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. Lyrica is more likely than gabapentin to cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, swelling (edema), breast enlargement, or weight gain Gabapentin is more likely than Lyrica to cause side effects such as difficulty speaking, fever, an increased risk of viral infections, unusual eye movements, or jerky movements A similar drug, gabapentin, has been approved for treating epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia. Weight Gain 5.3%; Edema 4.3%; Dizziness 3%; Before embarking When comparing pregabalin versus gabapentin, they work in similar ways but pregabalin is absorbed more quickly and fully. Common side effects of both medications include dizziness, drowsiness, and fluid buildup. Pregabalin is more likely to lead to weight gain. Pregabalin is a controlled substance in every U.S. state. Gabapentin is associated with weight gain in a subset of patients, with the extent of weight gain varying based on dosage and duration of treatment. Comparative studies indicate that gabapentin enacarbil may result in less weight gain compared to pregabalin. The bioavailability of generic gabapentin in tablet and capsule formulations equivalent to brand-name Neurontin is about 80% at lower doses such as 100 mg every 8 hours, but only 27% bioavailable at doses of 1600 mg every 8 hours. 3,4 This differs greatly from pregabalin, which boasts a greater than 90% bioavailability across a dosage range If you have diabetes or heart problems, call your doctor if you have weight gain or swelling in your hands or feet while taking pregabalin. Do not stop using pregabalin suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. Before taking this medicine. You should not use pregabalin if you are allergic to it. 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. Understanding Gabapentin and Weight Gain. Gabapentin’s mechanism of action isn’t fully understood, but it affects the central nervous system by reducing nerve activity. It’s thought that several factors contribute to weight gain while on gabapentin. These include: This piece looks at how Gabapentin and weight gain are connected. You'll learn about why these changes might happen and what you can do about them. We'll get into the scientific evidence, risk factors, and practical ways to maintain a healthy weight while taking this medication. 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. Neurontin: Gabapentin · Oral capsule: 100 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg · Oral tablet: 600 mg, 800 mg · Oral solution: 50 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) Gralise: Gabapentin · Oral tablet: 300 mg, 600 mg: Horizant: Gabapentin enacarbil · ER tablet: 300 mg, 600 mg: Lyrica: Pregabalin To avoid weight gain from gabapentin, make sure you’re taking the dose your prescriber recommends. Taking higher doses of gabapentin increases your risk of weight gain and severe side effects like extreme drowsiness. 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: 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. 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. Gabapentin (also called Neurontin) is a medicine that works in a similar way to pregabalin. Like pregabalin, it can be taken to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. It can also be taken for migraines. However, there are other differences between pregabalin and gabapentin. Gabapentin is taken in different doses to pregabalin. 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. Weight gain is likely: Both gabapentin and pregabalin are associated with a variable amount of weight gain (due to increased appetite and/or oedema), which is dose dependent and typically occurs between 2 – 12 months after initiation. 1 Most patients taking pregabalin maintain their weight within ± 7% of their baseline weight, but up to 16% 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.
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