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. Another study looking at weight changes after a longer course of the medication found that over half of participants gained more than 5% of their baseline body weight, with 23% of participants gaining 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. To avoid weight gain from gabapentin, make sure you’re taking the dose your prescriber 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% 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. Rare but serious gabapentin side effects include mood changes in children. 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 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. 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 due to gabapentin is different and depends on the dose and duration of its use. According to one research study, gabapentin was associated with a weight gain of about 5.5 pounds after 1.5 months of use. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) is a medicine used to help manage certain epileptic seizures. It also is used to relieve pain for some conditions, such as shingles. Dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects of gabapentin. Some other possible side effects include weight gain and trouble with movement. Yes, it can, although weight gain is rare with gabapentin and more commonly associated with higher dosages. Even with a lower dose like 300mg, some people may experience an increase in appetite or fluid retention, leading to weight gain. 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 Neurontin seems to work the best for me. I take Neurontin in order to manage my pain. However, if I have an especially painful episode, an extra dose goes to work quickly - within 30 minutes or so. The one drawback for me is that it causes me to gain weight. 5 lbs the first month, and within 6 months approximately 10 lbs total gain. I know that 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 Note: This document provides detailed information about Neurontin Side Effects associated with gabapentin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Neurontin. Applies to gabapentin: oral capsule, oral solution, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release 24 hr. Serious side effects of 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. People who do gain weight may gain about 5 pounds after 6 weeks of use. In people with epilepsy, weight gain occurred in 3% of people older than 12 years of age who were taking gabapentin (compared to 2% of people taking the placebo). Weight gain was also seen at a similar rate in pediatric epilepsy patients who were 3 to 12 years old. In While weight gain is a rare side effect of gabapentin, it still happens. In fact, weight gain from gabapentin only occurs in around 2% of patients. 1 However, weight gain is not to be confused with peripheral edema, which is a swelling in the legs caused by a build-up of fluids. This occurs in around 8% of patients taking gabapentin. 1 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
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