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 water retention is another example of how the body can change when a medication is taken. There are several possible explanations for gabapentin weight gain: Fatigue: The most common side effect, which can lead to less activity and more eating. Increased hunger: The medication can make you feel hungrier than usual, which can make it difficult to avoid gaining weight. Fluid retention: Up to 8% of patients experience swelling. Gidal BE, Maly MM, Nemire RE, Haley K (1995) "Weight gain and gabapentin therapy." Ann Pharmacother, 29, Does it cause weight gain? How long does it take to work? 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. In cases where weight gain does occur, it is typically a result of an increased appetite or reduced exercise caused by the drug. How Gabapentin Causes Weight Gain: List of Possibilities. Gabapentin has a poorly understood mechanism of action and weight gain is uncommon. Since there is some confusion regarding the precise neurophysiological effects of the drug, it is difficult to pinpoint the specific cause of weight gain. 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. Gabapentin may affect appetite regulation, potentially leading to weight gain. In this discussion, we’ll explore the relationship between gabapentin and weight gain, along with factors that may contribute to this phenomenon. 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. A review of research examining antipsychotic medicine explains why: Most of those drugs cause weight gain. Over the course of treatment, around 7 in 10 patients will gain weight — rapidly in the initial period after starting these meds, but it continues over the long term. The risk appears to be highest with: Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Clozapine Exploring Medication Side Effects: The Potential Impact of Gabapentin on Weight. So, does taking gabapentin cause weight gain? The short answer is yes, it can. Weight gain is listed as a side effect of gabapentin. However, it’s not a common side effect and doesn’t usually impact most people taking gabapentin. In seemingly rare cases, gabapentin treatment may cause people to gain weight due to an accumulation of factors, including a greater appetite, increased cravings, and a slower metabolism. Other side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and lack of motivation. 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. 1. How much weight can I expect to gain on gabapentin? Weight gain is highly individual and varies widely. While some studies report about 5 pounds gained in 6 weeks, individual results can differ significantly, and not everyone gains weight. 2. Does gabapentin always cause weight gain? No, gabapentin doesn’t always cause weight gain. Many Yes, gabapentin can cause weight gain. One review article looking at weight gain from medications found an average weight gain of almost 5 pounds after just 1.5 months on gabapentin. I have been on Gabapentin 2400 mg per day and have gained 30 pounds in a short time and just wanted to know if this med causes the weight gain or is it just due to me eating more. Answer. Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect for gabapentin (brand name Neurontin). The incidence of weight gain with gabapentin varies by product: Gabapentin may cause weight gain by increasing your appetite, causing fluid retention, and inhibiting physical activity by causing fatigue. Because gabapentin is an anticonvulsant, it prevents seizures and nerve pain by reducing nerve activity in the central nervous system. Gabapentin can cause fluid buildup in the legs (edema), which can lead to temporary weight gain. You can also gain weight without fluid buildup, though it’s not common. You may be able to avoid weight gain from gabapentin by adjusting your diet and exercising regularly. Gabapentin is thought to cause weight gain by increasing patients’ appetites and causing fatigue that reduces their physical activity. It can also cause water retention, with swelling (edema) of the hands, arms, feet, and legs, which may contribute to weight gain. Related: Does Trazodone cause weight gain? One study found that in patients My main side effect is that I get sleepy and have no energy (but then again Tramadol causes those side effects as well) but it does help the nerve pain, so I keep taking it. My Dr. said that Lyrica (pregabalin) causes terrible weight gain, but not Gabapentin. I have read that weight gain on Gabapentin can be dose-related.
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