Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat took 200mg gabapentin. Why is she sedated? Will she be okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 3 years and 6 months old | 9 lbs

Hi I gave my cat 200 mg of gabapentin and now she is laying down and doesn’t want to walk around. She is breathing if that helps, will she be ok? She usually gets 100 mg and she is 9lbs

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on January 10th, 2020

Hi, the sedative effects described are expected with the high dose Maggie received. The good news is that they should wear off over the next few hours and within 4 hours she should be more alert and almost back to normal. If you are worried though please have her checked over !

27Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 10th, 2018
Hello, thank you for your question.

Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the effects of gabapentin; sedation is a possible side effect when this medication is given at very high doses. If she is breathing ok and you can appreciate her heartbeat I would recommend continuing to monitor her overnight and seeing your veterinarian tomorrow. If at any time you become concerned that she is unstable of her breathing slows dramatically I would recommend having her evaluated by a ER veterinarian in your area.

Hope this helps, good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

How long does gabapentin sedation last in my cat after surgery?

Hello, Gabapentin is a pain medication commonly prescribed to pets after surgery. Mild sedation can be noticed as a side effect, often due to the pain relief allowing the pet to get rest. Dosing should be given every 8-12 hours as needed. As she had her last dose over 12 hours ago, any side effects should be starting to wear off and will continue to do so if the medication is not repeated. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog got gabapentin early after surgery. Should I worry?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mia. Gabapentin has a very wide dosing range. The amount given will likely make her sedate, but should not cause her any long lasting harm. Give her next dose back on schedule if she is not too groggy. If so, you can wait an extra hour or two to give it more time to wear off. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is still wobbly after gabapentin for vet anxiety. Is it normal?

Hi there. It’s common for cats to be a bit wobbly when they have taken a sedative or anti-anxiety medication like gabapentin, so this would not normally be cause for concern. This medication can last for up to 8 hours or so, so I normally tell my clients to expect that their kitty may seem a bit drowsy or off-balance for the rest of the day.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat got an accidental double dose of buprenex. Is she okay?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Gaga will be very sleepy and lethargic after the extra dose of Buprenex but the symptoms should wear off within 6-8hrs. However, in unlikely case that Gaga is overexcited, dysphoric or she is deeply sedated, you should get in touch with your local vets right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My pet took gabapentin. How will they feel and how long will it last?

Gabapentin can be very useful to reduce anxiety and stress in cats (which can give high blood pressure readings in themselves) and generally only lasts a few hours. If he is disoriented or confused contact your Vets office to discuss his case further

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat ate gabapentin and is staggering. Should I call the vet?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Nikolai should be okay as far as toxicity goes. 300mg is a lot but not at the point at which you would see liver toxicity or other adverse health problems. However, that being said, if he is still lethargic and acting abnormal, I would recommend taking him in to be seen by a veterinarian and have his blood tested to establish a baseline as well. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat bit a Gabapentin capsule. His pupils are dilated. What now?

100 mg is a regular dose for sedation for fearful or aggressive cats, so just biting it shouldn't affect him much. I recommend keeping an eye on him for adverse symptoms. He may be off-balance, sleepy, may vomit, or drool, but these were observed by owners after a full dose, so again, you may not see much of an effect. If he does seem too sedate, or if he displays any symptoms that concern you, I recommend getting him seen by your vet or an emergency clinic;; it's better to be safe than sorry.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share