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Constipation from Gabapentin (Neurotin)

Posted by busylady @busylady, 1 day ago

Has anyone found that Gabapentin causes constipation? I have taken Gabapentin for 30 years and have been suffering from constipation for just as long. I take Metamucil every day to try to combat this and I also try to incorporate prebiotics in my diet from food such as fermented sauerkraut, pickles and olives. All of this does help but the Metamucil “gasses me up” so much that it is difficult to be around people because of uncontrolled gas!
I take MiraLAX when needed. I was once on Linzess but that didnt really work any better than MiraLAX, and it was an “out of pocket” expense.
Any input is appreciated. I am grateful to belong to this group where we can all share our “GI issues” and many times get helpful tips in return.

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Mentor
Janell, Volunteer Mentor | @jlharsh | 13 hours ago

Hi @busylady, you pose a great question! I am sorry you live needing to manage constipation, and now for 30 years.

I have this thought as you wait for others having first-hand experience with Gabapentin, coming off of listening to what I thought was an insightful pharmacist’s perspective of backing out and periodically reevaluating. You may just benefit taking a fresh look at everything you are taking, reviewing with your doctor or pharmacist.
- One, it’s easy to miss that the reasons a drug/supplement was initially started may not apply today.
- Also, I had never thought that as my age changes, my body changes, and how drugs work in my body change, our anilments accumulate.
- Then, you bring up another of his thoughts about taking one thing to counteract something else, taking Metamucil to combat the Gabapentin. What need does that create?
At some point, the smart thing to do may be to sit down and re-evaluate from scratch. Maybe there are newer drugs you haven’t considered because the Gabapentin has been working good enough. I am happy to find the article if you want to read/listen. Just let me know.

Do you take other medications? Is it possible, worth working with your doctor to taper down the Gabapentin to see if your constipation improves? Would tweaking your diet help, what other type of foods do you eat regularly?

REPLY
1 reply
catherine1290 | @catherine1290 | 4 hours ago
In reply to @jlharsh "Hi @busylady, you pose a great question! I am sorry you live needing to manage constipation,..." + (show)
@jlharsh

Hi @busylady, you pose a great question! I am sorry you live needing to manage constipation, and now for 30 years.

I have this thought as you wait for others having first-hand experience with Gabapentin, coming off of listening to what I thought was an insightful pharmacist’s perspective of backing out and periodically reevaluating. You may just benefit taking a fresh look at everything you are taking, reviewing with your doctor or pharmacist.
- One, it’s easy to miss that the reasons a drug/supplement was initially started may not apply today.
- Also, I had never thought that as my age changes, my body changes, and how drugs work in my body change, our anilments accumulate.
- Then, you bring up another of his thoughts about taking one thing to counteract something else, taking Metamucil to combat the Gabapentin. What need does that create?
At some point, the smart thing to do may be to sit down and re-evaluate from scratch. Maybe there are newer drugs you haven’t considered because the Gabapentin has been working good enough. I am happy to find the article if you want to read/listen. Just let me know.

Do you take other medications? Is it possible, worth working with your doctor to taper down the Gabapentin to see if your constipation improves? Would tweaking your diet help, what other type of foods do you eat regularly?

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You didn't mention the reason you take Gabapentin. It was originally approved for seizures and later given off label for neuropathy and pain.

REPLY
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | 3 hours ago

@busylady
What do you take the gabapentin for? Have you ever tried to come off of it or lower your dosage?
https://www.healthline.com/health/epilepsy/gabapentin-side-effects

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