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Is shortness of breath a side effect of gabapentin?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 16, 2026

FDA is warning that serious breathing difficulties may occur when gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR) is taken with other medicines that depress the central nervous system (CNS) such as opioids, in those patients who have underlying respiratory problems, or in the elderly.

What kind of breathing problems does gabapentin cause?

Gabapentinoids are often being combined with CNS depressants, which increases the risk of respiratory depression. There is less evidence supporting the risk of serious breathing difficulties in healthy individuals taking gabapentinoids alone.

What is the most common side effect of gabapentin?

Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) is a medication used to help manage certain epileptic seizures and relieve pain for some conditions, such as shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Dizziness and drowsiness are common gabapentin side effects. Weight gain and uncoordinated movement are possible side effects.

Can gabapentin make your chest feel heavy?

tightness in the chest or throat. fever. gland swelling that does not go away. swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue.

Does gabapentin cause heart palpitations?

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: abnormal heartbeat or heart palpitations.

17 related questions found

Does gabapentin cause heartburn?

It is possible to experience not only diarrhea, but you may also have symptoms like nausea or constipation while on the drug. Some people also report heartburn as a side effect. Unless the gastrointestinal symptoms become severe, doctors will often recommend changes in diet to combat them while on gabapentin.

Do gabapentin side effects go away?

Most side effects are mild and it is expected that they will go away after several days. Generally side effects are worse after starting taking gabapentin or increasing the dose. It is important to persist in taking gabapentin as these side effects usually wear off.

Why you should not take gabapentin?

Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine. Gabapentin may cause vision changes, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or trouble with thinking.

How long can you take gabapentin for nerve pain?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “the efficacy and safety of gabapentin have not been examined in clinical studies for treatment periods longer than five months.” However, gabapentin can be taken longer than five months, should a treating physician deem it necessary, provided the patient does not ...

What is the most common cause of shortness of breath?

The most common causes of acute dyspnea are: Pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Blood clot in your lungs (pulmonary embolism) Choking (blocking of the respiratory tract)

Can I take gabapentin if I have COPD?

People who take gabapentin or pregabalin may have serious breathing difficulties if they are already at risk for respiratory issues. Known as gabapentinoids, these medications can be dangerous for patients to take who have conditions such as COPD, or any condition that reduces lung function.

What drugs can cause breathing problems?

List of Drugs that may cause Difficulty In Breathing (Dyspnea)

  • Agalsidase. ...
  • Alglucosidase. ...
  • Anagrelide. ...
  • Anidulafungin. ...
  • Cilostazol. ...
  • Crizotinib. ...
  • Denileukin Diftitox. ...
  • Epoprostenol.

Is it OK to stop gabapentin suddenly?

Abruptly stopping gabapentin could make your symptoms worse. It could even be dangerous. You might have a serious reaction like seizures if you quit suddenly.

What should I avoid while taking gabapentin?

Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before you take gabapentin. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb gabapentin. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking gabapentin.

How fast can you stop taking gabapentin?

Talk with a doctor first

Typically, a person should gradually decrease the dose of gabapentin over a minimum of 1 week before discontinuing the drug completely, according to gabapentin prescribing information.

Can gabapentin cause anxiety?

Adverse reactions following the abrupt discontinuation of gabapentin have also been reported. The most frequently reported reactions were anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating.

Can I take vitamin D with gabapentin?

No interactions were found between gabapentin and Vitamin D3.

Can I take gabapentin with high blood pressure?

Hypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases and public health problems worldwide. Our previous study indicated that oral gabapentin can markedly attenuate blood pressure in chronic kidney disease-induced hypertension.

Does gabapentin heal damaged nerves?

Gabapentin is approved to treat the type of nerve pain (neuralgia) that results from nerve damage. Gabapentin is used to treat neuralgia caused by a herpes zoster viral infection, also known as shingles. This pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and it can be severe and chronic.

What's the side effects of gabapentin 300 mg?

Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tiredness, blurred/double vision, unusual eye movements, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can you take acid reflux medicine with gabapentin?

What you should do about this interaction: Avoid taking aluminum or magnesium containing products (such as antacids) for 2 hours before your gabapentin. If you notice any signs of seizures, including abnormal auras or motor movements, contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist).

What happens if you take gabapentin and antacids?

Antacids can reduce the amount of gabapentin that the body takes in so it does not work as well. To stop this happening, if you need to take an antacid, take it at least 2 hours before or after your dose of gabapentin.

Does gabapentin help acid reflux?

At present, gabapentin has no proven direct anti-reflux effects even though the cough resolution by gabapentin and baclofen is expected to reduce the number of reflux episodes by interrupting the self-perpetuating “vicious cycle” of reflux and cough (39).

Is 300mg of gabapentin a lot?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 300 milligrams (mg) three times per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 1800 mg per day (600 mg three times per day).

How long can I take gabapentin 300mg?

Administer NEURONTIN three times a day using 300 mg or 400 mg capsules, or 600 mg or 800 mg tablets. The maximum time between doses should not exceed 12 hours.