Gabapentin causing my GI problems?
 

All,

It has been some time since I've posted, so thanks again in advance for a great forum!

As a refresher, I have idiopathic neuropathy of both feet and ankles, and have so far not found a mechanical or metabolic cause. But we'll keep searching...

These days I am on Gabapentin 1800mg/day, ramped up over time from 100. Two months after I hit 1500 mg/day I began with GI problems: reflux, upset stomach, bloating, burping. Because I experienced this twice before in my life 1999, and 2003, I immediately saw the GI doc I was established with.

Since one of the side effects of Gabapentin is "GI Distress" (whatever that means), I asked on two different visits if that could be the cause. Both times I felt like they didn't even consider it. Recently, we upped my dose to 1800mg/day, and it seems like the upset stomachs and bloating are more frequent with a nice dose of nausea. Interestingly, the reflux is gone.

So have others experienced GI problems with Gabapentin like this? If so, what was your solution?

As the dose of gabapentin is increased, less is absorbed.

Very few papers or studies examine what happens to your GI tract when this occurs.

this website...
http://www.drugcite.com/?q=gabapentin

gives FDA medwatch reports on side effects for many drugs.

Click on some of them for details.

At this point, I would not lie down, for at least an hour or 2 after taking the night time dose. Many things reflux at night. Especially after a large meal or a high fat meal.

Thanks MrsD. I did see something like that before but not in such a nice form. Thanks again!

Yes, good tip on the reflux. Thank goodness that has gone away.

I should have mentioned the bloating and constipation feels like things are moving through my system very, very slowly.

I recall a google search turning up something about Gabapentin affecting the vegus nerve that controls digestion. Or maybe it was just a working theory on a forum somewhere. Ever run into a discussion about that? I plan to carry this data back to my GI.

glad i saw your post as I already have Barrett's esphogus and I"m on nexium so i better not take that one for sure . Some folks say if they left their beds 6 inches it helps with the reflux.
elizabeth

I sleep on a 12' foam wedge (they're available in various sizes at medical/surgical supply stores, craft/upholstery stores. I use it for a combination of things, but it was a lot cheaper & easier than a hospital bed or inclining the whole mattress.

Dac - My wife is taking gabapentin for FM & stenosis. She's had some GI issues, but timing of doses has resolved them, AFAIK. Taking when vertical, taking with certain foods/small snacks.... I'd just double check for any interactions (not aware of any foods that do, but haven't dug in....

Doc