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. For most beta blockers, the average weight gain is about 2 lbs to 3 lbs. But some may cause more weight gain than others. Metoprolol and propranolol are reported to cause weight gain of up to about 5 lbs. Atenolol may cause a bit more weight gain — up to 7.5 lbs. 7. Corticosteroids like prednisone A review of research examining antipsychotic medicine explains why: Most of those drugs cause weight gain. Over the course of treatment, around 7 in 10 patients will gain weight — rapidly in the initial period after starting these meds, but it continues over the long term. The risk appears to be highest with: Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Clozapine 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. How Gabapentin Causes Weight Gain: List of Possibilities. Gabapentin has a poorly understood mechanism of action and weight gain is uncommon. Since there is some confusion regarding the precise neurophysiological effects of the drug, it is difficult to pinpoint the specific cause of weight gain. 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 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. While this may seem irrelevant to weight gain, there actually is a link. A ScienceDaily study confirms that a slight disruption/unwarranted alteration to dopamine levels can cause snacking, overeating, and weight gain. The above confirms that Gabapentin can cause an increase in consumption/food intake, which causes weight gain. 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. 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. 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. 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. Gabapentin doesn't directly change your body's metabolic rate, but it can affect your weight in several indirect ways [8]. You might experience: Studies show clear evidence of Gabapentin's effect on weight. Here's what researchers discovered: Patients gained an average of 4.8 pounds after just 1.5 months of treatment [9]. The weight gain is caused by the fact that Gabapentin affects the brain, hence why no exercise will make any difference! The only way forward I have found is the MR because it resets your metabolism. The only way forward I have found is the MR because it resets your metabolism. 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: 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. Twenty-eight patients w 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. In seemingly rare cases, gabapentin treatment may cause people to gain weight due to an accumulation of factors, including a greater appetite, increased cravings, and a slower metabolism. Other side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, and lack of motivation.
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