Did it by any chance start anytime near the time you started the gabapentin (neurontin) I had all kinds of issues when they put me on it. I was on a much much higher dose, but I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It's an evil drug
Dizziness and balance issues are COMMON side effects--please don't take my word on it--do a bit of research. Here's just one article snippet from Mayo Clinic
What are common side effects of Neurontin? How can I manage side effects?
Answer
from Cheolsu Shin, M.D.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication used to help manage certain epileptic seizures and relieve pain in some painful conditions. Common Neurontin side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. Some people may also experience weight gain and unsteadiness.
Also, it's important to note that in January 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that people taking anti-seizure (anti-epileptic) drugs, including Neurontin, may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
And from WebMd:
Does Neurontin Oral have side effects?
The following side effects are associated with Neurontin Oral:
Common side effects of Neurontin Oral:
Involuntary Eye Movement Severe
Uncoordinated Severe
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Problems with Eyesight Less Severe
Muscle Pain Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Inducing of a Relaxed Easy State Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Low Energy Less Severe
Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Neurontin Oral:
Depression Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Loss of Memory Severe
Mental Impairment Severe
Easily Angered or Annoyed Severe
Mood Changes Severe
Lazy Eye Less Severe
Double Vision Less Severe
Middle Ear Infection Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Urinary Tract Infection Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Puffy Face from Water Retention Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Sluggishness Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Rare side effects of Neurontin Oral:
Feeling Anger Toward Something Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Severe
Yellowing of Skin or Eyes from Liver Problems Severe
Multiple Organ Failure Severe
Pneumonia Severe
Erythema Multiforme Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Swollen Lymph Nodes Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Weak Reflexes Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Allergic Reaction caused by a Drug Severe
Numbness and Tingling Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
Increased Eosinophils in the Blood Severe
Confused Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Problem Behavior Less Severe
Pink Eye Less Severe
Ringing in the Ears Less Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Less Severe
Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
Inflammation of the Gums Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Irritation of the Stomach or Intestines Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Enlarged Breasts Less Severe
Itching Less Severe
Joint Pain Less Severe
Cannot Focus Thoughts Less Severe
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Fever Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Pain Less Severe
Numbness Less Severe
Rash Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Throat Dryness Less Severe
Difficulty Speaking Less Severe
Cough Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
High Blood Sugar Less Severe
Exaggerated Deep Reflexes Less Severe
Anxious Less Severe
For me it caused brain fog, massive (as in admitted to hospital massive) swelling, unsteadiness, falling, major depression...the list goes on. I spent six months in a nursing home because it took me that long to realize it was the neurontin causing the horrid side effects.
And as an aside--Lyrica is the same darn drug with a different name and made so a smaller dose gives more of the med. I had no idea when I was put on Lyrica--just researched because I was having the same side-effects I'd had while on Neurontin.
They were fined 480 MILLION for false advertising it's 'benefits' -- and 2 felony charges. Not sure how they are getting away with it still. They were sued again in 2010.