Gabapentin and weight gain
 

Hi there, is it common to gain weight extremely quickly on this drug?:eek: Dose increased approx 2 weeks ago to 900mg x 3 daily and feeling really bloated and probably gaining more pounds as I type, no change to diet and no appetite increase that I've noticed

My mother has been on this and gained weight also. She felt hungry and ate frequently and more than she previously had. When she changed to Lyrica she did not have as much of a problem. Everyone responds differently however. Hope this helps.

It's common; I don't know about the "extremely quickly" part.
Doc

It's supposed to, but of course you'll have to do your part. ;)

Doc

Thanks for all replies, will try to keep a check on food intake maybe I'm 'forgetting' the odd cake or too!

People who gain rapid weight, within days, not weeks...typically are holding fluid (water weight).

Watch your salt intake, and have your kidney functions checked often, because this drug is excreted whole by the kidney with little if any metabolism by the liver. This may strain some patients who have marginal kidney activity.

I know subject well, and have had mixed results?

I began Gabapentin Jan. 2008 - at the time weighed 170, a good age/frame/height appropriate weight for me. I took 1800 mg/day for years, last year 2400 mg/day.

4 years later, I weigh about 45 pounds more, which I am not too thrilled about, especially considering the very 'minor' relief I receive from the drug.

I've found that IF I try really hard to eat less/correctly and/or exercise within my limitations, I can lose weight, albeit much slower than ANY time before the drug.

But to be fair, I do NOT attribute ALL of this weight to gabapentin! How much I cannot really say, maybe about 15 lbs? I also attribute about 15 or MORE lbs. to just not being as active as I was before these problems. And at least 15 or so from too much 'comfort' eating.

Everyone is different, so mileage may vary. A conscientious MD will certainly help you monitor weight fluctuations so you can make informed decisions.

That being told, I to look to titrate down and find another med soon...mostly for poor quality of relief.

JB

Yes - I stopped taking Gabapentin a long time ago for that reason. All I could think of was food and that never happened to me in my life before. My appetite was unbelievable. As soon as I stopped the med, the appetite went back to normal!

You sure that was gabby and not MMJ? :p

I kid to break tension/stress, but it's unfortunate considering the relief MMJ is giving to so many MS sufferers.

Best wishes & Happy Holidays,

Doc

I think that may be middle age.... :p

Doc

Don't me I'm old now Doc :eek: But I get the joke...this 'might' be part of the problem, but just a little.

Saw the comment about MMJ too - I've read extensively about this, I'd try it 'yesterday' IF I was in a 'legal' state. I've never consumed this recreationally, so I have no idea what the high is like, but I hear it can do wonders for MS spasticity and neuro burning/tingling.

Anyway, for now I'm probably going to consider trying Tramadol - and at least taper down on the Gabapentin.

Sorry to get off topic...

JB

You're too funny ... I'm not in a legal state, but would try it if I was.

yep big time weight ganier and Lyrica also . I gained 40 lbs went into depression and got off the med....

I've gained weight on it. The pharmacist said it was really common to have some weight gain on this drug, it's the first thing she said. It has helped with pain a good bit, so it has been worth it to me. I'm going to try to diet and see if I can also lose weight on it also, but it's gonna be a challenge.

Gaining weight rapidly since being on it!
 

I've also gained about 30 lbs since being on it. I suffered spiral fractures in the tibia and fibula in one leg which resulted in permanent nerve damage about 16 mos ago. My ortho prescribed gabapentin a few weeks after surgery because the stinging and burning were intolerable even with strong narcotics. I could not even stand to have my foot touch a sheet or pillow.

The Gabapentin is the only thing that has helped with the nerve pain - I have tried weaning myself off of it but without it the pain is just too much.

I knew I was gaining weight, no real changes in diet and only slightly decerased activity, but hadn't actually weighed myself in about a year ... the battery in my scale was dead (those aren't the easiest type of batteries to find around here- I live in an extremely rural area) and I just had put off buying another.

Needless to say I weighed myself today and was SHOCKED to see how much I've put on. I am also retaining alot of water, hands, feet and face swell often.

I am going to force myself to drink lots of water and start exercising daily, watch my salt intake, and I have also heard that green tea helps to reduce water retention. Now I'm afraid that even if I do all this I will have trouble losing the weight because I simply can't go w/out the Gaba. Pain in my ankle and foot are too bad w/out it.

weight gain
 

My daughter has POTS and bad migraines. She has been on gabapentin for about 8 months, she has gained quite a bit of weight. It does look like water weight she has blown up like a balloon. She has to take a lot of salt, and suppose to drink 96 oz a day because of the POTS. Looks like this is not the ideal medicine for her.

I have been on gabapentin and at the level the doctors wanted me at I was drunk ! or feeling like it, major headaches little weight gain.
Doctor put me on lyrica and not even to the level the doctor wanted me at started to have the same side effects, plus fast weight gain and could not feel to urineate.
Doctor pulled me off that and after one day off , I think I was in the bath room every hour or so and lost the 6 pounds fast.
For me all water weight.

I was also on Gabapentin and pregablin, gained lots of weight and began to feel really ill on them.
Been off them about four months and lost a stone of weight so far.

I'm struggling to find a replacement pain killer that offers the same relief without sedating me.

Anyone on pain relief that works for them?