Based on NIH | Can gabapentin cause headaches, and what should I do if I develop one while taking it?

Gabapentin can cause headaches in some people, although this appears to be relatively uncommon and often mild. In clinical trials, headache was reported slightly more often with gabapentin than with placebo, and it is also listed among the possible symptoms to watch for during treatment. ^{[1] [2]} Headache is included in patient medication guides as a symptom that may occur and should prompt you to contact a healthcare provider if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs. ^{[3] [4]}

How common are headaches on gabapentin?

• In controlled trials for postherpetic neuralgia, about 3.3% of people on gabapentin reported headaches versus 3.1% on placebo, suggesting a small difference and a relatively low overall rate. ^{[1] [2]}
• Headache is also noted among adverse events that can occur in people 12 years and older, though in some datasets it may be similar or even more frequent with placebo, highlighting that not all headaches are directly caused by gabapentin. ^{[5] [6]}

Quick comparison

Trial context	Gabapentin (incidence)	Placebo (incidence)
Postherpetic neuralgia (adult)	3.3%	3.1%

Data above reflect treatment-emergent adverse events reported in controlled trials. ^{[1] [2]}

Why might headaches happen?

• Gabapentin affects calcium channels in the nervous system, which can lead to common side effects like dizziness and sleepiness; headaches may occur along with these. ^[1] Headache appears among the listed symptoms in patient guides, which means it is recognized as a possible effect during treatment. ^{[3] [4]}

What should you do if you develop a headache while taking gabapentin?

• If the headache is mild and short-lived, you may monitor at home and consider simple measures like hydration, rest, and using over-the-counter pain relievers (for example, acetaminophen) if appropriate for you. Headache is an expected possible symptom for some users. ^{[3] [4]}
• If the headache is severe, persistent, worsens over time, or occurs together with symptoms like marked dizziness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or slowed breathing, you should contact a healthcare provider or seek medical help. These symptom clusters warrant prompt evaluation and may require dose adjustment or discontinuation. ^{[3] [7]}
• Your clinician may choose to reduce your dose or stop gabapentin if side effects become significant or unsafe. This approach is specifically mentioned as a management option when concerning symptoms arise. ^{[3] [4]}

Practical self-care tips

• Keep a symptom diary noting timing, severity, triggers, and any associated symptoms (dizziness, vision changes, nausea). This helps your clinician decide on next steps. Headache is among the known possible symptoms, so tracking context is useful. ^{[3] [4]}
• Take gabapentin exactly as prescribed and avoid abrupt changes on your own; sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal-like symptoms in rare situations, so dose changes should be guided by a clinician. ^{[8] [9]}
• If you recently increased your dose, headaches may settle after a few days as your body adjusts; discuss with your clinician whether a slower titration could help. Dose reduction is a recognized option if symptoms are problematic. ^{[3] [4]}

When is it urgent?

• Seek urgent care if headache is accompanied by confusion, extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or shortness of breath, as these may signal serious side effects needing immediate attention. ^{[3] [7]}
• Any new neurologic symptoms (e.g., severe neck stiffness, fainting, visual changes) should be evaluated promptly; while not specific to gabapentin, they can indicate other causes that need urgent assessment. Headache is listed among symptoms to watch, and escalation with other signs increases concern. ^{[3] [4]}

Key takeaways

• Headaches can occur with gabapentin, but they are reported at a relatively low rate and may be similar to placebo in some trials. ^{[1] [2]}
• Mild headaches can often be managed conservatively; however, severe or persistent headaches especially with dizziness, confusion, or breathing changes merit prompt medical review and possible dose adjustment. ^{[3] [7]}
• Do not stop gabapentin suddenly without guidance; if headaches are troublesome, consult your clinician to tailor dosing safely. ^{[8] [9]}