Gabapentin and weight gain?

In my ongoing search to find something that provides some sort of pain relief, my dr put me on Gabapentin (I've tried Lyrica, Cymbalta, Elavil, accupuncture, Magnesium Mallate, etc. with no luck).

Anyway, I noticed my weight is creeping up now that I'm on it, but I haven't changed anything else, diet etc all the same. In fact, I've increased my activity slightly.

I checked the listed side effects for Gabapentin and did not see weight gain as one of them. Has anyone else noticed any weight gain when they started using this med?

Thanks and have a blessed day!
Mari

Hi Mari: Yes, I do think taking gabapentin (Neurontin) did cause some weight gain for me. However, I mostly take it in the winter months, and I generally gain a few pounds at that time anyway, so it's hard for me to say.

Maybe you could have your doctor do what my doctor did: Instead of the 300 mg capsules, he prescribed 100 mg capsules. I really like that! I can sometimes get by on as little as 100 mg. Also, there's less grogginess, fog, etc.. Just an idea.

I, too, am trying hard to increase my activity. I'm working on walking a little faster, and a little more. Trying hard not to sit too long. In fact, I'd better get up and get busy right now. :)

puppylover is so correct saying we're all affected so differently by our meds. It's always hard to say what specifically a med does to our bodies. But, just doing a quick search on 'gabapentin weight gain,' it sounds like there are others who have gained weight, too.

Have a blessed day, also! Also hope everyone has a great weekend.

I'm not really sure it's doing much for me yet. I've been on it for almost 2 months now. My Dr did prescribe the 100 mg capsules with directions to slowly work my way up to 300 mg, 3x daily. I'm up to 700 mg now. The bedtime 300 mg dose does seem to be really helping me sleep better. But the daytime doses of 200mg don't seem to be doing much other than increased foggieness.

Not sure this is one I'll stay on long term. Maybe I'll talk to the dr about just using it at bedtime since that seems to be helping but eliminate the daytime.

Thanks for the feedback!

Mari

Interesting the reactions to gabapentin, so diverse. I hate taking medications and all the meds my pcp would prescribe were disasters. (Of course, I could tell they thought I was a hypochondriac and depressed). My Rheumy prescribed gabapentin and within a day I noticed quite a difference with few if any side effects. Better sleep, keeps pain in the background rather than foreground more often than not. Also, evens out my appetite and my urges to run to the bathroom. What a relief! Interesting that I thought I was diabetic or something as the hunger urge and need to urinate often is a symptom, but it was neurological or nerve related!