Dizziness from Gabapentin: Causes, Fixes, and What to Do

When you take gabapentin, a nerve pain medication often prescribed for seizures, neuropathic pain, and restless legs. Also known as Neurontin, it works by calming overactive nerves—but that same calming effect can leave you feeling off-balance, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning. Dizziness from gabapentin isn’t rare. In fact, up to 1 in 5 people report it, especially when they first start or increase the dose. It’s not a sign you’re allergic. It’s a side effect—like dry mouth or drowsiness—that your body might just need time to adjust to.

But why does it happen? Gabapentin affects how your brain and nerves process signals, including those that help you stay steady on your feet. It can lower blood pressure slightly, slow down your inner ear’s balance system, or interact with other meds you’re taking. If you’re also on blood pressure pills, like losartan or amlodipine, or sleep aids, like benzodiazepines or muscle relaxants, the dizziness can get worse. It’s not just gabapentin alone—it’s the combo that trips you up. And if you’re older, or have kidney issues, your body clears gabapentin slower, so the dizziness sticks around longer.

Here’s the good news: most people’s dizziness fades within a week or two. You don’t have to quit. Try taking your dose at night so you’re lying down when the dizziness hits. Stand up slowly. Skip alcohol. Drink water. If it’s still bad after a month, talk to your doctor about lowering the dose or switching to a different nerve pain med like pregabalin, a similar drug with a faster onset. Don’t stop gabapentin cold turkey—sudden withdrawal can cause seizures or worse. And if you’re dizzy and confused, having trouble breathing, or your vision blurs, get help right away. That’s not normal dizziness—that’s something else.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from people who’ve been there. Some figured out their dizziness was tied to their dosage timing. Others discovered their supplement stack was making it worse. A few learned their kidney function needed checking. These aren’t theories—they’re fixes that worked. You’ll see what helps, what doesn’t, and what your doctor might not tell you unless you ask.