does gabapentin increase weight gain can gabapentin cause leg and feet swelling

Weight gain associated with gabapentin can be due to both fat accumulation and fluid retention (edema). The medication can sometimes make the body hold onto more water, leading to a quick rise in weight that isn’t always caused by an increase in body fat. 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 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. Although it’s uncommon, edema from gabapentin may lead to weight gain. If you experience edema or weight gain while taking gabapentin, let your prescriber know, but don’t stop taking the medication until you speak with them. 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. The key issue is that gabapentin can increase appetite in some individuals, leading to increased food consumption and, therefore, weight gain. In addition, gabapentin can also cause fluid retention or peripheral edema , often noticed as swelling in the legs and feet, which can be mistaken for fat gain. While effective for these purposes, a significant concern among patients is its potential to cause weight gain. This side effect is not universal, but it’s common enough to warrant attention. The mechanism behind gabapentin-induced weight gain is multifaceted, involving several physiological changes, not a single factor. 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. Since a greater percentage of Lyrica users gain weight, and Gabapentin is similar – some believe that the reports of weight gain on Gabapentin are low-ball estimates. Despite these theories, the bulk of scientific evidence suggests that most people will not gain significant weight while taking Gabapentin. 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 Taking high gabapentin doses can increase your chance of weight gain and other risks like severe drowsiness. If you do experience weight gain with gabapentin, don’t stop taking your medication without speaking to your prescriber first. 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 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. Higher doses and longer treatment periods increase your risk of weight gain [11]. People who take Gabapentin might gain about 5 pounds after just 6 weeks of use [12]. Weight gain affected 3% of patients over 12 years old with epilepsy, compared to 2% who took a placebo [12]. The weight gain appears to be closely associated with another gabapentin side effect, appetite increase. It is not fully understood whether potential weight gain is solely due to an increased appetite or the side effect occurs via other mechanisms. While this may seem irrelevant to weight gain, there actually is a link. A ScienceDaily study confirms that a slight disruption/unwarranted alteration to dopamine levels can cause snacking, overeating, and weight gain. The above confirms that Gabapentin can cause an increase in consumption/food intake, which causes weight gain. Weight gain has been reported with gabapentin, but it’s an uncommon side effect and the amount of weight gained is typically small. Gabapentin is thought to cause weight gain by increasing patients’ appetites and causing fatigue that reduces their physical activity. Are you experiencing weight gain while taking gabapentin? While this nerve medication is an incredible therapy for those with epilepsy and other conditions, in some cases, it can cause weight gain. If you’re not sure why you’re gaining weight, don’t worry.

does gabapentin increase weight gain can gabapentin cause leg and feet swelling
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