Itching after Gabapentin in cats

194 reports to the FDA describe itching in cats given Gabapentin. That is 9.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 8.9% across reports for all cat medicines.

194Reports

68%Marked serious

13%Recovered

7.7%Died or euthanised

14 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

38 22%

1–2 days

19 11%

3–7 days

19 11%

1–4 weeks

40 23%

Over a month

57 33%

How the animals did

Recovered

25 13%

Still unwell when reported

130 67%

Died

7 3.6%

Euthanised

8 4.1%

Not known

24 12%

Problems reported at the same time

Hair loss

55 28%

Skin scab

50 26%

Skin rash or irritation

49 25%

Behaviour change

22 11%

Didn't work as expected

22 11%

Loss of appetite

20 10%

Lethargy

19 9.8%

Reddening of the skin

16 8.2%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

113

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause itching in cats?: 194 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 14 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).

Itching with similar medicines

Itching after Fluoxetine 22 reports · 9.1% of its reports

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