Gabapentin can cause weight loss as one of its side effects. Gabapentin is not FDA approved for weight loss but it can be prescribed off-label for this purpose. Gabapentin can cause weight loss by increasing the feeling of fullness in the stomach and by decreasing appetite. 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. The authors reviewed changes in body weight in 44 patients treated with Gabapentin (GPN) for a period of 12 or more months. All patients had a seizure disorder and the dose of GPN was increased aiming at complete seizure control or until side effects limited further increase. Twenty-eight patients w Can gabapentin cause weight loss? The answer is not a simple yes or no. In this article, we’ll delve into the complex relationship between gabapentin, weight loss, and the underlying mechanisms that drive this phenomenon. In summary, the evidence strongly indicates that gabapentin is associated with weight gain rather than weight loss. Multiple studies, including a large systematic review and meta-analysis, as well as long-term observational studies, consistently report weight gain as a side effect of gabapentin use . Gabapentin is structurally similar to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA. In clinical trials with adults and adolescents taking Neurontin involving about 4,700 participants, weight loss was an infrequent event, according to DailyMed. Weight gain was more likely, particularly in pediatric patients. 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. How do you avoid gaining weight while taking gabapentin? Patients who have been prescribed gabapentin are often concerned about weight gain as a side effect. However, they should note, weight gain is a very rare side effect, observed in less than 5% of patients. Similar weight change was noted with exenatide 10, 15, and 20 μg. The weight loss with exenatide weekly dosing was 0.9 kg, and with daily dosing it was 1.3 kg (P value for difference = .7). Weight loss with GLP-1 agonists used < 3 months was 0.3 kg, 3–6 months was 1.3 kg, and > 6 months was 0.9 kg. Gabapentin can potentially cause weight gain, usually due to peripheral edema, a common side effect. This refers to swelling in the ankles and feet due to fluid retention. Weight gain from gabapentin unrelated to peripheral edema isn’t very common. To avoid weight gain from gabapentin, make sure you’re taking the dose your prescriber 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. Gabapentin may cause weight gain, but it is an uncommon side effect. Studies have shown that a small number of people taking gabapentin, a drug used to treat epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia, experienced weight gain. People who do gain weight may gain about 5 pounds after 6 weeks of use. Gabapentin and weight gain: not a fun mix. Unfortunately, weight gain is a common side effect of many medications. From a fluctuation in hormones to water retention to changes in appetite, drugs like gabapentin can cause some unwanted weight gain. Some side effects of gabapentin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. With some people claiming it helps them shed pounds, while others deny any correlation, the question on everyone’s mind is: does gabapentin cause weight loss? In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind gabapentin, explore its potential effects on weight, and separate fact from fiction. More rarely, gabapentin can cause fluid buildup (edema), weight gain, and vision problems. It can also cause diarrhea. More serious (but rare) side effects include suicidal thoughts or behavior, and mood changes in children. 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. Some seizure meds may cause weight loss while others may have no effect on weight. Valproate and gabapentin are seizure medications commonly linked to weight gain. Other ASMs, like topiramate Why does Gabapentin cause weight gain? The reason why gabapentin causes weight gain isn’t entirely clear, but other side effects of the medication may be part of the problem. Fatigue, which is the most common side effect of gabapentin, could lead to limited physical activity and subsequent weight gain.
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