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. 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 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. Ask your doctor for advice on diet and exercise to help maintain a moderate weight if you’re concerned about possible weight gain from gabapentin. Gabapentin side effects may make you want 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. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gabapentin: More common in children. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Gabapentin may cause weight gain, but it is an uncommon side effect. Studies have shown that a small number of people taking gabapentin weight gain. People who do gain weight may gain about 5 pounds after 6 weeks of use. Side Effects Common side effects of gabapentin. Gabapentin can cause several common side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue. Other commonly reported side effects include headache, nausea, and blurred vision. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects of gabapentin include: flulike symptoms such as fever or body aches. Rare but serious side effects of gabapentin include: changes in memory, ability to concentrate, or personality. Gabapentin may cause breathing problems in people who use opioid pain medicines and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 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. Common side effects of gabapentin include: Feeling tired. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea and vomiting. Fever. Difficulty speaking. Recurring infections. Memory loss. Weight gain. Movement problems: coordination problems, being unsteady, tremors, jerky movements. Eye problems: unusual eye movements, double vision. Talk to your healthcare provider 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.
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