok.. GOOD LUCK
    • Posted

      Thank you for your concerns. I do not rec'd that ervyone takes SSRI's or SNRI's , but I do believe they have their place. I was a hospital rep in their sales division and worked in the area for 14 years for 2 diff. companies so I am pretty knowledgeable in the area. I know there is a high placebo response, and that the last data I saw a comination of CBT ( shame about long wait lists for talking therpies in UK ) and medication gave best outcome. 

      In response to my lifestyle, I do not smoke, I do not drink any alcohol ( I live on slow release morphone for chronic pain so it's banned !), I have gastro problems also prob'y in part related to meds and most of my diet is low in fat and mostly gluten free. I would love to do more exercise, but my back problems prevent me from doing so, been getting worse for last 9 years, and I see pain clinic consultants at least twice a year. In my case, I would not take the idea of taking an antidepressant lightly, but due to suicidal ideation and my worsening depression I had to take action - I have 2 children and it would not have been fair on them should I have taken it further....if you know what I mean. I did drop my dose last summer and was okay for 6 months, but SAd on top of chronic pain forced me to get the dose increased again over the winter. I have also accessed many psychological therpaies over last few years......sadly the long term effects of gabapentin on my cognitive centre of my grain and memory and chronic pain leaves me needing the meds I take. I would hope that people not be judgemental about others, I have a 2i in pharmacology, so I can assure you I trid everything else first and at the same time, and take no meds without thinking of the side effects also.

    • Posted

      Dear Holly, you must be so smart to get that marked..have you.. I used to take gaba, prega,delux,topi,butrans..you named..it but temporary only coz I couldn't go through with the pain..until I read in the website..and I have got my besgt friend who is always letg me know about the side effect, my health care (gp) and neurologist were excellent.they asked me to try stopping with all the medication..so I tried really hard..I was housebound then..I have to resign from my work..it was that bad..so I thought to my self..I could no0t do this anyhmore..my body like being hit by truck each day..from a very proactive person who always work from 8 to 8 or 0 pm each day to a vegetable..I feel sorry for my husband and sons.so I pull my self together..it is very hard..believe me..i UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM..but I just thought enough is enough..so I pull my self together, as I could feel it a year ago..my legs went numbs.if I carry on like this I know I am going to be in a a wheelchair..so I join pain management..I do slowly..very difficult chore for me (people find it easy) from walking one step to 2 steps at home, then went to hydro..walking at the swimming pool with the carer or friend/s..then start walking 2 - 4 minutes increased daily..start drinking water from 1 - 3 liters daily..eatinng healthy..keep doing exercises,..I reduce my gaba/prega/sowly reduce mydelux..then after 6 months I start taking suplements likes grape extracts, omega 3, eating beetroot, kale, quinoa, gluten free, bath with epson salt each week, spraymassage with magnesium oil each day..after 16 months like thise, I take no medication at all, I STILL FEEL PAIN dont get me wrong..but it is bareable..but I keep praying each day..and thinking positive that each I am going to get better than yesterday..my mood get better each day... all my health care team (gp and specialist were really surprise, they even asked : what supplements did i take..etc..etc) hence I know what is like..et the end of the day, we are responsible for our own health..and if we are above 40 it is more difficult..however who else will help help us..when the weather is better..summer.I will go to the beach just immerse my body in the sea (the sea haqve so much magnesium which is good for our mood..) It is not wasy..every one is different..but IN MY OPINION if we want to be better, we have to force ourself..as at the end of the day..we are going to suffer our self if we not going to make ourself better..I have being unwell like 18 months ago..I still have a long way to go..but I know each day I am going to be a bit better.....I HOPE YOU TOO ..Holly..Be poitive..do not give up..we are only young..!!! we still have another at least 40 years to go.....(LOL)
    • Posted

      I understand that we are all responsible for taking control of our own health, I have engaged in everything I have ever had access to, including diff. physio programmes....the best thing I did find was an 8 week course that was ran by Breathworks in UK on Mindfulness for people living in Chronic Pain. I most recently looked into having a neuromodulator fitted, at Leeds Pain Clinic, but I was not a good candidate at it is very invasive. I have been retired from work for 9 years now which I do find incredibly boring and frustrating, I have not taken antidepressants for that number of years, I managed quite well with swimming etc for first few years....my back however shoots into spasm very quickly these days, and my qulaity of life is pretty poor a lot of the time. I am lucky in that I have my Schnauzer to keep me company when my teacher husband is at work, my daughter at college doing her A levels and son about to do his GCSEs soon. I have always had a degree of SAD and the memory loss I have suffered on pregabalin / gabapentin have compounded my depression. I would never have taken these drugs if the doctr at pain clinic had been honest and open with me even when I said I felt it was having an effect on my memory etc. So yes, 20 years ago I was pretty intelligent, I knew my way arounf the pharmacology of certain medications more than most drs....I was hiighly trained by the companies I worked for and sold millions of pounds of meds but had the responsibility to sell ethically and to educate drs which patients they were suitable for and what doses etc, especially when we launched new products....I ty to live in the moment now, through Mindfulness, in the last few weeks I have fallen badly outside due to my back, and have am learning to try and fight the fear of it happening again, seemingly bounce well at 41 years old, as havent broken anything other than toes yet !
    • Posted

      Holly

      U & I sound like soul sisters from half world away.. I am similar in almost everything except the kids . And diff narcs to try to keep the fibro & back injury/ sciatic pain at bay . I am still in my pharmaceutical profession but finding it increasingly difficult due to the gabapentin side effects currently . people wish they had as healthy of a lifestyle that I live but they sit in judgement due to my incapacity to do certain things & have a hard time understanding that no two days are exactly the same . I say good on you girl for continuing the fight & let the gossipy judges blather on... Til it happens to them & watch them expect the world to stop ... Lol💜💜

  • Posted

    Forgive me I haven't read every reply here and your query was posted a year ago but one of the key things that jumps out at me in terms of gabapentin and mood is that you are not taking it correctly.

    Gabapentin has a very short 'half life', so it doesn't stay in your system long. That's why when we take it we take it three times a day. It also means if you suddenly stop taking it you may suffer withdrawl type symptoms. Personally if I miss a dose I get anxious, hot, sweaty and feel stressed.

    So dipping in and out of taking gabapentin only once or a few times increases your risk of feeling rubbish. It also doesn't help with pain if you do not take it regularly. It simply takes time to work. It's not a traditional painkiller and shouldn't be used that way.

    I have had some success with back/leg pain. It's not completely gone, but I feel like after a year my nervous system has calmed down to a certain point that the pain isn't so troubling. I'm planning to gradually come off gabapentin now.

    There is hope with pain and I hope you get there. Have a look at a youtube video called 'understanding pain in less than 5 minutes'. It's really interesting.

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