Neurontin and Urinary Retention

[daisy.girl]

Can anyone tell me if they have had urinary retention while taking Neurontin? I will feel the need to go, then sit on the toilet for up to 3 minutes before I can begin to urinate.
I have only been taking Neurontin now for a few weeks.

[cha_cha_24]

My very first relapse that I know was a relapse included not being able to urinate at all for 24 hours.  I had to have a catheter put in.  Of course I had no idea it was MS and the ER docs didn't bother doing an MRI on my brain...they only checked for cauda equina syndrome.  It probably has nothing to do with Neurontin or Gabapentin...it's a new symptom that should be looked at.

[doublevision1]

I agree with the others re: the seriousness of this symptom if left unchecked.  However before I would get too concerned, try scaling back on the Neurontin with your dr's okay; if the symptom resolves, and returns when you up your dose, obviously that is the cause.  If so, ask your dr re: alternatives to Neurontin to address whatever symptom you're taking it for.

I've been taking that med for > 3 years for neuropathic pain in my extremties, worst in my left hand.  I've had no unpleasant side effects from it.  However since adding amitriptyline to boost my pain relief, I did start experiencing retention.  I have found a dose of 75mg or less minimizes the side effect; though there are times my pain is worse and I up my dose to 100 - 125mg.  To help ease urinary retention that comes with the higher dosage, I drink plenty of water; with a very full bladder I have no trouble going.  However you mention frequent leaking, this may not help you.

I think it makes sense to always rule out pharmacological causes for symptoms and not immediately assume they are due to the MS itself.  When you think about it, many MS symptoms - eg urinary retention,  constipation, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, poor balance, cognitive issues - are also common side effects of many medications we take to treat those very symptoms.  

[stoval53]

I am taking a strong dosage of neurontin and I have the same effects as described. I can sit for up to 5-7 minutes before a flow begins. Not sure if it is the neurontin or a pain medication. I have nerve damage and need both medications.

[daisy.girl]

thanks guys.....
I have the need to go frequently and I have almost constant leaking, but the hesitancy/retention thing is new....and happens mainly during the evening and night.

[RedFlame]

I began having urinary retention about 8 months before I was placed on Neurontin.  So, it is unlikely that it could be from this medicine.  Like others have stated above, call your doctor and ask for a referral.  

Red

[Silver_SAM]

Gabapentine has side effects which includes urinary retention and if you didn't have it doesn't mean that it is unlikely because different people encounter different side effects. Everyone's body respinds to a medicine differently.The best advice would be to consult your doctor to rule out the cause of urinary retention.

[jmac3x]

I have some retention issues - being defined as hesitation by my neuro.  Not up to 3 minutes as you describe, but definitely a significant pause.  It is a symptom for me independent of Neurontin.  Both neuros I have seen listed this as a common symptom of MS.  

[essdipity]

Urinary problems of all sorts are common with MS.

Retention is a serious issue, as urine can back up into the kidneys and cause all kinds of problems from there. Also, the longer urine is in the bladder, the greater the chance of infection. UTIs can be dangerous, as many here know from experience.

I urge you to see a urologist, or if possible a urogynecologist, as soon as you can. There are tests that can tell a lot about the state of your urinary functioning. Meanwhile, check out our Health Pages (yellow icon above right) for lots of good info Quix has written on this topic.

Believe me, this is nothing to fool with. Good luck to you.

ess

[daisy.girl]

thanks.....
can you tell me if urinary retention is just common with MS? I am dx RRMS.

[rendean]

I have urinary retention and I take Neurotin (gabapentin). I have never connected the two but Lulu advice is absolutely correct about telling your doctor about this new symptom.

Ren

[Lulu54]

I don't find retention on the list of side effects - constipation, yes.  Dry mouth, dizziness and other usual things too.  But not urinary retention.

Be sure to mention this to your doctor if it continues for long.