2. Dizziness: Many patients experience dizziness while taking gabapentin, which can be especially problematic for those who need to drive or operate machinery. 3. Weight gain: Some individuals may notice weight gain while taking gabapentin. This can be a concern for those who are already trying to manage their weight or have certain health 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% 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; Managing side effects 13. Gidal BE, Maly MM, Nemire RE, Haley K (1995) "Weight gain and gabapentin therapy." Ann Pharmacother, 29, p. 1048. 14. Lasso 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 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. 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. While effective for these purposes, a significant concern among patients is its potential to cause weight gain. This side effect is not universal, but it’s common enough to warrant attention. The mechanism behind gabapentin-induced weight gain is multifaceted, involving several physiological changes, not a single factor. 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. Many individuals seek to lose weight, but does gabapentin cause weight gain? Gabapentin cause weight gain which can complicate weight loss efforts. As an anti-seizure medication, it is often used for chronic pain management, though managing gabapentin withdrawal can be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy. 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 is used to control seizures, to treat nerve pain that can happen after having had shingles, and to treat a condition called restless legs syndrome. In addition to these FDA-approved uses, doctors sometimes prescribe gabapentin off-label. 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. 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 Higher doses and longer treatment periods increase your risk of weight gain [11]. People who take Gabapentin might gain about 5 pounds after just 6 weeks of use [12]. Weight gain affected 3% of patients over 12 years old with epilepsy, compared to 2% who took a placebo [12]. 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. One side effect that’s more common with pregabalin is weight gain. This side effect doesn’t appear to be linked to fluid buildup, but it’s something to pay attention to if you’re starting pregabalin. Weight gain doesn’t seem to be as common with gabapentin. Serious side effects Weight gain occurred in patients taking GPN in combination with each of the major antiepileptic drugs including Felbatol and also occurred with GPN monotherapy. The authors reviewed changes in body weight in 44 patients treated with Gabapentin (GPN) for a period of 12 or more months.
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