Does Gabapentin Cause Constipation? - A Clinical Survey

Does Gabapentin cause constipation?

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions about Gabapentin's side effects. We meticulously evaluate the correlation between Gabapentin and constipation and assist in preventing it in long-term use. 

Gabapentin is a novel anticonvulsant drug that prevents and treats seizures and neuropathic body pain. It is a well-tolerated drug; however, the clinical use of the medication has been associated with several side effects, Gabapentin constipation being one of them. 

So, let us have a detailed look into how Gabapentin and constipation are related, and the best ways to avoid such health risks. 

Gabapentin And Constipation- An Overview

Constipation is the infrequency of bowel movements or difficulty passing stool for several days or weeks. It is often identified as having three or fewer bowel movements a week [1]. Gabapentin, also available under the brand name Neurontin has been reported to cause constipation. However, its occurrence is not a prevalent side effect noticed by everyone taking the medication. Thus, people with gastrointestinal diseases or compromised metabolism are advised to buy Gabasign 300 mg, the lowest dose of the medication, after consulting a doctor. 

Does Gabapentin Cause Constipation?

Gabapentin constipation is a common side effect reported by numerous trusted and reputable websites. According to the website Drugs [2],

“Gabapentin can cause constipation, but it is not commonly reported in everyone taking the medication. Clinical trials indicate about 4% of the people taking the medication reported constipation as a side effect.”

Another website reports that Gabapentin constipation may affect 2% of the people taking the medication to control seizures and 4% of people taking it to treat nerve pain [3]. 

The inactive compounds present in the formulation of Gabapentin may contribute to its effect on bowel movement. Each capsule of Gabapentin or Gabasign contains the following inactive compounds: Cornstarch, talc, lactose, titanium dioxide, gelatin, FD&C Blue No. 2, and red iron oxide (400 mg only) [4]. 

• Lactose- It may cause constipation in almost 30% of people with lactose intolerance [5]. 

• Cornstarch- This may also result in constipation and gas in people [6].

There is also scientific evidence suggesting the beneficial effect of Gabapentin on the gut. A study conducted in the year 2019 indicates that the use of Gabapentin improves gastrointestinal symptoms [9]. 

“Gabapentin can be taken as an adjunctive drug with omeprazole. It can play a significant role in the improvement of GI symptoms, such as pain, reflux, and dyspepsia, while improving the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.”

Note- Not all constipation is caused by medications, and it is important to identify if your medicine causes your symptoms.

How To Identify Constipation Caused By Gabapentin?

The signs of Gabapentin constipation are no different from that of normal constipation. However, a few notable signs and symptoms of constipation caused by Gabapentin are listed below. 

• Having a dry, hard, or lumpy stool.

• Difficulty in completely emptying the stool normally.

• Blockage-like feeling in the rectum. 

Who is prone to Gabapentin Constipation?

• As it contains lactose, people with lactose intolerance are more likely to suffer from constipation. 

• People who are allergic to corn starch. 

• Elderly people.

• Individuals with weak metabolism. 

Gabapentin Bowel Movements - Clinical Evidence

Constipation from Gabapentin is not very frequent. Clinical trials show that it is a rare side effect that may go away as the body adjusts to the medication. 

A Phase IV clinical study to evaluate the relationship between Gabapentin and Constipation is more common in women over the age of 60 years [10]. 

The same study showed a potential increase in people reporting constipation as a side effect of taking Gabapentin dosage. A graphical representation of the number of Gabapentin constipation from the year 2001 to 2022 is presented below. 

Gabapentin And Constipation- User Review

Numerous reviews support and showcase the probability of experiencing constipation after taking Gabapentin. So, cumulate user testimonials and anecdotes from popular social platforms like Reddit and Quora. 

Reddit Review: Gabapentin Cause Constipation

"I got diarrhea when I first started taking it, but it stopped once I stuck to a consistent dose. Getting off gives me the opposite side effect (constipation)" says a Reddit user (True-Entertainer_) [11].

" YES, I have suffered from the same issue! I used to be pretty regular with my stool. Now it seems like such a task for a good Bowel Movement. Magnesium capsules help a lot", says another user (Planetcaravan24) [11]. 

"... I suffer from bad heartburn in the nighttime from taking Gabapentin.." says user OnHeLL34 [12]. 

Reviews on Quora

Kim Aaron, a Ph.D. literate, mention digestive distress, indigestion, loss of appetite, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as the common side effects of Gabapentin on the social platform Quora [13]. 

Some other users, such as Shelly, mentions not experiencing any side effect from the medication [14]. 

"... It is labeled for epilepsy, but it has many off-label benefits. I was using Gabapentin for off-labeled uses and was on high doses (2400 or 2600mg)... I have never suffered from any side effects..."

Can Gabapentin Cause Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a medical condition that is defined as gastric emptying delays. It slows or stops the food movement from the stomach to the small intestine without any blockage in the intestine or the stomach [15]. 

Gastroparesis can cause vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain [16]. 

There is NO  clinical evidence to support that Gabapentin causes Gastroparesis. However, studies suggest using Gabapentin as a treatment option for abdominal pain associated with gastroparesis [17].

"A systematic review provides proves that patients treated with Gabapentin (>1200 mg daily in divided doses) for neuropathic pain (due to Gastroparesis) achieved at least >50% reduction in pain compared with placebo."

However, we recommend people with any digestive or gastrointestinal disorder take Gabapentin after consulting a doctor. 

Does Neurontin Cause Constipation?

Generic gabapentin is also available in numerous brand names, such as Neurontin and Gabasign. The effectiveness, working mechanism, and benefits of the brand drug are similar to its generic version. Thus, making it likely for Gabasign and Neurontin also to cause constipation. 

The adverse effects that occurred in at least 1% of the patients taking Neurontin with postherpetic neuralgia are reported to cause constipation [18]. 

What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?

Healthline enlists constipation, nausea, diarrhea, abnormal eye movement, dry mouth, difficulty speaking, drowsiness, and  hair loss as the common side effect of Gabapentin [19]. 

The anticonvulsant may also cause some serve side effects. Their occurrence is uncommon but may be frequently observed in people with psychiatric disorders.

• Irritability 

• Insomnia

• Respiratory Depression

• Anxiousness

• Depression 

• Panic Attacks

• Mania

• Aggressiveness

Gabapentin Bowel Movements- Relieve Constipation Quickly At Home

Various home remedies and treatments can help in managing constipation. It is essential to understand that Gabapentin constipation is not a chronic disorder and often goes away within a few days of taking the medication as the body adjusts to the drug or after discontinuing the medication.

So, if you are experiencing constipation from taking Gabapentin, here are a few home remedies you can try. 

Drink Water -  One of the most prevalent reasons for suffering from constipation is dehydration. So, drinking enough water is one of the best ways to avoid constipation. Studies suggest sparkling water is more effective than normal water in improving constipation [20,21]. However, drinking carbonated water such as sugary soda is not recommended. 

Eat enough fiber -  Most physicians often recommend increasing the dietary fiber intake to improve the signs of constipation. A 2016 review shows that about 77% of people taking supplements with fiber benefited from it in improving constipation [22]. 

Exercise -  Numerous studies found that exercising can improve the symptoms of constipation [23, 24]. Studies have further linked a sedentary lifestyle with constipation. Thus, health experts advise people to exercise to improve their condition [25]. 

Try Probiotics -  Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. A study indicates that using probiotics for two weeks helps treat constipation, thus increasing stool consistency and frequency [26]. 

Can Gabapentin Cause Constipation- Our Final Thought 

The benefits of Gabapentin outweigh the inconvenience of constipation. 

Constipation is a common side effect of Gabapentin and usually goes away with time. The condition can be improved by taking laxatives or following home remedies. 

If you have severe stomach pain, nausea, or any other sign of constipation, it is best to consult a doctor.