Does gabapentin increase weight?

Although they're not common side effects, gabapentin has been reported to potentially cause weight gain and fluid buildup in the legs (edema). If you're taking gabapentin or another medication that you think may have led to gaining a few extra pounds, talk to your healthcare provider.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


Is weight gain a side effect of gabapentin?

Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise) is a medication used to help manage certain epileptic seizures and relieve pain for some conditions, such as shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). Dizziness and drowsiness are common gabapentin side effects. Weight gain and uncoordinated movement are possible side effects.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Why does gabapentin make you gain weight?

The cause of weight gain with gabapentin is likely due to increased appetite. You may be hungry more often. In some cases, weight gain may be due to fluid retention, another side effect of gabapentin. Another possible cause is not getting enough exercise if gabapentin is causing fatigue.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com


Does gabapentin make you gain weight or lose weight?

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. Patients taking medications like Neurontin and Gralise may gain a few pounds after about six weeks into treatment.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on banyantreatmentcenter.com


Is it hard to lose weight on gabapentin?

The surgery group given prophylactic gabapentin had 68.5% less weight loss than the untreated group (2.40 kg vs 7.63 kg, P = . 02), and the p16-positive group receiving prophylactic gabapentin showed 60% less weight loss than their untreated counterparts (3.61 kg vs 9.02 kg; P = . 004).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theoncologypharmacist.com


Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain ? Gabapentin Weight Gain, Why and How ?



Will 300 mg of gabapentin cause weight gain?

Although they're not common side effects, gabapentin has been reported to potentially cause weight gain and fluid buildup in the legs (edema). If you're taking gabapentin or another medication that you think may have led to gaining a few extra pounds, talk to your healthcare provider.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


Does gabapentin affect appetite?

Like medications like corticosteroids and certain antidepressants, gabapentin stimulates your appetite, making you feel hungry more often. As a result, you may eat more than usual. And if you don't adjust your eating habits or exercise, you may gain some weight.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on banyantreatmentcenter.com


What are the long term effects of taking gabapentin?

According to researchers, long-term use of gabapentin — a nonopioid pain medication — among older adults may cause altered mental status, dizziness, drowsiness and renal dysfunction, and it could also lead to polypharmacy, which in itself can lead to adverse events and hospital stays.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healio.com


How do I get rid of weight gain medicine?

Here are some ways to lose weight gained due to medication use:
  1. Switch to a different medication. The first strategy to consider involves changing medications. ...
  2. Lower medication dosage. ...
  3. Limit portion sizes. ...
  4. Exercise. ...
  5. Eat more protein. ...
  6. Talk to a dietitian. ...
  7. Avoid alcohol. ...
  8. Get enough sleep.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What are the most serious side effects of gabapentin?

Serious allergic reaction
  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin.
  • you're wheezing.
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat.
  • you have trouble breathing or talking.
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


How long can I take gabapentin for nerve pain?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “the efficacy and safety of gabapentin have not been examined in clinical studies for treatment periods longer than five months.” However, gabapentin can be taken longer than five months, should a treating physician deem it necessary, provided the patient does not ...
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on friendlyhousela.org


How does gabapentin 300 mg make you feel?

Gabapentin can produce feelings of relaxation, calmness and euphoria. Some users have reported that the high from snorted gabapentin can be similar to taking a stimulant. It can also enhance the euphoric effects of other drugs, like heroin and other opioids, and is likely to increase the risks when taken in this way.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on talktofrank.com


Why am I gaining weight so fast when I barely eat?

Unintentional weight gain occurs when you put on weight without increasing your consumption of food or liquid and without decreasing your activity. This occurs when you're not trying to gain weight. It's often due to fluid retention, abnormal growths, constipation, or pregnancy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Why do I gain weight in my stomach only?

Gaining weight solely in your stomach may be the result of specific lifestyle choices. The two S's — stress and sugar — play a significant role in the size of your midsection. Certain medical conditions and hormonal changes can contribute to abdominal weight gain.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on insider.com


What pill causes weight gain?

Examples include escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft). These may cause weight gain by affecting your appetite; also, by alleviating symptoms of mood disorders, they may also affect eating or exercise habits, says Emmel. “If you experience weight gain, talk to your physician.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


Can you stay on gabapentin for life?

It might last for a full week, if not longer, and the person's symptoms will likely require the most time and care to endure. Due to this, people should not attempt to discontinue gabapentin without proper medical supervision.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on deserthopetreatment.com


How long can I be on gabapentin?

You can continue to take gabapentin for as long as it helps your pain if you are not having any side effects. It may be necessary for your doctor to change the dose during your treatment.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hey.nhs.uk


Does gabapentin make you poop?

Does Gabapentin Cause Diarrhea? Many medications cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and patients often wonder if gabapentin causes diarrhea. It is possible to experience not only diarrhea, but you may also have symptoms like nausea or constipation while on the drug.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on therecoveryvillage.com


Does gabapentin heal nerve damage?

In mouse study, nerve pain drug gabapentin promotes regeneration of neural circuits. Summary: Long-term treatment with gabapentin, a commonly prescribed drug for nerve pain, could help restore upper limb function after a spinal cord injury, new research in mice suggests.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on sciencedaily.com


What drugs should not be taken with gabapentin?

Cautions with other medicines
  • strong painkillers, such as morphine – these can make you very tired and dizzy when you start taking gabapentin.
  • antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or fluoxetine.
  • antipsychotic medicines for mental health problems like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


Can you drink coffee when taking gabapentin?

Coffee doesn't directly interact with gabapentin (Neurontin), so if you're taking the medication for nerve pain it's ok to drink coffee (the medication itself should be taken with water).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com


Can I stop gabapentin cold turkey?

If the drug is suddenly stopped “cold turkey” rather than tapering off it, withdrawal symptoms can result. Stopping neurontin suddenly may cause an increase in seizure activity in those who have seizure disorders. Other potential symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include: Sweating.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on greenhousetreatment.com


What will happen if I stop taking gabapentin?

Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 hours to 7 days after quitting the medication and last up to 10 days. Symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal may include nausea, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. The safest way to stop using gabapentin is to taper off the medication under the supervision of a doctor.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on americanaddictioncenters.org


What time of day should I take gabapentin?

You can take gabapentin with or without food, but it's best to do the same each day. Try to space your doses evenly through the day. For example, you could take it first thing in the morning, early afternoon and at bedtime.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


Why did I gain 10 pounds in 2 days?

After a weekend of consuming junk foods or foods containing simple carbs, your body will retain water. The high sodium and carbohydrate content causes an increase in fluid retention in the body. And that's why you feel bloated and bulky. It's nearly all extra water weight, and not actual body fat that you have gained.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aleanlife.com