What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a medication that was initially developed to treat epilepsy. It is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain (MedlinePlus).
Gabapentin was first synthesized in the 1970s and approved for medical use in 1993. It is now also commonly used to treat nerve pain caused by shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and other conditions. In veterinary medicine, gabapentin may be used for chronic pain control, seizure disorders, and behavior disorders in cats and dogs (Cleveland Clinic1).
In humans, gabapentin is typically used alongside other medications to control partial seizures in epilepsy. It has also been found to help relieve neuralgia pain following shingles and numbness or tingling from diabetes. Gabapentin is available under the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, and Horizant (Wikipedia2).
1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21561-gabapentin
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabapentin
Gabapentin use in veterinary medicine
Gabapentin is commonly prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of chronic pain, nerve pain, seizures, and anxiety in dogs. It works by altering electrical activity in the brain and nerves, resulting in a calming, pain-relieving effect (VCA Animal Hospitals).
For pain management, gabapentin is often used to treat neuropathic pain associated with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and spinal cord injuries in dogs (Di Cesare, 2023). It may also be prescribed after surgery to alleviate post-operative pain.
For seizure control, gabapentin can be used alone or combined with other anti-convulsant medications to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in dogs with epilepsy (Wedgewood Pharmacy).
The typical dosage of gabapentin for dogs is 5-20 mg per kg of body weight, given 2-3 times daily. Veterinarians may start with lower doses and gradually increase over time to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects (Wedgewood Pharmacy).
Potential side effects of gabapentin
Gabapentin can cause several side effects in dogs. The most common side effects are sedation and mild coordination problems like unsteadiness or wobbliness (VCA Animal Hospitals). These effects often lessen over time as the dog’s body adjusts to the medication. Sedation from gabapentin can range from mild drowsiness to being very sleepy, depending on the dosage and the individual dog (PetMD). Wobbliness or incoordination from gabapentin is also dose-dependent and is usually mild and temporary. However, in some cases it can be more severe.
Less common side effects of gabapentin in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite, and behavioral changes like restlessness or agitation (AKC). These side effects may be more likely at higher dosages. Rarely, dogs experience more concerning reactions like severe sedation, respiratory depression, or kidney toxicity. If any severe or persistent side effects occur, veterinary attention is recommended.
Why gabapentin can cause wobbliness
Gabapentin can cause side effects related to balance and coordination in dogs. At therapeutic doses, gabapentin acts on calcium channels in the brain which can lead to mild sedation and muscle relaxation.1 This effect on the central nervous system is what causes wobbliness or an unsteady gait in some dogs when they first start taking gabapentin.
The wobbliness or ataxia tends to be dose-dependent. Dogs given higher doses of gabapentin are more likely to experience loss of coordination and balance issues.2 Wobbliness may also be more pronounced when first starting gabapentin or when increasing the dosage. The good news is that with time, dogs can develop tolerance to the sedating and muscle relaxant effects of gabapentin and the wobbliness often diminishes.
Other signs of gabapentin toxicity
In addition to wobbliness and ataxia, there are other signs of potential gabapentin toxicity to look out for in dogs. Some of the most common include:
Lethargy: Excessive drowsiness and fatigue is a common symptom of gabapentin overdose. Dogs on too high of a dose may appear very sleepy and lack energy or motivation to move around (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Vomiting: Gabapentin can cause nausea and vomiting in dogs when given at too high of doses. This is likely due to its effects on the gastrointestinal tract (PetMD).
Trembling: Dogs may begin to shake or tremble if they have received toxic levels of gabapentin. Tremors and shivering are neurological side effects of gabapentin overdose (Daily Paws).
The toxic dose of gabapentin in dogs ranges but is estimated to be around 50-100 mg per kg of body weight (VCA Animal Hospitals). Exceeding this threshold substantially increases the risk of adverse effects. Always consult your veterinarian and follow dosage guidelines carefully.
Precautions when giving gabapentin
There are some important precautions to take when giving your dog gabapentin:
Follow your veterinarian’s recommended dosage exactly. Never give more gabapentin than prescribed, as overdosing can lead to toxicity. According to the AKC, the typical gabapentin dose for dogs is between 5-20 mg per pound every 8-12 hours (AKC).
Monitor your dog closely for potential side effects like sedation, incoordination, and restlessness, especially when first starting gabapentin or increasing the dose. Contact your vet if any worrisome side effects develop. As noted by VCA Hospitals, combining gabapentin with other medications like pain relievers can increase side effects (VCA).
Your veterinarian will likely gradually increase the gabapentin dose for your dog to avoid side effects. Do not increase the dosage or frequency on your own. Allow time for your dog’s body to adjust at each new dose before making further changes (Wedgewood Pharmacy).
Alternatives to gabapentin
While gabapentin is commonly prescribed for pain and seizures in dogs, there are other medication options that may be considered as alternatives. These include:
Lyrica (pregabalin) – This medication works similarly to gabapentin and may also help control pain and seizures. However, potential side effects are also similar. Proper dosing is important to reduce adverse effects like wobbliness.
Tramadol – This oral pain medication works differently than gabapentin by binding to opioid receptors. It may be an option for managing chronic pain. Side effects include vomiting and diarrhea.
Amantadine – Typically used for Parkinson’s disease, this drug may also help control neuropathic pain in dogs. It has anti-seizure effects as well.
There are also some non-drug approaches that could be tried as alternatives to gabapentin:
Acupuncture – Fine needles are inserted into specific body points to relieve pain through the central nervous system. This is generally very safe with few side effects.
Therapeutic diets – Prescription foods containing omega-3s or other nutrients could help reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy – Stretching, massage, and exercises tailored for the dog may aid mobility and reduce painful symptoms.
Discussing all medication and non-drug options with your veterinarian is important to find the safest and most effective ways to manage your dog’s condition.
Seeking help for gabapentin side effects
If your dog experiences concerning side effects from gabapentin, it’s important to seek help from your veterinarian right away. Here are some tips on getting care for your dog:
Contact your vet. Let them know the symptoms you are seeing in your dog and when they started. Your vet may have you come into the office for an exam or advise you over the phone, depending on the severity of the side effects. They can help determine if your dog’s symptoms are related to the gabapentin and if any adjustments need to be made (AKC, 2022).
Discuss tapering the dosage. In some cases, your vet may advise slowly tapering your dog off gabapentin over a period of time, rather than stopping it abruptly. This gradual decrease can help minimize withdrawal effects. Follow your vet’s specific instructions on tapering the dosage (VCA Hospitals, 2022).
Provide supportive care. Make sure your dog has easy access to food, water, and comfortable rest areas while recovering from side effects. Limit exercise and stimulus during this time. Monitor your dog closely and look for improvements or worsening of symptoms (PetMD, 2023).
With your vet’s guidance, your dog has a good chance of recovering from concerning gabapentin side effects. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you have any worries about their medication response.
Outlook and prognosis
Most side effects of gabapentin in dogs are mild and temporary, often resolving within 24 hours after administration according to the AKC (source). Side effects like sedation and wobbliness tend to be dose-dependent, meaning adjusting the dosage can help alleviate these effects. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s dosage guidelines closely and monitor your dog after starting gabapentin or changing doses.
While gabapentin is generally safe when used as directed, veterinary monitoring is still essential. Your vet can help make dosage adjustments if needed and watch for any serious side effects. Left untreated, severe reactions like difficulty breathing or uncontrolled wobbliness could potentially worsen and become dangerous. Close supervision allows vets to intervene promptly if serious side effects develop.
With proper veterinary guidance, most dogs can tolerate gabapentin well and experience relief from pain, seizures, or anxiety. Work with your vet to find the ideal dosage for symptom relief with minimal side effects. Be sure to follow up if side effects are persistent or worrisome. With adjustment of the dosage regimen, the prognosis is often very good for resolving gabapentin side effects in dogs.
Key takeaways
Gabapentin is commonly prescribed to dogs to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. While it is generally safe when used as directed, gabapentin can potentially cause side effects like wobbliness, sedation, and incoordination in some dogs.
These neurological effects occur because gabapentin affects the way nerves communicate in the brain and spinal cord. Wobbliness from gabapentin may appear as unsteadiness, stumbling, swaying, or poor balance.
To prevent problematic side effects, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions closely and monitor your dog for any unusual behavior changes. Never give extra doses of gabapentin without consulting your vet. If your dog seems overly sedated or wobbly, contact your veterinarian right away.
While gabapentin is effective for many dogs, alternatives like amantadine, zonisamide, and CBD products may be options if your dog experiences undesirable side effects. Work closely with your vet to ensure your dog’s treatment plan is optimal and safe.