Since being diagnosed 1/2021 I have gained 50pd, which is a lot for me considering I've always been somewhat skinny as I am 5'11. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant sold under the brand name Neurontin, is used to treat seizures and neuropathic pain. It is typically the first course of action, and most often prescribed to patients with diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia. 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 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 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. 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. Children as young as three can take Gabapentin for seizures [2], but age and weight determine the proper dosing. Doctors typically start nerve pain treatment with lower doses of 300mg and may increase it to 1800mg daily based on patient response [2] . 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. If you are sedentary for most of the day, don’t make any effort to get physical activity, eat unhealthy foods high in carbohydrates and sugars – you shouldn’t be surprised if you gain weight. While diet and exercise are important elements to consider as causes of weight gain, you may also want to consider sleeping habits and stress level. 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. Additionally, gabapentin can cause multiorgan hypersensitivity or DRESS syndrome, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention if symptoms such as rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or liver problems occur.Consulting with a healthcare professional and being aware of the potential risks and benefits of gabapentin are important The oral solution contains 250 millgrams of gabapentin per 5 milliliter (50 mg per mL) Neurontin or generic gabapentin. Gabapentin capsules. It’s available as 100-, 300- or 400-milligram gelatin capsules (Neurontin or generic gabapentin). Gabapentin can make you hungrier, so it can be hard to stop yourself putting on weight. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods. Unfortunately, gabapentin can lead some patients to gain weight. However, the occurrence is considered rare and is unlikely to affect most people. The good news is that you can elude weight gain by leading a healthy lifestyle that combines a balanced diet with regular physical activity. Gabapentin is taken by mouth and comes in capsule, tablet, and liquid form. Conditions treated with gabapentin. Gabapentin is FDA-approved as Neurontin to treat partial seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. Partial seizures are convulsions that originate from a single location in the brain. Diabetes drugs that may cause weight gain include: Injectable insulin: The hormone works by helping the body’s cells absorb glucose. Insulin causes a spike in weight, however, when the cells absorb too much glucose and the body converts it into fat. Not everyone with type 2 diabetes is on insulin. Gabapentin can cause weight gain, but this side effect is usually rare. 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. 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.
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