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. Gabapentin is approved for use in children 3 years of age and older for certain indications٫ such as partial seizures. The dosage for pediatric patients is determined based on their weight and specific condition. 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 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. Yes, weight gain is a possible side effect for gabapentin (brand name Neurontin). The incidence of weight gain with gabapentin varies by product: Immediate release gabapentin: 2-3%; Extended release gabapentin (e.g. Gralise, Horizant): 1.9-5% Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes) The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. 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. 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. Does gabapentin cause weight gain? Gabapentin is a nerve medication that may cause weight gain in some patients. The best way to manage gabapentin weight gain is with a good diet and healthy habits. A registered dietitian is an excellent partner to help navigate weight changes as a result of medication. The treatment can also stimulate appetites and serotonin levels in some individuals, which again causes overeating—weight gain. Gabapentine and Weight Gain Studies Several studies evaluated the link between Gabapentin use and weight gain. While some studies came up empty on findings, others presented solid results demonstrating the possible Weight gain 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. 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. 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. 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. It's not entirely clear how gabapentin works to treat restless legs syndrome. Side effects of gabapentin. Common side effects of gabapentin include: drowsiness or dizziness; headache or blurred vision; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation; dry mouth; weight gain; swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles; back or joint pain 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. Clinical trials suggest that less than 3% of all Gabapentin users will gain weight – this means that only a small number of people 3/100 will gain weight. Some speculate that more people gain weight than what is reported by the drug company and/or clinical documentation. Weight gain with gabapentin. Weight gain is a side effect that worries many patients and contributes to low compliance with treatment. Weight gain has been reported with gabapentin, but it’s an uncommon side effect and the amount of weight gained is typically small.
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