Gabapentin - high liver enzymes?

[Nicki]

Thanks for that Annie - I hadn't come across that and will tell my vets - it will prob have relevance on what we decide to do...

TedBear is definitely not 100% - he's showing more symptoms, but I'm thinking it's prob because if his liver isn't working properly, then he's not getting the full benefit of the Gabapentin.

I'm sorry to hear that you have to be on Gabapentin too - it sounds like it might be safer for people than dogs though!

I know what you mean about asking the vet to treat you...I have been tempted many times!!


Karlin, I'm not sure what made me read through that diagram again - but I'm so glad I did, at least it's brought it to everyone's attention and hopefully will mean that things can be picked up at an early stage if there are problems.

I'm going to E-mail Penny and see if she's heard of any problems...


Whitney, I'm so sorry that Spencer is having problems They are such a worry aren't they? I would be tempted to try to bring your appt forward.

There seems to still be so many different ideas as to drug levels - I guess it's all still experimental as it's early days yet...

[Roberta]

Haven't posted in a while but wanted folks to know about Trevor's experience. He's been on 100 mg Gabapentin 3Xday for more than 3 years now. He's had annual blood work/liver enzymes taken and all blood work has been normal to date.

Best, Roberta

[Nicki]

Thank you for that Roberta, it's very reassuring - I was hoping that TedBear was perhaps a one-off, and this may help others not to worry.

We hope that Trevor is keeping as well as possible

[Nicki]

Well we finally have TedBear's results - but they pose more questions than answers. The liver function test was normal...so we're somewhat confused.

His original liver enzyme test was off the scale - and his urine is
definitely discoloured - but according to the tests his liver is working
fine. He is definitely showing more Syringomyelia symptoms - is extremely
restless at night, not sleeping for more than 1 to 1 1/2 hours at a time,
until about 5am when he will settle for a few hours. He is scratching more - not just at times when he is excited - and just doesn't seem quite "right".

The vet has suggested that we monitor him for 2 weeks - I collected a new batch of Gabapentin yesterday so we will try him on that in case the
previous batch wasn't working properly.

Perhaps it's just coincidental timing, and his Syringomyelia is currently
worse for some reason?

Will keep you posted.

[Nicki]

FOOTNOTE - I e-mailed Penny Knowler, knowing that Clare Rusbridge is on maternity leave...Penny replied, and then Clare herself replied - I thought that was really lovely of her.

Clare hasn't come across liver problems from gabapentin - it is normally quite safe. However it is broken down by the liver which it means it gives the liver work to do.

So hopefully this will reassure others who's dogs are also on Gabapentin.