Applies to gabapentin: oral capsule, oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release 24 hr. Serious side effects of gabapentin. 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. One unwanted side effect that has been reported in a small percentage of users is weight gain. Those that gain significant weight on Gabapentin may be tempted to discontinue as a result of a compromised body-image. Does Gabapentin (Neurontin) Cause Weight Gain? Gabapentin is a drug that isn’t associated with clinically significant weight gain. 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. 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. Quetiapine showed a dose response gradient suggesting higher weight gain with doses above 450 mg/d. None of the drugs in this class were associated with weight loss. Aripiprazole was associated with weight gain (0.6 kg); however, the confidence in this estimate was very low. 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. Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects. These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves. There are things you can do to help cope with them: Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy 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]. 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The question of how quickly gabapentin might lead to weight gain is a common concern for those starting this medication. The answer isn’t immediate, and it varies from person to person. However, research suggests a general timeline. Weight increase typically begins between the second and third months of gabapentin treatment in most patients. 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: 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. The straightforward answer is: yes, gabapentin can contribute to weight gain in some individuals, but it’s not a universal side effect. Gabapentin is used to control seizures, to treat nerve pain that can happen after having had shingles, and to treat a condition called restless legs syndrome. In addition to these FDA-approved uses, doctors sometimes prescribe gabapentin off-label. 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. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) is a medicine used to help manage certain epileptic seizures. It also is used to relieve pain for some conditions, such as shingles. Dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects of gabapentin. Some other possible side effects include weight gain and trouble with movement. 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. The most common gabapentin (Neurontin) side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. This may affect your ability to drive or perform other activities. Other gabapentin side effects include edema (fluid buildup), weight gain, and eye problems, but these aren’t as common.
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