Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat seizures. Neurontin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Neurontin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster).
People who are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, should tell their doctor before taking gabapentin.
Pregnant women should only take the drug if it is absolutely necessary. However, it is also essential to control seizures while pregnant.
Do not start or stop taking gabapentin for seizure control before talking to the doctor, who will assess the potential risks and benefits.
Gabapentin passes into breast milk, but its effects on babies are unknown. It is best to discuss this issue with a doctor before breastfeeding.
Potential for a drug allergy
Individuals with gabapentin allergies should not take the drug.
Also, the medication may contain other ingredients that can trigger allergy symptoms in some people. Discuss all drug and food allergies with a doctor before taking gabapentin.
Other safety considerations
Because gabapentin can cause drowsiness, anyone taking the drug should exercise caution while driving or using machinery.
Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking gabapentin, as antacids reduce the body’s ability to absorb the drug.
People should also avoid alcohol or limit their intake while on gabapentin because there is a risk of adverse reactions.
Takeaway
Doctors prescribe gabapentin to control seizures, treat RLS, and reduce nerve pain.
Several types of gabapentin are available, and different forms can treat different medical issues.
The right dosage will vary, depending on the condition and other factors. A doctor can best advise about drug interactions and other safety considerations.
Although gabapentin has the potential to cause several adverse reactions, many people experience no serious side effects.
What is the Side Effects of Gabapentin and Can Gabapentin Causes Erectile Dysfunction ?
I was just hoping that you might have the answer I am hoping for? I started taking gabapentin 300mg twice a day, then 3 times a day, then 600mg twice a day then 3 times a day, now after 2 to 3 years later 800mg 3 times a day.
My doctor says it won’t cause erectile dysfunction but it started very soon after the 300mg 3 times a day. I tried Viagra and Cialis very little help. My wife is very displeased and sometimes thinks it is something to do with her. I know it has nothing to do with her as she is my bride of 24 years and my soul mate spirit. I have very bad pain that the gabapentin used to help with but it now seems it helps no more.
I would rather have my manhood back and my bride be happy and me than be in pain that just won’t go away. To get to the real question, how slowly should I get off the gabapentin and will I ever be able to get back to normal?
I will have to just have to tolerate the pain now that I have my diabetes under control. I rarely have to take my diabetes medicine but a few times a week because it makes my numbers to low and I black out when they get to low.
Usually 82 morning, 92 lunch, and 98 dinner. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Answers:
Unfortunately gabapentin can cause impotence.
Side effects of the Urogenital System:
Infrequent: urinary tract infection, dysuria, impotence, urinary incontinence, vaginal moniliasis, breast pain, menstrual disorder, polyuria, urinary retention
Rare: cystitis, ejaculation abnormal, swollen penis, gynecomastia, nocturia, pyelonephritis, swollen scrotum, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urine abnormality.
Talk to your doctor about coming off gabapentin and he/she could put you on some other medicine to help the pain. You don’t have to ween off gabapentin but please get your doctor to monitor you once you are off.