Disorientation after Gabapentin in cats

44 reports to the FDA describe disorientation in cats given Gabapentin. That is 2.3% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 1.0% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

44Reports

66%Marked serious

20%Recovered

18%Died or euthanised

3 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

16 36%

1–2 days

5 11%

3–7 days

7 16%

1–4 weeks

4 9.1%

Over a month

12 27%

How the animals did

Recovered

8 18%

Recovered with lasting effects

1 2.3%

Still unwell when reported

19 43%

Euthanised

8 18%

Not known

8 18%

Problems reported at the same time

17 39%

15 34%

14 32%

11 25%

11 25%

Restlessness or agitation

8 18%

Wobbliness (ataxia)

8 18%

Dilated pupils

8 18%

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 disorientation in cats?: 44 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 disorientation