Table of Contents Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication used to treat conditions like nerve pain and seizures. With over 64 million prescriptions written each year in the United States, many people have experienced gabapentin side effects. Whether you’re wondering, “does gabapentin make you sleepy?” or concerned about weight gain and coordination problems, understanding what is 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. Genetics influence our physiological reactions to Gabapentin, thus dictating side effects – including whether we gain weight, remain weight neutral, or even lose weight. Gabapentin is a prescription anticonvulsant that may be prescribed to patients going through alcohol withdrawal and to reduce alcohol cravings. At the same time, it’s commonly abused in conjunction with opioids. While weight gain is a listed side effect of gabapentin, it’s a rare one and the weight gained is usually minimal. 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 weight gain appears to be closely associated with another gabapentin side effect, appetite increase. It is not fully understood whether potential weight gain is solely due to an increased appetite or the side effect occurs via other mechanisms. Gabapentin is usually prescribed for nerve pain, but let’s face it—side effects can be just as important as the benefits. The last thing you want is to add extra pounds while trying to manage your condition. So, what’s the deal with this medication and its potential to cause weight gain? In this article, we’re diving into the science behind Gabapentin’s effects on your body and Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed for a variety of conditions. Learn about its uses, side effects, and what you should know if you've been prescribed this medication. “Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of gabapentin, and patients should evaluate other reasons for unwanted weight gain,” Dr. Dasgupta says. Lifestyle factors like an unhealthy diet, too much stress, not enough exercise, and insufficient sleep can make weight maintenance and weight loss more difficult. Gabapentin (Neurontin): 10 FAQs Including Side Effects, Weight Gain, and Dosages Answers to the most common questions about Gabapentin Weight gain as a side effect of gabapentin isn't commonly talked about, but it does happen - especially when taking higher doses. Learn what you can do here. Gabapentin can cause weight gain, but it’s not a common side effect. It can happen due to several reasons, such as increased appetite, fluid retention, or decreased physical activity due to fatigue. Key takeaways: Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication that’s FDA approved to treat seizures and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain from shingles). 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 While weight gain is a more common side effect of gabapentin, some people may actually experience weight loss. This is often seen in individuals who have been taking the medication for an extended period and have developed tolerance to its appetite-stimulating effects. Gabapentin and weight gain: not a fun mix. 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 Castle Rock alcohol and drug rehab also incorporates healthy and nutritional meals in patients’ treatment plans. If you’ve Gabapentin can help control seizures as well as nerve pain from shingles. It may sometimes cause side effects, especially if you misuse it. Learn more. 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. Learn about the side effects of gabapentin, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. 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
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