Gabapentin
From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug primarily used to treat epilepsy. It is being used off-label for ME/CFS and fibromyalgia patients mostly to augment pain relief.[1][2][3] Common brand names are Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise.[4] A newer, slightly different, version of gabapentin has been developed, named pregabalin.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Many side effects have been reported. This list is compiled by the Mayo Clinic.[5]
More commonly ones reported are:
- clumsiness
- unsteadiness, and continuous, uncontrolled, back-and-forth, or rolling eye movements
More commonly one reported in children are:
- aggressive behavior or other behavior problems
- anxiety
- concentration problems and change in school performance
- crying
- depression
- false sense of well-being
- hyperactivity or increase in body movements
- rapidly changing moods
- reacting too quickly, too emotional, or overreacting
- restlessness
- suspiciousness or distrust
Less commonly ones reported are:
- 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
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- swollen glands
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Learn more[edit | edit source]
- Nov 9, 2016, Gabapentin Side Effects: The Dangers Of Off-Label Prescriptions’ Surprising Side Effects, by Samantha Olson
- 2016, Gabapentin (Neurontin) for ME
- June 07, 2004, When drugs are used off-label, by Daniel Costello
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Is gabapentin (Neurontin, others) an effective fibromyalgia treatment? - Mayo Clinic - Fibromyalgia
- ↑ Gabapentin Shown Effective for Fibromyalgia Pain Gabapentin Shown Effective for Fibromyalgia Pain - NIH
- ↑ Gabapentin (Neurontin) for ME - Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- ↑ Gabapentin (Includes Brand Names - Drugs.com
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064011