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. Explore the question: does gabapentin cause weight gain, how it affects the body, factors involved, and what patients should know about managing weight changes. 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. Todd asked 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: Immediate release gabapentin: 2-3% Extended release Weight gain and fluid retention are known side effects of the thiazolidinedione antidiabetic drug class. Higher frequencies of weight gain and peripheral edema were seen in diabetes patients taking both Lyrica and a thiazolidinedione medicine (examples: rosiglitazone or pioglitazone) when compared to patients taking either drug alone. Gabapentin may cause vision changes, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or trouble with thinking. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well. This simple yet unpleasant symptom is part of the range of side effects to gabapentin. Weight Gain: Many patients ask, “does gabapentin cause weight gain?” In some cases, prolonged use of the medication can indeed lead to an increase in body weight, making weight management an important discussion with your healthcare provider. 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. Mixing Gabapentin and alcohol is not advised as you may experience unwanted side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and impaired balance. Most alcoholic drinks also contain high amounts of carbohydrates and empty calories, which increase your appetite and blood sugar levels leading to weight gain. Include more protein in your diet 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. Gabapentin helps millions of people manage conditions from chronic pain to seizures. This anticonvulsant medication works by calming overactive nerve signals in your brain. The medication works well for many patients, but you should know about its potential side effects, including weight changes. Note that you should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting or stopping Gabapentin. 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 Key takeaways: 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. It can also cause suicidal thoughts Gabapentin can cause a few side effects, including weight gain. Although it is not common, it may affect your weight depending on the dose of medicine and how long you take it. Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, is a drug typically prescribed to treat epileptic seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, and some forms of nerve pain. As with all medications, it’s possible to have adverse reactions. In seemingly rare cases, gabapentin treatment may cause people to gain weight due to an accumulation of factors, including a greater appetite, increased cravings, and a slower Gabapentin is a popular medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including epilepsy, restless leg syndrome, and chronic pain. While it can be an effective treatment option, many people taking gabapentin have reported changes in their weight. But does gabapentin cause weight gain or weight loss? The Link Between Neurontin and Weight Gain Neurontin, known generically as gabapentin, is a medication primarily prescribed for nerve pain, seizures, and sometimes off-label for anxiety or restless leg syndrome. While effective for these conditions, one common concern among patients and healthcare providers is whether Neurontin causes weight gain. Discover whether Gabapentin causes weight gain and what you should know about its effects on your health and lifestyle. Can gabapentin cause weight gain? In clinical trials, the most common side effects of gabapentin in adults were drowsiness, dizziness, and edema (fluid retention) in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. While it’s not a common side effect, about 2% of patients taking gabapentin experienced weight gain, and 8% experienced fluid retention.
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