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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Gabapentin Cause Constipation?

I am a VA patient, have been taken off Opiates, 10mg Methadone tid and Norco 10mg/325 tid. They have put me on Gabapentin for pain. I have ruptured dics L4,L5,S1. Gabapentin doesn t seem to be working yet VA continues to prescribe it saying that it takes time! Been on it for 6 months, how much time does it take. VA Doc will not commit to that answer! Does it also cause constipation? Seems there is a directive to take ALL VA chronic pain patients off Opiates. Wondering if we are being test subjects for Big Pharmacy companies for their Physic drugs? Sorry, I am a Disabled VET living on SS at $700.00 a month,need every penny to survive, $15.00 is more than I can afford! Thanks anyway. Back injury and lack of education has caused me to not work very much!
Tue, 2 Apr 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Many medications cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and patients often wonder if gabapentin causes diarrhea. It is possible to experience not only diarrhea, but you may also have symptoms like nausea or constipation while on the drug. Some people also report heartburn as a side effect. Yes, it takes time to work. Pregabalin is more efficient and better tolerated than gabapentin.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
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Does Gabapentin Cause Constipation?

Hi, Many medications cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and patients often wonder if gabapentin causes diarrhea. It is possible to experience not only diarrhea, but you may also have symptoms like nausea or constipation while on the drug. Some people also report heartburn as a side effect. Yes, it takes time to work. Pregabalin is more efficient and better tolerated than gabapentin. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician