This article is for you if you’re curious about the side effects of gabapentin in dogs if your dog just started taking it. Integrative veterinarian, Dr. Julie Buzby discusses how the body breaks down gabapentin, potential side effects, and strategies for reducing or managing them.
I recently met Berry, a Poodle mix who is ten years old and has arthritis in her hips and knees. She had been taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for a number of years to treat the pain from her arthritis. Berry’s mother noticed that she was having difficulty ascending the stairs over the past few weeks. She also didn’t want to go as far on walks.
This indicated that Berry’s arthritis pain was no longer effectively managed. In order to make her more comfortable, her mother and I decided to try gabapentin every eight hours after discussing some additional pain-relieving options.
A few days later, Berry’s mother called to inform me that Berry didn’t seem to be herself. She was eating normally and seemed less stiff and achy. However, she was sleepy and a little unsteady when walking. I advised Berry to get used to gabapentin by only taking it at night for a few days.
That worked, and Berry was back to normal a week later. She didn’t appear sleepy or wobbly, but she did appear a little sore during the day. We decided to try administering the medication every eight hours once more after she had gotten used to the medication. Berry quickly felt at ease climbing and descending the stairs with her mother!
Let’s examine what Berry was experiencing at this time. But first, let’s quickly review gabapentin to prepare for a discussion of its side effects.
I recently wrote another article that goes into more detail about gabapentin for dogs, but this is a summary of the important details for our discussion. The FDA has given the drug gabapentin approval for use in treating people. Veterinarians administer gabapentin to dogs “off-label,” as they do with many veterinary drugs.
It is frequently prescribed by veterinarians to treat dogs’ chronic pain. Nevertheless, it can also be used to treat canine epilepsy (typically in combination with other anti-convulsant drugs). According to a small study of 11 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy published in The Veterinary Record, gabapentin reduced seizures in six of the dogs by at least 50% while they were also taking other anti-convulsants. Plus, it may help decrease anxiety in dogs. By attaching to calcium channels, gabapentin blocks the perception of pain.
To be open and honest, I want to say that I have seen gabapentin do wonders for patients who suffer from pain. However, there is a dearth of veterinary research that supports the use of gabapentin as a pain reliever. While other studies did not find that it significantly reduced pain, some studies suggest that it might be useful. The official opinion on gabapentin is currently out until more information is available. However, using it personally for my patients has convinced me of its value and effectiveness.
How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in a Dog’s System?
The half-life of a drug is typically used to describe how long it remains in an animal’s system. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for the blood levels of a specific drug to decrease by half.
The half-life of gabapentin in dogs is 2 to 3 hours, the same as it is in humans and rats. This means that although gabapentin doesn’t linger around for very long, regular dosing enables it to have a cumulative effect.
Gabapentin has historically been used to treat seizures and pain, but it’s also increasingly common to use it to treat dogs’ anxiety.
Additionally, it has demonstrated efficacy when combined with other pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or opioids, to lessen post-operative discomfort.
Veterinarians frequently prescribe the anticonvulsant and analgesic drug gabapentin to treat seizures, pain, and anxiety in dogs.
Another drug that has been frequently prescribed to treat canine pain is tramadol, but veterinarians are beginning to lessen their use of it.
When used to treat seizures, this medication should not be abruptly stopped as it may cause withdrawal seizures. Always consult a veterinarian before discontinuing any medication.
What Are Potential Gabapentin Side Effects in Dogs?
The most typical side effects of gabapentin in dogs include mild sedation and ataxia (a wobbly or drunken gait). Each dog will experience these symptoms differently, and it also depends on the dose. Dogs with sensitivity may experience extreme lethargy and sleepiness. If your dog is taking gabapentin and appears overly groggy or “drunk,” speak with your veterinarian right away. He or she may change the dosage or switch to another medication. While taking this medication, some dogs may experience diarrhea, though this is rare.
Depending on the condition being treated and any other medications being used concurrently, the dosage of gabapentin will change. Most dogs receive doses of 10 to 20 milligrams per kilogram of body mass every 6 to 12 hours to control seizures.
For pain relief, smaller doses are typically used, frequently between 5 and 10 milligrams per kilogram of body mass every 6 to 12 hours. The majority of veterinarians advise giving gabapentin every eight hours to make administration easier.
Dogs can overdose on gabapentin, but serious side effects are uncommon. The most common side effects of a gabapentin overdose are ataxia, extreme sedation, diarrhea, and lethargy. Even though overdoses in dogs are typically not serious, they still need medical care. Ask your veterinarian for advice; you might be told to cause vomiting or to take your dog to the hospital for supportive care.
FAQ
Do the side effects of gabapentin go away in dogs?
Sedation and loss of coordination are the two side effects of gabapentin in dogs that are most frequently reported, and both of these effects may be worse the first time the dog takes the medication. Both side effects generally go away within 24 hours. More rarely, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported.
How long does it take for gabapentin to wear off after stopping?
If a person has healthy kidney function, the average person’s half-life of gabapentin is 5-7 hours. According to this figure, gabapentin stays in the body for 25 to 35 hours.
Can gabapentin be given to every 6 hours to dogs?
Gabapentin Dosage for Dogs Lower doses, frequently between 5 and 10 milligrams per kilogram of body mass every 6 to 12 hours, are frequently used to treat pain. The majority of veterinarians advise giving gabapentin every eight hours to make administration easier.
Can dogs stop taking gabapentin suddenly?
If your dog or cat is taking gabapentin, you should anticipate that they will be drowsy and uncoordinated. Avoid abruptly stopping this medication in pets with epilepsy, just like you wouldn’t in humans. It can cause withdrawal seizures. Never give your pet an oral liquid made for humans.