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Does Gabapentin Affect Sense Of Smell?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Dec 2014
Question: My husband came down with Shingles about 2 years ago and has never really gotten over them. He takes Gabapentin. can this medication alter his sences? he says he can always smell the soap I use for laundry and I use the FREE for sensative skin. there is no smell that I can smell.
He also takes Chephlexin for a strep infection. He has to take this the rest of his life per the doctor.
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The diagnosis for which he takes Gabapentin is requested...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through the medical history of your husband and can say as following:

1. Strep infection might be chronic. Your husband does not need to take chephalexin for rest of his life. Please bare in mind that in such infections, it is common to develop resistance. Throat swab culture is advised to determine if the infection persists and the most effective antibiotic.

2. Next, you are reporting that your husband is taking gabapentin, May I know the reason (the right diagnosis)? Gabapentin is advised to be taken only in cases of chronic neuropathy that is not dominated by other drugs.

3. Gabapentin is not known so far by research to cause problems with smelling. On contrary, it is shown to be effective in some smelling disorders.

Other causes should be ruled out including:
- local (nasal issues to be evaluated by ENT specialist)
- central (neurological examination is needed)

Dr.Albana
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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Does Gabapentin Affect Sense Of Smell?

Brief Answer: The diagnosis for which he takes Gabapentin is requested... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, I have gone through the medical history of your husband and can say as following: 1. Strep infection might be chronic. Your husband does not need to take chephalexin for rest of his life. Please bare in mind that in such infections, it is common to develop resistance. Throat swab culture is advised to determine if the infection persists and the most effective antibiotic. 2. Next, you are reporting that your husband is taking gabapentin, May I know the reason (the right diagnosis)? Gabapentin is advised to be taken only in cases of chronic neuropathy that is not dominated by other drugs. 3. Gabapentin is not known so far by research to cause problems with smelling. On contrary, it is shown to be effective in some smelling disorders. Other causes should be ruled out including: - local (nasal issues to be evaluated by ENT specialist) - central (neurological examination is needed) Dr.Albana