Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Special Education Practice Exam

Which side effect of Gabapentin could indicate a serious reaction?

1. Weakness

2. Sleepiness

3. Rapid weight gain

4. Blurred vision

The correct answer is: Rapid weight gain

Rapid weight gain is a significant side effect of Gabapentin that could indicate a serious reaction, particularly if it occurs suddenly or is disproportionate to the individual's normal weight fluctuations. This is because rapid weight gain might signal fluid retention or other metabolic issues that could require medical attention. In the context of pharmaceutical use, side effects are often categorized by their severity; some are mild and manageable, while others may be warning signs of a more serious underlying problem. Noticing significant weight changes can be crucial for patients, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions where their fluid balance is essential. While symptoms like weakness, sleepiness, and blurred vision might also occur with gabapentin use and should not be ignored, they are generally considered less urgent compared to rapid weight gain, which could indicate more immediate health risks and needs further evaluation by a healthcare professional.