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.
Why does gabapentin cause you to gain 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.
How much weight will I gain on gabapentin?
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.
Can you lose weight while taking 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).
Does gabapentin cause weight gain in humans?
Dizziness and drowsiness are common gabapentin side effects. Weight gain and uncoordinated movement are possible side effects.
How do you lose weight on gabapentin?
If you’re looking to lose weight during or after taking gabapentin, try to exercise for at least 30 to 40 minutes every day or at least four times a week. Be sure to pick an enjoyable activity, so you’re more likely to maintain the habit.
What happens 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.
How do I get rid of weight gain medicine?
Here are some ways to lose weight gained due to medication use:
- Switch to a different medication. The first strategy to consider involves changing medications.
- Lower medication dosage.
- Limit portion sizes.
- Exercise.
- Eat more protein.
- Talk to a dietitian.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Get enough sleep.
How long should I take gabapentin for nerve pain?
Studies show that pain relief may start within one week and reach a maximum effect in about 4 weeks. It can take this long because gabapentin is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased over time until it works.
Should I avoid certain foods while taking gabapentin?
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
What medications cause weight loss as a side effect?
Fluoxetine – antidepressant. Galantamine and Rivastigmine – used to treat dementia in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Anti-infective drugs:
- Antibacterial – Metronidazole.
- Antifungals – Amphotericin B.
- Antimalarials – Atovaquone, Pyrimethamine.
- Antiretrovirals – Didanosine, Zalcitabine.
- Anti-TB – Ethionamide.
How fast can you stop taking gabapentin?
Typically, a person should gradually decrease the dose of gabapentin over a minimum of 1 week before discontinuing the drug completely, according to gabapentin prescribing information.
What is the best time of day to 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.
Does gabapentin cause weight gain and bloating?
The bottom line. Gabapentin is a medication that is approved to treat seizures and a specific type of nerve pain. Though not very common, gabapentin can potentially cause side effects like weight gain and swelling in the legs (edema).
Why does olanzapine cause weight gain?
Most research has focused on clozapine and olanzapine, the two medications identified to cause the highest weight gain. The high likelihood of weight gain with these medications has been linked to their actions at serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, dopamine D2 and D3, histamine H1 and muscarinic M3 receptors.
How can I lose my stomach fat?
19 Effective Tips to Lose Belly Fat (Backed by Science)
- Eat plenty of soluble fiber.
- Avoid foods that contain trans fats.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol.
- Eat a high protein diet.
- Reduce your stress levels.
- Don’t eat a lot of sugary foods.
- Do aerobic exercise (cardio)
- Cut back on carbs — especially refined carbs.
Is 300mg of gabapentin a lot?
The recommended maintenance dose of NEURONTIN is 300 mg to 600 mg three times a day. Dosages up to 2400 mg/day have been well tolerated in long-term clinical studies. Doses of 3600 mg/day have also been administered to a small number of patients for a relatively short duration, and have been well tolerated.
What are the long-term effects of 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.
Is gabapentin an opioid?
Gabapentin is not an opiate drug and not considered to be a dangerous drug of abuse like most opiate drugs.
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.
What is considered rapid weight gain?
Sudden weight gain — 2-3 pounds in a day or more than 5 pounds a week — could mean it’s getting worse. You also might have swollen feet and ankles, a faster pulse, heavy breathing, high blood pressure, memory loss, and confusion. You might want to track these symptoms so you can tell your doctor about abrupt changes.
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