How do you handle weight gain while on gabapentin?
Question posted by deedeetoo on 2 June 2021
Last updated on 6 June 2021
I'm new to the group and new to the medication gabapentin. I've read some posts, but couldn't find anything specific to handling or managing weight gain with this medication. It's doing wonders for my anxiety and depression. But I'm concerned about the rate I am gaining the lbs.
What do you do to maintain your weight? I understand the basics such as watch your intake, exercise, drink plenty of water, eat lots of protein to curb hunger, etc. But I was looking for any other tidbits you can offer me that I may be missing.
Thanks in advance!
Added 2 June 2021:
Update: The medication was originally prescribed for nerve pain I am experiencing, with the extra benefit of improving my mood and outlook on life by lifting my depression and minimizing my anxiety. So, I am determined to find a way to stay on it.
As I continue reading additional posts, I have found some alternative medication I may want to consider if i can't resolve the belly weight issue. However, my concern is that they will not be as good as this one.
Hi, deedeetoo! Unfortunately most, if not all, psychotropic medications have the potential to cause weight gain due to metabolic changes that affecting appetite, fat storage mechanisms, etc. Gabapentin can cause these side effects in about 1-10% of users. Diet and exercise can help with excessive weight gain but some may be unavoidable. Everybody responds differently to different medications and gaining weight on one doesn't necessarily mean you will on another. If your weight gain is clinically significant you might want to talk to your doctor about your options. Seeing as how well you're doing on gabapentin I hope you won't need to stop it. If the weight gain is dose dependent maybe a slightly lower dosage might help? Best regards and good luck with this! Wildcat
Votes: +2
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deedeetoo
6 June 2021
WildcatVet - Thank you so much for your reply. That makes absolute sense. I've been monitoring my weight and it seems to be stabilizing thus far. I plan to work out once the pain subsides a bit more, but certainly feel more hopeful at this point.
