From the Research
Yes, you can still have an orgasm while taking the lowest dose of gabapentin (typically 100-300mg). Gabapentin, which is used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes anxiety, may cause sexual side effects in some people, but these are not universal and tend to be dose-dependent. At lower doses, sexual function including orgasm is less likely to be affected compared to higher doses.
Key Points to Consider
- If you notice sexual side effects like difficulty reaching orgasm, decreased libido, or erectile dysfunction while taking gabapentin, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
- They may adjust your dosage, recommend taking the medication at a different time of day, or suggest other strategies to manage these side effects.
- Sexual side effects occur because gabapentin affects the central nervous system and can interfere with nerve signals and neurotransmitters involved in sexual response.
- Remember that individual responses to medication vary significantly, and many people take gabapentin without experiencing any sexual side effects at all.
Evidence Supporting This Recommendation
- A study from 1 reported that sexual dysfunction is a key adverse effect leading to medication noncompliance, and gabapentin-induced sexual dysfunction can occur at a minimum total daily dose of 300 mg.
- Another study from 2 found that pregabalin, a gabapentinoid, can induce erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and anorgasmia, even at low therapeutic doses.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study from 3 suggested that gabapentin can improve sexual function in women with provoked vulvodynia, although overall sexual function remained lower than in women without the disorder.
- A more recent review from 4 emphasized the importance of a thorough history and physical examination in evaluating male delayed orgasm and anorgasmia, and highlighted the lack of standardized FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for this condition.