I've been taking Gabapentin for about 2yrs now. My teeth are now about gone. What I have left are not far behind. I experience terrible mouth pain & cellulite in my face. This is very embarrassing. It's bad enough that I'm fighting my illnesses. I also know others that are having the same problems with their teeth & they take Gabapentin.
Any updates on Gabapentin and oral tooth decay?
Question posted by ldybug65 on 8 June 2015
Last updated on 11 March 2024 by Bean59
Answers
I think I have been taking Gaba for around 4 years now. No problems with teeth prior. Since, I've had 2 molars pulled, cavaties filled and now the fronts of my teeth are chipping off, along w the rest of them wearing down and becoming sensitive. Gaba is the drug i take constant, 400mg 3x daily. I also take a statin religiously but feel the G is doing the number on my teeth. Ugh!
These are still side effects of gabapentin from this site (Drugs.com):
Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in one to three percent of treated patients. Anorexia, flatulence, and gingivitis have been reported frequently. Glossitis (inflammation and swelling of the tongue), gum hemorrhage, thirst, stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth), and increased salivation have been reported infrequently. Eructation (belch), blisters in mouth, tooth discoloration, salivary gland enlarged, lip hemorrhage, hematemesis (vomiting blood), and esophageal spasm have been reported rarely. Dyspepsia (like heartburn), dry mouth, dental abnormalities and weight gain have also been reported.
This is a huge list of mouth/teeth problems. I don't see any new solutions, either. Can you talk to your Dr. to see if Lyrica would be any better for you? Possibly it's time to get off the gabapentin, even without a similar drug to change to. I've refused to take either and have relied on other methods of pain management. ESI's (Epidural Steroidal Injections) and occasionally prednisone and Carisoprodol (Soma) have helped me avoid those drugs and spinal neurosurgery. A talk with your Dr. may help you more than you might think.
Related topics
pain, gabapentin, mouth, tooth decay, tooth
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.