Can gabapentin cause low oxygen levels?
Daniel Lopez
Updated on March 16, 2026
Although these drugs, which include gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), are still believed to be far safer than opioids for long-term use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now warning that they may cause “respiratory depression.” That means your breathing could become so slow and shallow that ...
Can gabapentin affect your breathing?
FDA is warning that serious breathing difficulties may occur when gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR) is taken with other medicines that depress the central nervous system (CNS) such as opioids, in those patients who have underlying respiratory problems, or in the elderly.What are the most serious side effects of gabapentin?
Serious allergic reaction
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin.
- you're wheezing.
- you get tightness in the chest or throat.
- you have trouble breathing or talking.
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling.
What are the uncommon side effects of gabapentin?
Rare side effects
- suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- violent behavior, aggressiveness, or anger.
- anxiety that is worse or new.
- depression that is worse or new.
- irritability that is worse or new.
- hallucinations.
- mania.
- panic attacks.
What drugs can cause breathing problems?
List of Drugs that may cause Difficulty In Breathing (Dyspnea)
- Agalsidase. ...
- Alglucosidase. ...
- Anagrelide. ...
- Anidulafungin. ...
- Cilostazol. ...
- Crizotinib. ...
- Denileukin Diftitox. ...
- Epoprostenol.
How lung disease leads to low Oxygen levels
What drugs should not be taken with gabapentin?
Cautions with other medicines
- strong painkillers, such as morphine – these can make you very tired and dizzy when you start taking gabapentin.
- antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine.
- antipsychotic medicines for mental health problems like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.