gabapentin
Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are used along with other medications to help control certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. Gabapentin capsules, tablets, and oral solution are also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). Gabapentin extended-release tablets (Horizant) are used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down). Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Gabapentin relieves the pain of PHN by changing the way the body senses pain. It is not known exactly how gabapentin works to treat restless legs syndrome.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking gabapentin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether gabapentin can make it harder to get pregnant. Sexual dysfunction, including loss of desire to have sex and loss of ability to have an orgasm, has been reported in people taking gabapentin. Anyone with concerns about fertility while taking this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking gabapentin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. Studies have not been done in humans to determine whether gabapentin increases the chance of miscarriage, though animal studies reported an increased chance. This is something to discuss further with a healthcare provider.
Does taking gabapentin increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% background risk of birth defects. Small, controlled studies on gabapentin have not suggested an increased chance of birth defects, and no pattern of birth defects has been identified; however, one prescription-based study found a possible increase in heart defects among those who filled at least two prescriptions in the first trimester, though such studies have limitations. Gabapentin may also lower folic acid levels, and recommendations on folic acid intake vary, so this is best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking gabapentin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have reported pregnancy-related issues such as preterm delivery (before 37 weeks) or low birth weight (less than 2500 grams) with gabapentin use during pregnancy. It is difficult to know whether these outcomes are related to gabapentin itself, the underlying condition being treated, or other factors. When gabapentin is combined with opioids late in pregnancy, neonatal withdrawal has been reported, so it is important for healthcare providers to know about gabapentin use.
Can taking gabapentin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
One study of 378 children exposed to gabapentin during pregnancy did not find an increased chance of neurodevelopmental disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, intellectual disability, or communication-related disorders. Data in this area are still limited, so any specific concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking gabapentin?
Gabapentin enters breastmilk in low levels, and blood tests on breastfed infants have shown low or undetectable levels; reports of exposed infants did not note side effects. If symptoms such as drowsiness or trouble gaining weight are suspected, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking gabapentin should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
gabapentin