Gabapentin: A Drug That Can Ruin Your Life

Gabapentin is a medication that is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome. It is a generic drug that has been on the market for over 20 years. However, in recent years, there have been growing concerns about the safety of gabapentin.

How Gabapentin Can Ruin Your Life

Gabapentin can cause a number of side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Suicidal thoughts

In some cases, gabapentin can also cause more serious side effects, such as:

• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Death

The Dangers of Gabapentin

The dangers of gabapentin are well-documented. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the risks of gabapentin, including the risk of death. The FDA also required gabapentin manufacturers to add a black box warning to the drug's label, which is the most serious type of warning that the FDA can issue.

The FDA's warning is based on a number of studies that have shown that gabapentin can increase the risk of death in people who take it. One study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that people who took gabapentin were 35% more likely to die from any cause than people who did not take the drug.

Who Is at Risk for Gabapentin Side Effects?

Anyone who takes gabapentin is at risk for side effects. However, certain people are at a higher risk, including:

• People who are elderly
• People who have kidney problems
• People who have liver problems
• People who take other medications that can cause drowsiness
• People who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse

What to Do If You Are Experiencing Gabapentin Side Effects

If you are experiencing any side effects from gabapentin, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may lower your dose or switch you to a different medication.

Alternatives to Gabapentin

There are a number of other medications that can be used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome. These medications include:

• Pregabalin
• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Topiramate
• Valproic acid

Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.

Conclusion

Gabapentin is a dangerous drug that can have serious side effects, including death. If you are taking gabapentin, it is important to be aware of the risks and to talk to your doctor about whether the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks.

Tables

Table 1: Gabapentin Side Effects

Table 2: Serious Gabapentin Side Effects

Table 3: Alternatives to Gabapentin