Lethargy after Gabapentin in dogs

The FDA has received 1,587 reports of lethargy in dogs after Gabapentin. That is 18% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,587Reports

69%Marked serious

16%Recovered

27%Died or euthanised

8 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

251 19%

1–2 days

221 17%

3–7 days

181 14%

1–4 weeks

234 18%

Over a month

420 32%

How the animals did

Recovered

253 16%

Recovered with lasting effects

4 0.3%

Still unwell when reported

639 40%

Died

112 7.1%

Euthanised

323 20%

Not known

256 16%

Problems reported at the same time

881 56%

588 37%

430 27%

397 25%

377 24%

285 18%

267 17%

210 13%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

186

4–7 years

279

8–11 years

537

12+ years

542

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause lethargy in dogs?: 1,587 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 8 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).

Lethargy with similar medicines

Lethargy after Selegiline (Anipryl) 333 reports · 8.1% of its reports
Lethargy after Fluoxetine 440 reports · 17% of its reports
Lethargy after Trazodone 413 reports · 16% of its reports
Lethargy after Clomipramine (Clomicalm) 405 reports · 27% of its reports

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