How Long Does Gabapentin Take To Show Effect?

Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : my name is XXXXXXX i had a gallstone pas thru my bile duct,i don't have a gallbladder,shortly after that I started to itch all over my body palm of hands ,bottom of feet,legs,arms,back,thighs everywhere.my dr gave me gabapentin I been taking for 5 days not helping,its worst at night.i don't sleep,i'm really tired please help me

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Few possible options

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
First, bile duct obstruction should be ruled out by doing CT scan or ERCP. If there is obstruction then no medication can help, you need to have stone removed and bile must pass freely to intestines. You need to check your bilirubin levels as well. You should also wait for more 2-3 days to see if gabapentin will work, if not, then you need to ask your doctors for some alternatives such as Sertraline, naltrexon or cholestyramine. ALso, have hot baths with chammomile based shampoo,it may help. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad