Patient Case Report: Gabapentin-Induced Hypoglycemia

Abstract

Purpose: Gabapentin is an analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but its complete mechanism is not well understood. Common adverse effects from gabapentin include somnolence, sedation, and dizziness. Hyperglycemia is listed as a possible adverse drug reaction in the labeling. Case reports describe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes, peritoneal dialysis, and/or incomplete medication records. The following case report details a hypoglycemia episode as a potential result of a gabapentin use in a patient without diabetes.

Summary: A 47-year old, 68 kg, white female presented to the emergency department with altered mental status. Her blood glucose level was 33 mg/dL. Gabapentin was started 1 week prior to the hypoglycemia episode. Her past medical history, concomitant medications, and other laboratory findings were not likely causes of her severe hypoglycemia.

Conclusion: Gabapentin appears to have effects on several voltage-gated calcium channels. Hypoglycemia may be due to gabapentin binding to the alpha₂delta subunit of the calcium channels in the pancreas. Future research should investigate gabapentin and the potential for hypoglycemia.

Keywords: blood glucose; gabapentin; hypoglycemia; patient case report.