Side effects of gabapentin

These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves.

There are things you can do to help cope with them.

Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better.

As your body gets used to gabapentin, these side effects should wear off. If they do not wear off within a week or two, your doctor may reduce your dose or increase it more slowly. If that does not work, your doctor may suggest a different medicine.

Take gabapentin with or after a meal or snack. It may also help if you do not eat rich or spicy food. Take small sips of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

Take small sips of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe, watery diarrhoea, or any diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, while taking gabapentin, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If you feel this medicine is causing mood changes, talk to your doctor. They may be able to change you to a different medicine.

Try sitting with your feet raised on a chair or bed. When you stand up, try not to stand for too long. Gently exercising your arms might help. Talk to your doctor if this does not get better.

Avoid driving, cycling or using tools or machinery while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a couple of days, speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.

Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets. Brush your teeth twice a day and see your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Speak to your doctor. They may be able to change your medicine or offer other treatments that might help with this problem.

Gabapentin can make you more hungry, so it can be easy to put on weight.

Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods.

Doing more exercise will also help.

If you're having problems with your memory, speak to your doctor. They may want you to try a different medicine.

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking gabapentin. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.

If you notice this, speak to your doctor.

Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor if this advice does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.