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What Causes Loose Stools After Taking Gabapentin?
Question: I started taking Gabapentin yesterday at the dose of 100mg 3 times a day and today I have had 3 loose stools. The side effect says to consult with your doctor if this happens but of course it is the weekend. Should I discontinue? I am having neck surgery on Monday which is why the surgeon wanted me to start taking it.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Here are a few options you can consider:
1. Although your own doctor may not be taking calls today, if you call his or her office phone number you will most likely get an answering service who will have the doctor-on-call for your doctor call you back. You can then explain the type of surgery you are having on Monday and discuss with him or her.
2. Did your doctor want you to take the gabapentin in advance of the surgery for your own comfort until you are treated definitively with surgery? Or was there another reason for it's use in preparation for the surgery? If it is strictly to decrease pain, and if you can get by without it, then you may consider decreasing the dosage by half and see if that helps your diarrhea.
3. Eating rice that has been cooked for a longer amount of time than called for, with extra water, can help make stools more firm and slow down the motility, but if you are still having trouble, then a lower dose or discontinuation may be needed, depending on the reason for taking it.
I hope this information helps.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Here are a few options you can consider:
1. Although your own doctor may not be taking calls today, if you call his or her office phone number you will most likely get an answering service who will have the doctor-on-call for your doctor call you back. You can then explain the type of surgery you are having on Monday and discuss with him or her.
2. Did your doctor want you to take the gabapentin in advance of the surgery for your own comfort until you are treated definitively with surgery? Or was there another reason for it's use in preparation for the surgery? If it is strictly to decrease pain, and if you can get by without it, then you may consider decreasing the dosage by half and see if that helps your diarrhea.
3. Eating rice that has been cooked for a longer amount of time than called for, with extra water, can help make stools more firm and slow down the motility, but if you are still having trouble, then a lower dose or discontinuation may be needed, depending on the reason for taking it.
I hope this information helps.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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