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. 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. Gabapentin can potentially cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. The list below includes some of the most common side effects but is not a complete list. Mild side effects may go away after a few days or weeks of consistent medication-taking, but if they persist or worsen you should speak with your doctor. 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 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: 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 Gabapentin, a medication often prescribed for nerve pain and seizures, has raised questions about does gabapentin cause weight gain?While it’s primarily used to manage conditions like neuropathic pain and epilepsy, some individuals may experience changes in body weight, including variations from their baseline weight, while taking it. 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. 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. 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. Based on user experiences from 2,568 Gabapentin reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects. All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified. 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. 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. 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 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. Some people can become addicted to gabapentin. If this happens, you'll have withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking the medicine. When you stop taking gabapentin, you'll need to reduce your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor. A 300mg dose of gabapentin can potentially cause weight gain, though not in everyone, and the likelihood can depend on individual circumstances and lifestyle factors. It’s important to monitor your own body and weight while on this medication. Along with its needed effects, gabapentin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gabapentin: More common side effects
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