Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Gabapentin as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Gabapentin use can result in depression of the central nervous system and lead to episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication
- Individuals taking gabapentin can also present compromised memory and forgetfulness. Individuals taking gabapentin can develop anterograde amnesia, which is a compromised ability to form new memories after the intake of medication.
- Gabapentin use, especially in individuals with history of anxiety and bipolar disorder, carries risk of deterioration of mood disorders and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
- Discontinuing abruptly on gabapentin intake or significant reduction of gabapentin dose, after prolonged use, can result in exacerbation of anxiety, relapse and rebound of the panic episodes, precipitation of seizure episodes, exacerbation of nerve pain, muscle spasms, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms of insomnia and behavior changes. Discontinuing the medication should be gradual, using tapering doses, and only as recommended by your physician.
