Do side effects of gabapentin eventually go away? An overview of how your body adjusts

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Many common side effects of gabapentin, such as drowsiness and dizziness, are temporary and often diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. However, not all adverse reactions follow this pattern, and some may linger or appear with long-term use, making it important to understand the full spectrum of effects.

Quick Summary

This article explains how initial gabapentin side effects, such as drowsiness and unsteadiness, usually subside within a few weeks as the body acclimates. It also differentiates these from potentially persistent or long-term issues like weight gain, as well as distinct withdrawal symptoms that occur if the drug is stopped suddenly.

Key Points

Initial Side Effects Are Often Temporary: Many common adverse reactions like drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea typically improve within the first few weeks as the body adjusts to gabapentin.
Some Effects May Persist: Side effects such as weight gain, memory problems, and swelling can become long-term issues that do not necessarily fade over time.
Do Not Stop Abruptly: Never stop taking gabapentin suddenly without medical supervision, as this can trigger a withdrawal syndrome with symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and in some cases, an increased risk of seizures.
Dosage Adjustments Can Help: If initial side effects are bothersome, a doctor may adjust the dose, starting lower and increasing more slowly to minimize impact.
Professional Guidance is Key: The best approach for managing side effects, particularly if they are persistent or severe, is to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider.
Withdrawal Is a Distinct Process: Withdrawal symptoms are different from the body's initial adjustment phase and occur after discontinuation, often requiring a medically-supervised taper.

The Adjustment Period: When Side Effects Fade

When starting a new medication like gabapentin (brand names Neurontin, Gralise), it is common to experience side effects as your body adjusts. For many people, these initial symptoms are temporary and will lessen or disappear entirely within a few days to a couple of weeks. A gradual increase in dosage, often prescribed by doctors, helps the body to acclimate more smoothly and minimizes the severity of these initial reactions.

Common short-term side effects that often improve with time include:

Drowsiness and Fatigue: Feeling sleepy or unusually tired is one of the most frequently reported side effects. This sedative effect typically subsides as your body gets used to the medication.
Dizziness and Unsteadiness: Many individuals experience a sense of dizziness or lack of coordination, which often improves within the first one to two weeks.
Headaches: New headaches are possible during the initial phase of treatment but usually resolve on their own within the first week.
Nausea: Stomach-related issues like nausea often diminish, especially if the medication is taken with food.

Lingering and Long-Term Side Effects

While many initial side effects of gabapentin are transient, some can persist or develop with long-term use. These persistent or delayed effects may require discussion with a healthcare provider to manage effectively.

Weight Gain: Gabapentin can increase appetite, which may lead to weight gain over time. This is a more enduring side effect that may not go away on its own and often requires dietary adjustments and increased exercise to manage.
Memory and Cognitive Issues: Problems with memory and concentration have been reported with extended use. These effects can linger and should be addressed with a doctor, who may consider an alternative medication.
Mood Changes: Some individuals experience persistent mood changes, including anxiety or depression, particularly during long-term treatment.
Peripheral Edema (Swelling): Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles can be a side effect that does not resolve over time. Management often involves lifestyle changes like elevating the feet, but medical consultation is necessary.

Distinguishing Side Effects from Withdrawal Symptoms

It is crucial to differentiate between the body's initial adjustment to gabapentin and the withdrawal symptoms that can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly. Withdrawal is a distinct and often unpleasant process, and it is a key reason why healthcare providers emphasize tapering off the drug gradually.

Gabapentin withdrawal symptoms can appear within 12 hours to 7 days after the last dose and may last for around 10 days or longer. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Anxiety and agitation
Insomnia
Nausea and sweating
Headaches and dizziness
Pain
For patients taking gabapentin for seizures, abrupt discontinuation can lead to an increased frequency of seizures.

Managing Gabapentin Side Effects

If side effects are bothersome, there are several management strategies that can be explored with a doctor:

Gradual Dosage Adjustment: If initial side effects like dizziness or drowsiness are persistent, the doctor may decrease the dose or increase it more slowly.
Lifestyle Modifications: For side effects like weight gain, adopting a healthy, balanced diet and increasing physical activity can help.
Timing of Doses: Taking the medication with or after a meal can help reduce stomach upset, such as nausea.
Avoidance of Interacting Substances: Alcohol and certain other central nervous system depressants can exacerbate gabapentin's sedative effects. Separating antacid doses by at least two hours can prevent absorption interference.
Exploring Alternatives: If side effects remain intolerable or fail to resolve, a healthcare provider might suggest switching to a different medication.

Comparison of Short-Term vs. Persistent Gabapentin Side Effects


Characteristic	Short-Term Side Effects	Persistent/Long-Term Side Effects	Withdrawal Symptoms
Onset	Occur soon after starting or increasing the dose.	Can develop over time with prolonged use.	Occur after stopping or reducing the dose.
Duration	Generally last for a few days to a few weeks.	Can be continuous or appear long after treatment begins.	Can last up to 10 days or more.
Examples	Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headaches.	Weight gain, memory issues, mood changes, swelling.	Anxiety, insomnia, sweating, increased seizure risk.
Cause	The body's initial reaction to a new chemical.	Long-term physiological changes due to chronic medication exposure.	Physical dependence and sudden chemical shift.
Management	Often resolves on its own; dosage adjustments.	Requires active management with a doctor; potential medication change.	Gradual, medically supervised tapering is essential.

Conclusion

While many people find that the initial side effects of gabapentin subside over a week or two as their body adapts, the experience varies from person to person. Some effects, such as weight gain or cognitive changes, may persist with long-term use and require proactive management with a healthcare provider. Crucially, side effects during the adjustment period should not be confused with withdrawal symptoms, which can arise if the medication is stopped suddenly. Open and consistent communication with your doctor is the most effective way to address concerns and ensure proper management of side effects or a safe tapering process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Initial side effects of gabapentin, including drowsiness and dizziness, often last for only a few days to a week or two as your body adjusts to the medication. If they do not improve, a doctor may adjust your dose.

Permanent side effects from gabapentin are rare but can occur, particularly with long-term use or misuse. Persistent issues like weight gain, cognitive impairment, or coordination problems are possible, and should be discussed with a doctor.

Weight gain is a side effect that may not go away on its own, as gabapentin can increase appetite. Managing this requires lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise, often with guidance from your doctor.

No, it is not safe to stop gabapentin suddenly. Abrupt cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and sweating, and for those taking it for seizures, can increase the risk of seizures. Always consult your doctor for a safe tapering plan.

If you experience nausea from gabapentin, taking the medication with food can help. You might also find it helpful to avoid rich or spicy foods and take small sips of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

If your side effects don't improve after a couple of weeks, you should speak with your healthcare provider. They may recommend reducing the dose, increasing it more slowly, or switching to an alternative medication.

No, gabapentin withdrawal symptoms are distinct from the side effects experienced during initial treatment. Withdrawal occurs after discontinuing the drug and is a result of the body adapting to its absence, presenting with symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and agitation.