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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Gabapentin On The Body?

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Posted on Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Question: I have been on Gabapentin 600 -900 mgs daily for 3 1/2 years, I have Trigeminal Neuralgia (Typical kind and the drug has given me my life back as I am a singer by profession ( hard to even speak with a TN flare up!) My concern is the long term effect this drug may have in the long run on my liver, kidneys, pancreas....etc.
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Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
options discussed

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.
The fact remains that the medicine is quite safe.
I agree that the side effects are present , but they are usually mild and usually do not cause damage in the long term. In fact the most common side effects are movement disorders and psychiatric symptoms.
However, I agree that the chances are there. So it's best to get an annual check up. If the levels go high, you can taper.
I also suggest adding amitryptiline to the therapy. it'd effective too. And may help reduce the dose of gabapentine.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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What Are The Long Term Effects Of Gabapentin On The Body?

Brief Answer: options discussed Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Mittal. I have read your query. I think I would be able to help you. The fact remains that the medicine is quite safe. I agree that the side effects are present , but they are usually mild and usually do not cause damage in the long term. In fact the most common side effects are movement disorders and psychiatric symptoms. However, I agree that the chances are there. So it's best to get an annual check up. If the levels go high, you can taper. I also suggest adding amitryptiline to the therapy. it'd effective too. And may help reduce the dose of gabapentine. I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.