By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Medical Answers > Does gabapentin cause weight gain?

Does gabapentin cause weight gain?

Answers by TheMediTary.Com - Last updated: 13-Jul-2023

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. People who do gain weight may gain about 5 pounds after 6 weeks of use.

  • In people with epilepsy, weight gain occurred in 3% of people older than 12 years of age who were taking gabapentin (compared to 2% of people taking the placebo). 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 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.

Some ways to avoid weight gain include:

  • Eating a healthy and balanced diet
  • Eating smaller portion sizes
  • Avoiding high-calorie snacks and desserts like chips, pastries and sweets
  • Eating low-calorie snacks like fruits and vegetables to manage hunger
  • Getting regular exercise

Swelling from fluid retention may be reduced by:

  • Sitting with your feet raised
  • Avoiding standing for long periods of time

If gabapentin is causing you to gain weight, do not stop taking this drug on your own. Stopping the drug suddenly can lead to serious problems, especially if you are taking gabapentin for seizures. Abruptly stopping a seizure medicine can cause seizures that won’t stop.

Weight gain is one of many possible side effects. The most common side effects with gabapentin include:

  • Clumsiness
  • Viral infection
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Speaking difficulties
  • Tremor
  • Swelling, usually involving the legs and feet
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Movements that are jerky
  • Coordination difficulties
  • Double vision
  • Unusual eye movement
Share this Article

Featured questions

  • Should gabapentin be taken with food?
  • Why does Lyrica cause anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts?
  • Should I be taking Lyrica and Neurontin together?
  • Neurontin - how long does it take for the meds to work and make to pain go away?
  • Hi, anyone taking Neurontin/Gabapentin have a difficult time urinating?
  • How long does it take gabapentin to work?
  • Neuralgia - Can anticonvulsants cause neuralgic pain worse?
  • Fibromyalgia, anyone taking Gabapentin (neurontin) have stomach pain?
  • If anyone else is taking neurontin for nerve pain, can you tell me what your experience has been?
  • Gabapentin/Neurontin - Are any of you, taking Gab, experiencing little or lNO pain control?
  • Does Neurontin cause weight gain?
  • Neurontin, Gabapentin - anyone have a severe dry mouth on this?
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch (Hydrocortisone topical)
Centrum Adult (Multivitamins and minerals)
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe (Adalimumab)
Zepbound Pen (Tirzepatide)
Mylanta One (Calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone)
Uretron Ds (Hyoscyamine, methenamine, methylene blue, phenyl salicylate, sodium biphosphate)
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing (Topical emollients)
Lidotrode
Libervant (Diazepam (buccal))
Moderna Covid-19 (Covid-19 (6m-11y) vaccine, moderna (2024-2025))
Beqvez (Fidanacogene elaparvovec)
Beqvez (Fidanacogene elaparvovec)
Beqvez (Fidanacogene elaparvovec)

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by