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]. Yes, weight gain is one of the most common side effects with Lyrica (generic name: pregabalin) in both adults and children.In studies that were 14 weeks long in adults, 9% of Lyrica-treated patients and 2% of placebo (inactive treatment) patients gained 7% or more over their weight at the beginning of the study. For healthcare professionals. Applies to gabapentin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. General adverse events. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. It reported a 3.86% weight gain with pregabalin. The conclusion: “In conclusion, the present study showed that drug-induced weight gain is a common side effect of several medications frequently used to treat chronic diseases. Healthcare providers should educate their patients about the medicines that may cause weight gain.” 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. Talk to your prescriber if you gain weight. They can check for other causes. 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 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. 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. It can also cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and adults. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can interact with gabapentin and may contribute to weight gain. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake is advisable. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gabapentin and Weight Gain 1. What Percentage of People Gain Weight on Gabapentin? While weight gain is a recognized side effect, it’s not universally experienced. Unfortunately, weight gain is a common side effect of many medications. From a fluctuation in hormones to water retention to changes in appetite, drugs like gabapentin can cause some unwanted weight gain. That’s why our Palm Springs drug rehab also incorporates healthy and nutritional meals in patients’ treatment plans. If you’ve started 1. How much weight can I expect to gain on gabapentin? Weight gain is highly individual and varies widely. While some studies report about 5 pounds gained in 6 weeks, individual results can differ significantly, and not everyone gains weight. 2. Does gabapentin always cause weight gain? No, gabapentin doesn’t always cause weight gain. Many 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It’s not clear why medications like gabapentin cause weight gain, but it could be due to increased appetite. It’s important to keep in mind that not all anticonvulsants cause weight gain. Some, like lamotrigine (Lamictal), usually have no effect on body weight. And others, like topiramate (Topamax), can actually cause weight loss. 5. 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: Gabapentin can make you hungrier, so it can be hard to stop yourself putting on weight. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories, such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruit and vegetables and low-calorie foods. One study found gabapentin was associated with a weight gain of 2.2 kg after 1.5 months of use; In another small study, almost half of the participants gained at least 5% of their baseline weight; Why does gabapentin cause weight gain? There are several possible explanations for gabapentin weight gain: Eating frequently or eating a high-calorie diet can contribute to weight gain. Swelling: In clinical trials, gabapentin causes peripheral edema (swelling in the limbs), which can lead to increased body weight. Peripheral edema is a more common side effect than weight gain, occurring in up to 8% of people who take gabapentin. Weight gain was also seen at a similar rate in pediatric epilepsy patients who were 3 to 12 years old. In people with postherpetic neuralgia, 2% of patients taking gabapentin experienced weight gain. No weight gain was found among people taking the placebo. The cause of weight gain with gabapentin is likely due to increased appetite. You may be The reason why gabapentin causes weight gain isn’t entirely clear, but other side effects of the medication may be part of the problem. Fatigue, which is the most common side effect of gabapentin, could lead to limited physical activity and subsequent weight gain. Swelling, which occurs in about 8% of patients, would also make the scale go up
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