How do you avoid gaining weight while taking gabapentin? 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. My Dr. said that Lyrica (pregabalin) causes terrible weight gain, but not Gabapentin. I have read that weight gain on Gabapentin can be dose-related. I’ve noticed that I do get hungry more often, so I log everything I eat to make sure I’m not eating too much. I’m still wearing the same size clothing after 2 years, so the weight gain isn Avoiding Weight Gain While on Gabapentin In summary, it does appear that weight gain can be a side effect of taking gabapentin, regardless of the reason the medication was prescribed. However, the potential for gaining weight is related to the indirect effects of the drug and not any specific action in the brain or elsewhere in the body. 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. While more individuals are likely to gain weight as opposed to lose weight on Gabapentin, most individuals won’t notice any significant change in bodyweight. However, it is important to understand that many pharmaceutical companies underestimate the potential of their drug to cause weight gain in effort to increase sales. 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 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. 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. 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. 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, a medication often prescribed for nerve pain and seizures, has raised questions about does gabapentin cause weight gain?While it’s primarily used to manage conditions like neuropathic pain and epilepsy, some individuals may experience changes in body weight, including variations from their baseline weight, while taking it. While weight gain is a more common side effect, it is possible to lose weight on gabapentin. By adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration, it’s possible to manage weight effectively while taking this medication. 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. This article will provide clear guidance on how to mitigate and potentially stop weight gain associated with gabapentin use, offering practical strategies and insights to help you manage this side effect effectively. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Although it’s uncommon, edema from gabapentin may lead to weight gain. If you experience edema or weight gain while taking gabapentin, let your prescriber know, but don’t stop taking the medication until you speak with them. Weight gain from gabapentin unrelated to peripheral edema isn’t very common. 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. While weight gain is a listed side effect of gabapentin, it’s a rare one and the weight gained is usually minimal. What is gabapentin? Gabapentin , sold under the brand name Neurontin, is a prescription anticonvulsant that prevents focal seizures and alleviates some types of nerve pain such as that following shingles (postherpetic neuralgia).
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