Excessive thirst after Gabapentin in cats

37 reports to the FDA describe excessive thirst in cats given Gabapentin. That is 1.9% 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.

37Reports

51%Marked serious

8.1%Recovered

8.1%Died or euthanised

15 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

6 18%

1–2 days

4 12%

3–7 days

4 12%

1–4 weeks

6 18%

Over a month

13 39%

How the animals did

Recovered

3 8.1%

Still unwell when reported

22 59%

Died

1 2.7%

Euthanised

2 5.4%

Not known

9 24%

Problems reported at the same time

Excessive urination

18 49%

Kidney problems

14 38%

Loss of appetite

12 32%

Didn't work as expected

10 27%

10 27%

10 27%

9 24%

9 24%

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 excessive thirst in cats?: 37 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 15 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 excessive thirst