Question 1

i understand divalproex sodium causes weight gain by affecting insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome.  what explains the weight gain from gabapentin?

Accepted Answer

Edema possibly: I know that Gabapentin can lead to changes in fluid distribution in addition to peripheral edema and this may be one possible way that Gabapentin leads to weight gain.

Question 2

i have been doing research. from clinical trials, seems that lyrica (pregabalin) causes weight gain much more often than neurontin. yes?

Accepted Answer

Probably so.: Weight gain listed as mild to moderate for both but Lyrica (pregabalin) appears to be more. As with any medication must weigh the benefits and adverse effects and manage the adverse effects to the extent possible. A good life skills approach is important for everyone, especially if faced with issues like medical conditions and medications, and can assist weight mx and other health parameters. Best regards.

Question 3

do everybody gain weight when taking gabapentin and cannot lose the weight?

Accepted Answer

Not everybody: It is a common side effect but certainly not universal. Also, the amount varies a lot. If you have a personal reaction like that, it might not be best for you but even then attention to safe exercise and careful diet choices can help for many. It's a balance of pros and cons. Finally, almost nothing lasts forever including weight. That said, it is very challenging for some. Choices can be rough!

Question 4

does gabapentin 600 mg 3 times a day for headaches.  cause you to gain weight. and how can you stop taking it. ?

Accepted Answer

Reducing gabapentin: This medicine can cause weight gain, although it is relatively unusual.  It is an unusual medicine for headache prevention.

If you want to stop using it, discuss the matter with the prescriber first.  They might ask you to reduce your dose to 300 mg three times a day for a week, then 300 mg twice a day for a week, then 300 mg once a day for a week.  Then stop.

Question 5

i suspect that gabapentin is causing me to gain weight despite my many efforts to lose. are there alternatives that don't have that side effect?

Accepted Answer

Not true side-effect: While there can be edema (fluid retention) with Gabapentin which results in weight gain, the medicine itself does not likely cause increased appetite or reduced metabolism.  If you are sedated, your activity level may have been reduced, thus burning less Cal.  Please visit with your doctor to see about a dose change, if you have edema, and other options.  Best wishes

Question 6

i have pheripal nuerophathy and have recently started  taking gabapentin 300mg 5 times a day. is this a weight gaining drug?.... thank you....trish

Accepted Answer

Weight : Weight gain is classified as "common".  With that said; weight gain could be very minimal or could be substantial.

Question 7

why does gabapentin cause weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Weight/seizure meds: The mechanism that causes weight gain due to use of anti-convulsants is not absolutely known, but it is suggested that lowered glucose levels stimulate the hypothalamus to increase appetite.  Further explanation of this process can be found in the following publication:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11735653

Question 8

on average, do people tend to gain more weight on gabapentin or divalproex sodium?

Accepted Answer

Neurontin/Depakote: From my experience, more so with Depakote & more so in females.

Question 9

will dietary changes and exercise allow someone to lose the weight gained from gabapentin?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely : Gabapentin is not notorious for weight gain. Unlike Depakote which is more notable for this side effect. The only way to lose weight is to reduce your caloric intake and increase your physical activity. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program and a diet program that are safe for you based upon your medical history. Best wishes for success in your healthy weight loss.

Question 10

i am considering taking neurontin (gabapentin) for nerve pain.does this medication have a history of causing weight gain. i read that it did.

Accepted Answer

Gabapentin, yes: Possible weight gain. Unfortunately, doctors often do not address this when prescribing medicine, despite weight gain being very troubling for the many patients. Gabapentin differs from most other anticonvulsants, because it has minimal drug interaction potential and is not metabolized in humans. It is used for both paroxysmal and continuous neuropathic pain (nerve pain) conditions.

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Doctor answers about:

Does gabapentin make you gain weight

A member asked:

I understand divalproex sodium causes weight gain by affecting insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome. what explains the weight gain from gabapentin?

A member asked:

I have been doing research. from clinical trials, seems that lyrica (pregabalin) causes weight gain much more often than neurontin. yes?

A member asked:

Do everybody gain weight when taking gabapentin and cannot lose the weight?

A member asked:

Does gabapentin 600 mg 3 times a day for headaches. cause you to gain weight. and how can you stop taking it. ?

A member asked:

I suspect that gabapentin is causing me to gain weight despite my many efforts to lose. are there alternatives that don't have that side effect?

A member asked:

I have pheripal nuerophathy and have recently started taking gabapentin 300mg 5 times a day. is this a weight gaining drug?.... thank you....trish

A member asked:

Why does gabapentin cause weight gain?

A member asked:

On average, do people tend to gain more weight on gabapentin or divalproex sodium?

A member asked:

Will dietary changes and exercise allow someone to lose the weight gained from gabapentin?

A member asked:

I am considering taking neurontin (gabapentin) for nerve pain.does this medication have a history of causing weight gain. i read that it did.

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