Can gabapentin cause muscle pain and cramps in arms & legs?

I took gabapentin and it used to know me out and I was walking funny. Then I started having seizures.

Gabapentin works for me - I couldn't live without it.

Peggy

Hello @sadeyes,

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing muscle pain and cramps as a result of taking gabapentin. This is not a common side effect of the medication and it's important to discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.

However, it's worth noting that some individuals may experience muscle pain or cramps as a side effect of gabapentin, although it's relatively rare. It's also possible that you may be experiencing a drug interaction with another medication you are taking, or it may be a result of an underlying condition.

If you're experiencing severe symptoms, I would highly recommend speaking with your doctor to see if an alternative treatment option may be more suitable for you.

Please take care and keep us updated on your progress.

Gabapentin is not just plain old GABA, but it uses similar receptors.

If you look up the medical treatment for severe (or non severe) muscle spasms, it's GABA. The supplement. Turns out it's a major neurotransmitter.... sometimes the basics are key....

hasn't happened to me, cramps from gabapentin, but i only take it sporadically for thankfully sporadic episodes of trigeminal neuralgia. if you go to a diabetes section you might ask there. people with diabetes often take this drug, I'm told, to relieve neuropathic leg and feet pain. I have had leg cramps, but they were alleviated by drinking more water and doing exercises to strengthen muscles between hips and legs. My podiatrist gave me exercises to do but if you just do an internet search for leg cramps exercises you'll find more info there. best of luck.

I was on Gabapentin for many years and I developed a terrible pain in my right thigh.
When I stopped taking it the pain went away. In my case the Gabapentin was contributing at least to that pain. I was off it for awhile and I felt good after the initial withdrawal. (About 2 weeks) The withdrawal was not severe just mainly tiredness and some mental fog the first week or so. I actually felt pretty good off of it.
I developed another pain in my right arm which was severe so I had to start taking it again. I noticed that the pain would be worse at night and the Gabapentin would make in more intense. It didn’t really help at all so I’m cutting back and stopping again to see if the arm pain subsides.

I fell at home, pinched nerves in my back. Had back surgery on the L4, L5, and L6. Had no issues till five years later going to the gym and noticed back pain in my lower back. Had an MRI done, and come to find out the Doctor who performed the surgery didn't put anything between these fir- brays so they feel on top of each other. Now I have a server back pain, plus cramps in my legs and feet. Keeps my activity to a minimum as I pay for it at night. Been having shots in my back plus have had radiofrequency procedures twice the first one worked well, but the second one was horrible as they missed one nerve which caused awful pain in my right side and down my leg causing a large muscle cramp I couldn't get rid of two months. They took another MRI and of course, my back is in a worse condition than before the Doctor wanted me to have surgery now he says he would not touch my back. I'm lucky that I'm healthy other than these back, leg's, and feet cramps.

Good question for the pharmacist and/or the doctor who prescribed the medication.

Commonly reported side effects of gabapentin include dizziness, sleepiness, balance problems, blurred vision, coordination problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, increased pain (including pain in extremities, back pain and joint pain), brain fog, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Some patients may experience weight gain. See this blog about gabapentin side effects, effectiveness and alternatives: https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/gabapentin-side-effects-effectiveness-and-alternatives

About 12 yrs ago my neurologist said I could increase my gaba dose for neuropathy pain to as much as 600mg x 4 per day. I am 5 ft tall and 110 lbs. After numerous falls and alot of sleeping, I decided I was way “doped” and started to cut back based on my own need.