Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain?

What Does Gabapentin Do for Your Metabolism?

Even though gabapentin is an essential medication for the treatment of neurological disorders, it has no direct effect on the body's energy expenditure or metabolic rate. Although gabapentin does not directly affect metabolism, it is important to note that people using this medication should be aware of potential side effects that may have an indirect impact on metabolic health. Being aware of these potential effects and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help individuals manage their overall metabolic health while using gabapentin for its intended medical purposes.

Does Gabapentin Make You Gain Weight?

In addition to the other side effects of gabapentin, weight gain is a concern for many patients. Gabapentin can cause weight gain, but this side effect is usually rare.

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. Gabapentin water retention is another example of how the body can change when a medication is taken. Patients taking medications like Neurontin and Gralise may gain a few pounds after about six weeks into treatment.

Duration of use also affects whether you gain weight on gabapentin. One study measuring the correlation between gabapentin and weight gain in 44 patients found that 10 patients gained more than 10% of their baseline weight, and 15 patients gained 5% to 10% of their baseline weight.¹

The study also found that this increase in weight occurred in the second or third month of treatment and tended to stabilize after about 6 to 9 months.¹ So, it’s safe to say that it is possible to maintain your weight while taking gabapentin. It might just take some time.

Additionally, if you want to avoid gaining weight while taking gabapentin, make sure to drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and try to eat a clean diet. Weight loss after gabapentin is also possible, but it may require you to adopt some healthier habits.

Speak to your doctor about healthy things you do to prevent serious weight gain while on gabapentin. If you experience any other adverse side effects, such as difficulty controlling how much of the medication you take, speak to your healthcare provider right away. We also encourage you to contact us if you are concerned about the medication intake of yourself or your loved one.

Tips for Weight Loss After Stopping Gabapentin

Given that gabapentin may contribute to weight gain in some individuals, starting the process of losing weight after stopping the medication calls for caution and patience. Losing excess weight requires a holistic approach that takes into account not just the physical side of things but also the psychological and emotional aspects of this life-changing activity.

Because the body might require some time to acclimate to life without gabapentin, it is imperative to approach this change with an emphasis on general well-being. Understanding the complex interplay between food, lifestyle, and mental health when it comes to weight management creates the groundwork for a more long-lasting and fruitful weight loss journey.

Weight loss tips include:

• Balanced diet: A balanced diet should consist of a range of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It should also be well-rounded and nutrient-dense.
• Portion control: To avoid overindulging, pay attention to portion sizes. To better manage your portions, think about using smaller plates.
• Hydration: Make sure you are getting enough water throughout the day. The body can occasionally mistake thirst for hunger.
• Regular exercise: Make physical activity a regular part of your day. Try to incorporate strength training, flexibility training, and cardiovascular exercises into your routine.
• Listen to your body: Observe your body's signals of hunger and fullness. Consume food only when you're hungry and quit when you're full.
• Avoid emotional eating: Recognize and deal with the feelings that make you want to overeat. If left unaddressed, it can escalate into an emotional eating disorder. Look for different coping mechanisms, like exercise, meditation, or hobbies, to handle stress or emotions.
• Keep a food journal: Track your daily food intake to become more aware of your eating habits and identify areas for improvement.
• Seek professional guidance: For individualized guidance and assistance, speak with a registered dietitian or other healthcare professional.
• Join a supportive community: To connect with people going through a similar situation and exchange advice, inspiration, and experiences, think about joining a weight loss or wellness group.

As always, the secret to successfully losing weight is forming long-lasting routines that improve your general health. Prioritizing long-term health over temporary solutions is critical. See your healthcare provider for advice specific to your needs if you have any worries or particular health issues.