Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain? Let’s Talk About It!
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Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain
As a person who has been on various pain meds, I’ve had my fair share of weight gain. Gabapentin is one of those medications that many people find help with their chronic pain, but does it lead to weight gain? In this blog post, we will explore the link between Gabapentin and weight gain and how you can avoid gaining pounds from your medication.
What is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin (, or Neurontin) is an antiepileptic drug that’s used for nerve-related conditions such as epilepsy or shingles. It comes in pill form and is taken orally, so you don’t have to worry about needles!
When taking this medication, some people experience side effects, including nausea or dizziness, which could also contribute to being overweight. In addition, Gabapentin can cause water retention in the body, making you feel bloated, even if your diet remains the same.
Gabapentin can also cause increased appetite, which may lead to eating more than usual. It is important to remember that this medication has helped many people with their chronic
Can Gabapentin cause weight gain?
As with all medications, not everyone experiences the same side effects. However, some people find they gain weight as a result of taking Gabapentin, and some do not. For those that do gain weight, it can be challenging to lose those extra pounds after getting off this medication. Gabapentin is seen more often in the overweight population, but there is no solid evidence that it causes weight gain.
How do you avoid gaining weight while taking Gabapentin?
Regardless of some medicine being more likely to cause weight gain, there are always steps you can take to avoid gaining any ounces while taking your medication. Here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy weight while taking Gabapentin:
#1 - Exercise regularly
Cardio is best for burning fat and toning muscles. Yoga, Pilates, swimming or light weightlifting are great too! With the help of exercise, you will burn calories and tone muscle, leading to a smaller waistline.
#2 - Eat healthily
Healthy fats, lean proteins and lots of veggies can help keep your weight in check. Avoid processed foods that contain too much sugar or sodium. Instead, fill up whole grains like quinoa and brown rice while avoiding refined carbs like white rice or pasta.
#3 - Be consistent with your diet and exercise
It can be easy to get off track while taking medication, especially if you are experiencing adverse effects like nausea, dizziness or fatigue. Your best bet is to stay consistent with some form of exercise, whether it’s 20 min at the gym or a walk around the block.
#4 - Eat small meals throughout the day
Spreading your meals out evenly throughout the day will help you avoid overeating in one sitting. If you’re feeling hungry between meals, eat fruit or veggies to hold you over until it’s time for the next meal.
#5 - Keep track of your caloric intake and spending
Writing down what you eat and then monitoring calories consumed can be an excellent tool for weight loss! Try adding in some exercises that burn extra calories to work it off if you go over each day.
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#6 - Take time off between medications
If there is a gap in time between when one medication ends, and another begins, it can be helpful to take a break. This gives your body a chance to adjust as well as avoid any potential weight gain. For example, antiepileptic drugs cause weight gain because they increase insulin resistance and leptin resistance. Gabapentin is explicitly related to increases in BMI and waist circumference and contributes to visceral obesity.
If you experience weight gain and increased appetite, you should call your doctor so they can prescribe another medication that may be better suited for you. However, there is the risk of side effects with all medicines, and it is essential to weigh out the benefits versus the risks.
Gabapentin has helped many people treat seizures or help manage them, making it hard to stop even if weight gain occurs. If you experience any effects that cause discomfort, the best thing to do is call your doctor to help you figure out what will work best.
Should you take Gabapentin?
Some people are prescribed gabapentin to take care of seizures or reduce nerve pain. It is an anti-epileptic medication that has been on the market for years. Here are just a few things that can cause seizures:
#1 - Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition in which the brain sends signals to the body when it does not need them. The seizure is essentially just your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right and needs attention. Gabapentin is given to people who have epilepsy or are at risk of having seizures.
#2 - Symptoms of shingles
Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox. The disease can often cause pain that lasts long after the blisters have healed. However, there are medications you can take to manage pain. Gabapentin is one of them. It has been shown to decrease neuropathic pain associated with shingles, diabetic neuropathy and postsurgical nerve pain.
#3 - Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is when you have a constant feeling of energy in your leg, usually at night. This can cause you to move your legs, so they are not uncomfortable. Gabapentin has been shown to decrease symptoms in people with restless leg syndrome. It can be used in combination with other medications for this purpose, too.
#4 - Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is when you have nerve pain as a result of diabetes. When there is not enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels under control, the cells in your body cannot produce energy and become damaged. It can also cause numbness, tingling and weakness in your feet, hands and fingers. Gabapentin helps people who have diabetic neuropathy by decreasing pain.
#5 - Alcohol Withdrawal
If you are going through alcohol withdrawal, Gabapentin can help reduce mood swings, agitation and anxiety. You might experience nausea, vomiting, and seizures with alcohol withdrawal because your body is not used to processing large amounts of alcohol regularly.
#6 - Cocaine Withdrawal
If you are going through cocaine withdrawal, Gabapentin can help ease depressive symptoms and increase your likelihood of recovering from the addiction. There is no cure for cocaine dependence, but many treatment options help you get sober.
#7 - Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia is a type of pain that can result from having shingles. It might cause burning, stabbing or throbbing pain, making it difficult to sleep at night. Common treatments for postherpetic neuralgia include medications like Gabapentin.
#8 - Multiple Sclerosis
People who have multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience spasticity in their limbs, which causes pain and stiffness. Gabapentin can help ease this pain. The medication is also used to reduce the progression of MS in people who are experiencing frequent attacks (relapses).
#9 - Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over your body, fatigue and sleep disturbances. It can be challenging to treat because each person experiences different symptoms, making it hard to pinpoint the proper medication. One of them is Gabapentin, which has been shown to help ease some of the most bothersome symptoms.
#10 - Episodic Migraines
One of the medications used to treat migraines is Gabapentin. It can help reduce inflammation, which will stop you from feeling pain. It can also help prevent an episode from occurring in the first place by decreasing the blood flow that leads to a migraine headache.
Generally, as you can see, Gabapentin is used to help with many conditions that may cause severe pain. However, there are also some side effects that people might experience while taking this medication, but they can be managed if you report them to your doctor.
Gabapentin can promote weight gain, but not everyone who takes Gabapentin will experience this side effect. In addition, your body might retain more water when you are taking the medication, which means you will see a temporary increase in weight.
Gabapentin can make you feel tired or dizzy, too. This could cause problems with coordination and muscle strength, making it difficult for you to engage in physical activity. In addition, as a result of these side effects, you might gain weight if you are not exercising or moving around.
The lack of coordination can also affect your balance, so don’t be surprised if you feel like the room is spinning even though nothing has changed. This means that it might be dangerous to drive while taking Gabapentin, so only get behind the wheel if your doctor says it’s okay.
Gabapentin can cause you to feel depressed or have mood swings, too. For example, if you are feeling unhappy about your appearance, you might eat more food to feel better. However, you may also not adhere to your diet, which could affect the number of calories you are taking in.
It can cause a mild sensation of euphoria or make you feel high, so if this side effect becomes pronounced, you should let your doctor know. You may need a lower dosage or a different medication entirely.
It’s important to note that Gabapentin does not cause weight gain in every person who takes it. It might cause your appetite to increase, but if you are exercising and watching what you eat, you should prevent the medication from changing the number on the scale.
Gabapentin vs other medications:
Gabapentin is used for many types of pain, and it is often prescribed as a first-line treatment because it has few side effects. Other medications that can treat migraines, spinal injuries and neuropathy may cause you to feel depressed if you take them over time. In addition, these medications could make it easier for you to gain weight if you aren’t working to stay in shape.
Your body weight may increase, but it isn’t as severe as other medications, and the symptoms can be managed. If you start seeing an increase in weight when you take gabapentin, talk to your doctor about how much exercise you are getting and whether or not you are meeting your nutritional needs.
Other medications that treat pain can be habit-forming, which means you need to take them for years. This could also cause an increase in weight because you aren’t exercising enough and watching what you eat long term.
Gabapentin is a severe medication and requires you to be careful with its use. Only take medicine if it has been prescribed to you, and make sure that you are exercising regularly and paying attention to your diet.
What drugs should you avoid taking with gabapentin?
If you are taking gabapentin, you should avoid taking other medications that might make it more difficult for your body to deal with the weight gain. Some of these include:
- Benzhydrocodone
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Tramadol
- Buspirone
- Butabarbital
- Butorphanol
- Calcifediol
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Carbinoxamine
Other medications may interact with gabapentin, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants and diabetes medication. Talk to your doctor before taking this or any other type of drug. In addition, some of these drugs may be required to bring them together, so make sure you fully understand the potential risks before switching medications.
Frequently Asked Questions : Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain
Does gabapentin make you gassy?
Gabapentin can cause constipation, which means you might feel gassy as a result. To combat this side effect, make sure that you get enough fiber and drink plenty of water daily. You could also use an over-the-counter medication if your doctor says it is okay to take one.
Can gabapentin keep you from losing weight?
Gabapentin may cause some weight gain in some people, but this is usually mild. You should lose extra weight if you are exercising regularly and paying close attention to your diet.
Can gabapentin cause abdominal bloating?
Yes, you might notice that you are experiencing abdominal bloating, making your stomach feel tender. You may also experience pain in your abdomen if it is related to the side effect of constipation. If this happens, contact your doctor so they can help you find a solution.
Can gabapentin cause weight gain and bloating?
Gabapentin does not cause weight gain in every person who takes it. Some people may experience weight gain as a side effect of this medication, but it often goes away after the body gets used to the new dosage. This typically happens pretty quickly and doesn’t require any special treatment.
Final Thoughts
So, should you take Gabapentin? It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of any medication before deciding for yourself.
But some drugs can cause severe problems if taken in conjunction with Gabapentin—namely sedatives like benzodiazepines or alcohol, which may alter how the body metabolizes gabapentin.
And others have reported weight gain while taking this drug over an extended period. You might also want to try avoiding certain foods that are high in carbohydrates when on Gabapentin, as these types of food break down into sugar more quickly than other kinds of foods do.
If you’re struggling with pain management and need help figuring out what medication is proper for you, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor. They can help explore all of your options and develop a plan that works best for your individual needs.
We hope this article was helpful to you, and we wish you the best of luck!
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- Note: The content on this website is meant to be for information and it should not be taken as medical advice. The content and the products mentioned in them are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. Always speak with a certified medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise plan, and /or taking any supplements or changes.
