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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have a question about gabapentin….

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭

I was prescribed gabapentin for the first time. Warnings online caution for people with respiratory issues. I have mild asthma and will be doing a sleep study soon for possible sleep apnea. Does anyone else take it with respiratory issues?

I also have severe fatigue and vertigo. I am concerned if this is the best med for my neuropathic pain.

April 25
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A MyMSTeam Member

Could try lyrica I can’t spell the pregabulin right. Or you can try cymbalta/ amiltryptaline

April 25
MyMSTeam

These are really valid concerns, and it's great that you're doing your research before starting a new medication. The short answer is: talk to your prescribing doctor before starting gabapentin, given your respiratory situation.

Gabapentin can slow the signals that help control breathing, which is why the FDA has issued a Show Full Answer

These are really valid concerns, and it's great that you're doing your research before starting a new medication. The short answer is: talk to your prescribing doctor before starting gabapentin, given your respiratory situation.

Gabapentin can slow the signals that help control breathing, which is why the FDA has issued a caution for people with existing breathing concerns. With mild asthma and a pending sleep apnea evaluation, your doctor needs to weigh those risks carefully for your specific situation. Regarding your fatigue concern — that one is worth flagging too. Gabapentin's most common side effects include:

- Extreme drowsiness affecting motor skills and thinking
- Dizziness (which could worsen vertigo)
- Vision problems like blurry or double vision
- Nausea, weight gain, and dry mouth
- Difficulty with memory

These side effects are often worse when first starting the medication and may improve as your body adjusts. A MyMSTeam member shared that gabapentin caused greater degrees of fatigue for them, which is something to keep in mind given that fatigue is already a significant concern for you.

The good news is that gabapentin has shown real benefits for MS-related neuropathic pain, numbness, and muscle spasms for many people. But whether it's the *right* choice for you specifically — given your respiratory history and symptoms — is a conversation best had with your neurologist before taking the first dose.

April 25

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