Does gabapentin cause diarrhea?

"Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10% of users): Diarrhea, dry mouth or throat, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia"
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about OTC remedies that are compatible with your medication. Also, increases in dosage often cause new or recurring side effects that generally resolve rather quickly. Talk to your doctor if it's persistent.

I've been on 2400mg for years and suddenly hit with heavy diarrhea. I tried everything from food changes to skipping Omeprazole and nothing helped. I finally got with my Dr. and he changed the Gabapentin to time release and no more diarrhea. Then recently, diarrhea is back, so went through the process again and discovered that some how my Rx bottle says Gabapentin SCI (spinal cord injury) instead of ER (extended release). I'll be making some Dr./Pharm phone calls today!!!

That’s the culprit

I took one 300mg last night and now have had three diarrhea trips today - it’s the only change to my habits - I will stop immediately (after one dose) and test it again.

I have been on gabapentin for 3 months now. I have had diarrhea every day since. Depending on the food I eat makes me run to the bathroom. I will say it's sometimes annoying but I am enjoying the weight loss I have had and it is much better the the excruciating nerve pain I was in prior. They should note it causes diarrhea not weight gain.

I was on 300mg of Gabapentin 3x a day for years. I now have a new doctor and she has upped it to 600mg of Gabapentin 3x a day. Since then I have had so much gas and diarrhea it's horrible, to say the least. Who can live on the toilet let's not even think about going someplace? Ugh! I don't understand why I had been taking the original dose for years and didn't have this side effect but now I do? I mean and this is explosive when you go to the bathroom. ( sorry if too much information) I'm going to give it another week or so but I can't keep taking this if it's going to do this to me. I need to set up Physical therapy appointments and can't do that if I'm living on the toilet. I haven't tried Imodium yet but from reading all your responses doesn't sound like it's going to help much? Anyone has any advice I will take it!

I have been on this drug for quite awhile due to chemo induced neuropathy. I was taking 3x per day 300mg. They were capsules. It was very good I liked taking it. I had diarrhea but I have radiation proctitis. That seemed to be better or at least I handled it better. Dosage was upped to 600 mph 3x/day as I got shingles. It was decided I’d stay there a as it was very good. Still liked the capsules. Changed to pills as it came down to less pills. Each pill is 600 mg. Different manufacturer. I am looking to change. Diarrhea is horrible, I feel drugged and somewhat low. Lazy. I’m looking to change. Lyrics maybe.

I'm currently at a whopping 3200 mg daily for nerve pain in my legs. The pain was so excruciating I wanted to die. I've had diarrhea now for 1 1/2 months.
I appreciate the probiotic suggestion. I wonder if Lyrica has the same affect..

I am on 900mg of gabapentin and I just started that dose on Wednesday and today is black Friday and the diarrhea started yesterday which was Thanksgiving and I have spent two whole days running to the bathroom every 20 to 30 minutes.. I also have tried to look for diarrhea as a side effect of gabapentin and found nothing. this is the only new thing that has changed in my meds because I didn't eat Thanksgiving dinner nor have I ate today and the diarrhea is still coming on strong!! So it's not my diet, but everything I drink even goes right thru me!! I'm not sure if I can handle much more of this and see if it subsides in a few days n continue taking or just stop all together because my feet and legs dont hurt anymore..

I have same problem..so take probiotics and also if it gets really bad I take Imodium..doesn’t go away completely but helps a lot..hope this helps.

gabapentin does cause diarrhea

I’m so glad I found this. I just started Gabapentin a couple of days ago for shingles and I have been having raging diarrhea day and night since but when I looked everywhere for the side effects it’s not listed as one anywhere so I couldn’t figure out what was happening. It’s definitely helped my pain but it’s kind of hard to have a life when you can’t be get away from the bathroom. I don’t understand how they can’t list it as a side effect when it’s CLEARLY a side effect.

Yep just started a week ago have not had anything close to a solid BM since. Will be stopping immediately.

I have read all the responses on the side effects of gabapentin. Today I had a pre-booked, double appointment with the doctor that I am registered with, instead of just seeing whoever is available. She was very good, and told me that most of the medications prescribed for nerve and other types of pain have this effect. Not what I wanted to hear, but at least I can now make my own decision on taking it. As a trial, I am going to try codeine,which can cause constipation but at least sensible eating can help with it. I honestly don't think that gabapentin is good.

I have been taking gabapentin for 2 years. My first dosage was 300mg twice a day. It was not helping me with the pain. It was increased to 600 mg twice a day. Now it was increased to 900 mg 3 times a day. I also take 50 mg of Tramadol twice a day. I have severe diarrhea - especially at night. I have back pain and it is intense pain. The increase in mgs has helped but I am miserable. I don't sleep well because I have to get up several times during the night. I guess I am going to have to deal with it. It is better than being in pain all day.