I have tried to take Gabapentin on 2 or 3 occasions for migraines. On the second or third day ,I have uncontrollable diahrea. Any thoughts ?
Can Gabapentin cause you to lose control of your bowels?
Question posted by Big43foot on 26 July 2013
Last updated on 17 March 2019 by c029016
5 Answers
c029016
17 March 2019
Absolutely. I've had this same problem after use. For migraines I recommend Sprix. Please talk to your doctor about this medication. It has worked miracles for me.
butterflylynn
28 July 2013
Bigfoot,
I am surprised that your dr. put you on Gabapentin for migraines.
What type of migraines are you having? Like where is your pain located in your head? Also has your dr. given you any other medications for your migraines?
I have chronic migraines on the left side of my head.
I take Doxepin daily as a maintenance medication & when I have Migraines I take Zomig which is a nasal spray. Since it is a mist into your nose it starts working immediately. So as soon as I feel a migraine coming on I use the Zomig & it usually stops the migraine.
I also have Hemicranial headaches which are located in your eyes. They are the worst ... It literally feels like someone is twisting a screwdriver right into my eye socket into my brain. I take Indomethacin for these type of migraines.
So if you could describe the pain & any other medications you have tried? I Really hope you get some relief soon.
Take care, Kathy
Big43foot
28 July 2013
Mine start around my left eye and work their way around to the back of my head and sometimes to the top of my I use Dymista nasal spray and a Neti pot to help. I used imetrex when I get a migraine. I really appreciate your input.
Big43foot
28 July 2013
I am currently trying Lyrica to prevent the migraines. I have not had a migraine since yesterday morning,so maybe that is a good sign . I just started the Lyrica last night.
MacIntosh12
27 July 2013
Hi Big43foot,
I've taken the highest amount of gabapentin that is prescribed and never had anything of this nature happen. How many milligrams are you taking?
So, you've tried Gab two or three times and had that incident every time? If so, ask your doctor for a different medication for your migraines, how horrible, you must be home-bound when you have to take it because you can't leave the bathroom! I feel for you. Lyrica, the sister medication of Gabapentin works in a similar way, and it seems that people can tolerate one or the other.
There are also many migraine medications available.
If this continues, without taking any medication, get yourself a good gastroenterologist. A gastro doc can determine the why of these incidents. Very important to do, don't ignore it.
Best wishes to you Big43foot,
Lara
Big43foot
27 July 2013
It is 300 MG. I am going to see a gastro Doc.
Big43foot
27 July 2013
Thank you very much for your input. I am desparate to find something that will get my migraines under control.
MacIntosh12
27 July 2013
I bet you are desperate, they are so painful and can really wreck you for days.
Obviously the gabapentin is not the answer for you. I do hope your doctor finds something you can tolerate well and no side effects, especially that one!
Wishing you the best, pain control without diarrhea!
Lara
Big43foot
27 July 2013
Thanks! I will be glad to post the solution to my migraine problem when I find it. I am going to ask the Doc about Lyrica.
MacIntosh12
27 July 2013
That would be lovely if you posted about your progress. Lyrica isn't the only medication used for migraines, though. It's just a close relative of gabapentin.
There are so many meds out there now for migraine, you should have a myriad to choose from.
I wish you the best,
Lara
Big43foot
27 July 2013
I took a 150 MG Lyrica last night at bedtime and no headache on day 1. I normally wake up with one. :0)
MacIntosh12
27 July 2013
Hi bigfoot,
That's just great, hope Lyrica keeps working for you and NO digestive problems. Love to hear good news like yours.
Lara
Big43foot
27 July 2013
Thanks so much for the help, Lara. I will keep posting my progress.
MacIntosh12
27 July 2013
My pleasure, Bigfoot!
Big43foot
27 July 2013
:0) I am Carroll , AKA BIG43FOOT
MacIntosh12
27 July 2013
Welcome to this site, Carroll, loads of info and good people hang out here, hope you like it as well as most of us do.
endlessPred
26 July 2013
Just to clarify. Diarrhea is not losing control unless you didn't make it in time to a bathroom. If it happened once don't concern yourself with that label. It has to be a regular event. :-)
Big43foot
27 July 2013
I wake up with a warm feeling in my underwear. I don't even make it out of the bed. It has happened all three times I have tried to use Gabapentin.
Big43foot
27 July 2013
It is a regular event when I try to use Gabapentin.
endlessPred
27 July 2013
Thank you for clearing up the information. As I have a muscle disease this is something I watch out for. However, this is not a normal response to a nerve pain killer. There must be something else that is happening with you. I do hope you will find out soon. In the meantime I hope you are using one of those adult diapers. Not a pleasant way to wake up. Hope they can help you soon.
Inactive
26 July 2013
Hello Big43foot. Diahrea is considered a common side effect to taking Gabapentin. In clinical trials/studies it was reported occurring from 1 to 7% of people taking the drug. Regards pledge
Big43foot
26 July 2013
Thanks for your input. I am still looking for help with my migraines that occur almost every day. They wake me up in the morning.
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- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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