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