Breathing problems after Gabapentin in cats

107 reports to the FDA describe breathing problems in cats given Gabapentin. That is 5.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.7% across reports for all cat medicines.

107Reports

94%Marked serious

13%Recovered

35%Died or euthanised

3 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

28 29%

1–2 days

21 21%

3–7 days

9 9.2%

1–4 weeks

17 17%

Over a month

23 23%

How the animals did

Recovered

13 12%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 0.9%

Still unwell when reported

38 36%

Died

15 14%

Euthanised

22 21%

Not known

18 17%

Problems reported at the same time

41 38%

37 35%

33 31%

21 20%

15 14%

14 13%

14 13%

14 13%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause breathing problems in cats?: 107 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 3 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in cats · Medicines most reported with breathing problems