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. Gabapentin water retention is another example of how the body can change when a medication is taken. There are some reports that gabapentin causes an increase in appetite, but more research is needed. How to stop or reverse weight gain from Gabapentin. Medication-related weight gain is common, but there are things you can do to stop or reverse weight gain from gabapentin and other weight-promoting medications. 1. Why Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain? Gabapentin, a medication primarily used to manage seizures and nerve pain, is increasingly prescribed for various conditions. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 (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. Is Weight Gain Common With Gabapentin? 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. 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]. 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 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 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 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 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. Intra spinal cord injections do cause weight gain as the oral pills do because of water retention and hormone imbalance. Believe for short term use, if one doesn't have side effects, Neurontin is a good drug,but for use over a month to six weeks, it is rife with side effects all of which cause weight gain. We all know weight gain adds to pain. This occurs in around 8% of patients taking gabapentin. 1. 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. As a result When you stop taking gabapentin, you'll need to reduce your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking gabapentin without talking to your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about becoming physically dependent on gabapentin. Other side effects. These are not all the side effects of gabapentin.
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