Can you take magnesium with Gabapentin? (3+ reasons you should)

In this article, we will discuss whether one can take magnesium with Gabapentin. We will explore why you should consider it, and the potential benefits and risks associated with this combination.

Can you take Magnesium with Gabapentin?

Yes, you can take magnesium with Gabapentin. Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function. On the other hand, Gabapentin is used for the alleviation of neuropathic pain and seizures. Used together they can work synergistically for the benefit of the individual taking them.

Why consider taking Magnesium with Gabapentin?

Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body (1). It plays a key role in muscle contraction, nerve function, and bone health(1).  Its function in the body makes it a good adjunct in patients who are using Gabapentin for neuropathic pain.

The underlying science is, that Gabapentin presents with side effects including muscle cramps, twitching, and pain. Therefore, magnesium’s muscle-relaxing properties can help mitigate these symptoms. The overall effect then translates to more effective management of conditions that are treated by Gabapentin.

There is no evidence in studies to suggest that Magnesium interferes with the efficacy of Gabapentin. If anything, it is evidenced to be complementary to Gabapentin by promoting nerve and muscle health (2) which enhances its therapeutic effects.

Gabapentin also may cause side effects like;

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle discomfort
• Diarrhea

The muscle-relaxing abilities of magnesium can be essential in reducing the side effects.

What is the appropriate Magnesium dosage to combine with Gabapentin?

The appropriate magnesium dosage to combine with Gabapentin differs from individual to individual. It is therefore advisable to consult your healthcare provider for the right amount for your specific needs. It is also important to take note that there are different forms like magnesium citrate,  magnesium oxide, and magnesium glycinate (2).

Each of these has different properties and the healthcare provider will be able to determine which is appropriate for your needs.

Potential benefits and risks of Gabapentin and Magnesium combination

The potential benefits and risks of taking Gabapentin and Magnesium include:

Benefits

• Enhanced pain management – For some individuals using  Gabapentin to manage neuropathic pain, adding magnesium helps alleviate discomfort and muscle-related side effects.

• Seizure Control – In cases of epilepsy where Gabapentin is prescribed, the combined benefits with magnesium combination help in better seizure control. Therefore a healthcare provider can recommend combination therapy.

• Improved sleep quality – Gabapentin is often prescribed for conditions that affect sleep quality like neuropathic pain and restless leg syndrome. Adding magnesium to the regimen often aids in relaxation which translates to improved sleep quality.

Risks

• Allergic reactions – Some individuals may be allergic to magnesium supplements. If you experience any allergic reactions like itching, difficulty in breathing, and swelling seek medical advice. Reporting the allergic reactions allows the reevaluation of the treatment plans for patients on these medications.

• Kidney issues – People with Kidney issues should use magnesium supplements with a lot of caution. This is attributed to the fact that kidneys are what regulate magnesium levels in the body(3). Therefore, taking magnesium supplements by an individual with kidney issues is more likely going to present with more side effects.

• Medication interaction – If you are taking other medication make your healthcare provider aware to ensure that there are no interactions. Interactions are important to notice because they can cause unexpected side effects when they are not considered in the initial assessment.

Final words

Taking magnesium alongside gabapentin is generally safe and may even be beneficial for certain healthcare conditions. Magnesium’s role in nerve and muscle function can complement Gabapentin’s therapeutic effect.

However, it is crucial to approach this combination with caution and always under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The appropriate dosage and form of magnesium often varies from person to person, and potential interactions and contraindications should be considered before initiation of the combination (3).

Before incorporating magnesium supplements into your Gabapentin therapy, always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider. This will determine the right choice for your specific needs.

References