In addition to the other side effects of gabapentin, weight gain is a concern for many patients. Gabapentin can cause weight gain, but this side effect is usually rare. People may gain weight while taking gabapentin because the drug increases their appetite and causes water retention, mainly in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Gabapentin can cause weight loss by increasing the feeling of fullness in the stomach and by decreasing appetite. Gabapentin also has been found to increase the metabolism in some people which may lead to weight loss over time. When gabapentin is discontinued, these factors may normalize, leading to weight loss. However, the exact mechanisms and the rate of weight loss can vary among individuals. Conclusion. Gabapentin is associated with weight gain, which typically begins within the first few months of treatment and stabilizes over time. Discontinuing gabapentin may The short answer is: Yes, some people have lost weight while taking gabapentin, but it’s not a typical or expected side effect. While weight gain is a more commonly reported issue associated with gabapentin, weight loss is possible, though less frequent. Weight gain is not considered a common side effect of gabapentin. In clinical trials, only about 2% of people reported weight gain with its use. In people who do gain weight while on gabapentin, a research study showed a weight gain of about 5.5 pounds after 1.5 months of use. A total of 1.8 to 2.9 percent of adolescents and adults in some clinical trials with Neurontin experienced weight gain. In one study with children aged 3 to 12 years, 3.4 percent gained weight while taking Neurontin, compared with 0.8 percent taking a placebo. The reality is, weight gain associated with gabapentin is relatively rare, affecting approximately 2% of patients. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between actual weight gain and fluid retention, which can sometimes be misconstrued as weight gain. I am not sure if I have lost weight due to being on gabapentin, but I do feel nauseous which reduces my appetite. I think I am hungry but then I look at food and I just the thought of eating it makes me want to throw up. If you take gabapentin, you or your family should tell the doctor about any unusual changes in your mood, such as agitation, violence, aggression, depression, or talking about wanting to hurt yourself. Safely stopping treatment with gabapentin. If you stop taking gabapentin suddenly, there is a chance of having seizures. The origins of Gabapentin can be dated back to the 1970s in Japan, where it was created and used as an anti-spasmodic—muscle relaxant. For years, it was used for this specific purpose until experts found that the tablet could successfully treat other conditions, such as epilepsy, nerve pain, shingles, and more, without posing severe risks to patients. Since obesity is associated with inflammation , Boaz et al. hypothesized that anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin) can cause weight loss . In their retrospective study on 202 patients with type-2 diabetes, exposure to anti-inflammatory drugs increased the odds of weight loss by 2.3 times (p = 0.02) . More trials are needed to explain this While some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that gabapentin can contribute to weight loss, the evidence is far from conclusive. Gabapentin’s effects on weight loss are likely influenced by individual factors, dosage, treatment duration, and underlying health conditions. If you’re taking gabapentin, avoid driving until you know how it affects you. More rarely, gabapentin can cause fluid buildup (edema), weight gain, and vision problems. It can also cause diarrhea. This article will provide clear guidance on how to mitigate and potentially stop weight gain associated with gabapentin use, offering practical strategies and insights to help you manage this side effect effectively. The cause of weight gain with gabapentin is likely due to increased appetite. You may be hungry more often. In some cases, weight gain may be due to fluid retention, another side effect of gabapentin. Another possible cause is not getting enough exercise if gabapentin is causing fatigue. Some ways to avoid weight gain include: Summary: Weight loss is reported as a side effect among people who take Gabapentin (gabapentin), especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months also take Fluoxetine, and have Schizophrenia. Tips to manage and prevent weight gain while taking Gabapentin, with nutritional guidance from Banyan Treatment Center. We Have Beds Available! Call for Same Day Admission. 855-722-6926 Gabapentin’s ability to reduce appetite may contribute to weight loss. By decreasing hunger, individuals may naturally consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss. Gabapentin may influence metabolic pathways, affecting how the body processes energy and stores fat. For healthcare professionals. Applies to gabapentin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. General adverse events. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema.
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