Gabapentin is the generic name of a drug sold as Gabarone or Neurontin in the United States. It is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of several conditions. Gabapentin may be prescribed to control epileptic seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, pain from nervous system conditions and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the Mayo Clinic reports. It may be administered as a pill, capsule or in a solution. Gabapentin works by raising the levels of GABA or gamma-amniobutyric acid in your brain. All serious side effects should be reported to your physician immediately.
Motion Side Effects
The use of gabapentin may induce some serious side effects that affect your bodily movement. The most common of these in most people who take the medication are uncontrolled motions. This can mean a continual rolling of the eyes, or moving them back and forth. It also can manifest as being clumsy while handling objects or by bumping into things. The medicine also can make you unsteady on your feet when walking, or make you feel unsteady when sitting or rising. Serious side effects of this nature that are common mostly in children include an increase in bodily motions and hyperactivity, the Mayo Clinic states.
Mental Side Effects
Gabapentin can cause some problems with mental activity, particularly in children, although they are possible in anyone who takes the medication. For example, behavior may change and you may become aggressive when taking the drug. You also may become anxious for no discernible reason. You may have problems concentrating on normal things and, in children, this can mean a change in how the child performs in school. Bouts of crying also are common, as is mental depression. Conversely, it is possible to feel euphoric or have a feeling all is well even when it is not. Your moods can change and swing dramatically and rapidly when taking gabapentin. You also may feel suspicious of people and their actions and not trust them. People who take gabapentin also may overreact to things, be too emotional and react more rapidly than may be appropriate in the situation. Restlessness also is a potential serious side effect, as is mental confusion. The most serious potential common side effect is suicidality, which means you may think about killing yourself or take action to do so.
Body Side Effects
Taking the anticonvulsant also may produce some problems elsewhere in your body. For example, taking gabapentin can produce pain in your chest or make you faint, Drugs.com states. There also may be heart rate changes such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) when taking the medicine. You also may get severe headaches and experience shortness of breath, among other serious side effects, including the potential for seizures.
