Intentional misuse after Gabapentin in dogs

178 reports to the FDA describe intentional misuse in dogs given Gabapentin. That is 2.0% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.4% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

178Reports

75%Marked serious

6.7%Recovered

22%Died or euthanised

15 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

29 19%

1–2 days

18 12%

3–7 days

18 12%

1–4 weeks

25 16%

Over a month

64 42%

How the animals did

Recovered

12 6.7%

Still unwell when reported

105 59%

Died

15 8.4%

Euthanised

25 14%

Not known

21 12%

Problems reported at the same time

Loss of appetite

53 30%

Didn't work as expected

49 28%

40 22%

33 19%

30 17%

29 16%

25 14%

20 11%

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 intentional misuse in dogs?: 178 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).

Intentional misuse with similar medicines

Intentional misuse after Trazodone 46 reports · 1.8% of its reports

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in dogs · Medicines most reported with intentional misuse