Which of the following are common side effects of gabapentin?

• A. Sedation, ataxia, suicidal or self-injurious ideation
• B. Hyperactivity
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Gabapentin commonly causes effects related to central nervous system depression. Sedation (drowsiness or sleepiness) and ataxia (unsteadiness or lack of coordination) are frequent because the medication dampens neural activity, which can slow thinking and affect balance. In addition, there is a known risk of mood changes, including suicidal or self-injurious ideation, with gabapentin and other antiepileptic drugs, so this potential safety concern is an important part of what clinicians monitor.

Hyperactivity is not typical for gabapentin; the drug more often produces calming or sedating effects. Increased appetite and hair loss are not commonly associated with its usual side effect profile, so they don’t fit as well with what patients typically experience or what clinicians warn about.