Gabapentin - How bad is weight gain? Can diet help? How good for sleep and pain?

I started taking Gabapentin a few months ago to stabilize my mood and to reduce my blood pressure.
My doctor was VERY clear that I would not gain weight on this medication! I gained over 50 pounds when I was on effexor and I actually have started losing weight since I got on Gabapentin. For the record I am prescribed 300 MG capsules twice daily plus two at night.
I haven't noticed if it helps for pain; although come to think of it, my knees and back haven't bothered me for a bit.
I was warned that I could get sleepy from this medication but I haven't noticed a big difference in that.
Good luck!

I have recently developed weird mouth movements, such as lip curling, pursing, stretching of mouth. It’s so bad the insides of my cheeks are raw. I have been taking this med for 5 years, but recently switched from 12 100mg tabs to 2 600mg tabs. So no dose change, but new onset of mouth side effects. Has anyone else experienced this?

I took Gabapentin for about a year. It helped a lot with the pain. I gained weight during that time period but I cant say it was, easier to lose weight after I went off it. the reason I went off it was that I thought it was making my anxiety worse.

I just had the same experience with Paxil. I had just lost 40 lbs and gained most if not all back due to Paxil. I’m no longer on Paxil and am switching to Gabapentin as well. This is scary for me because I don’t want to have another 30lb weight gain. It’s very depressing but like you I can’t sleep because of the pain and am a little worried about side effects of Gabapentin. Have you experienced weight gain or increased anxiety on the Gabapentin?

I've been on gabapentin for a very long time. In the last 2 yrs I've lost 78lbs. I switched to a Keto/Paleo eating habit. I've never felt so good! Hang in there!

I can only speak to the insomnia issue. I have had times when no matter what I took it did no help with extended sleep. I wake at 2:30 AM every night now. My simple solution is going to bed earlier. I go to bed at 7:30 - 8:00 every night now and this is helping. Hope it helps you too.

I have read no other responses to your question. I also suffer from FMS as well as so many three and four letter acronyms it would be fruitless and silly to name them all. I really perked up after I started Gab. It was NEVER offered to me until about 4 years into my FMS battle. It does take a few months to get used to. And then another few to get to dose right. I am happy to say, in 2017 I'm happy I went on it. Did I gain weight? Hard for me to say... I also have other problems that can cause issues with that. What I can say is that after I got stabilised on the right dose I was able to loose all my weight and feel ok... I'm certainly not saying it's the right med for you. Just letting you in on a partial experience. I've been stable with mine at 700mg 3x a day for approx 2.5 years. I started at 300Mg 3x a day. I take A LOT of other meds. So like anything, your case will be different. The weight gain shouldn't be your first concern. The way you feel should be.

I too have insomnia bad, it has helped me with my pain and insomnia some. But, I have put on 40 pounds since March of 2016. But, I feel the sleep and the help with pain is worth it.

I went back on gabapentin for severe pain.I have put on 20lbs.However I would rather deal with the weight gain than being in too much pain to walk. You just need to weigh the benifits in your life.

I have been taking gab for about three weeks now and I have put on weight

Everyone's body will respond differently but the lower you're able to keep your dose, the less likely you are to experience negative side effects. It's never caused me weight gain , biggest complaint would be memory issues but that may not happen to you. It's worth a try. If young follow doctor directions then you should be able to safely try and discontinue quickly if it's a bad fit.

I have Fibromyalgia I am on 2000 mg a day since last Dec.. I gained 30 pounds just from a Pill! I am a woman 5'2 i was 118 before and ate healthy..I am 53.. I am so depressed.. But it helps! Do or Die? I came to realize I am beautiful the way I am!! With less Pain
..Your Beautiful Also!! Mary

I'm taking gabapentin 300 mg in the morning 300 mg at night! I'm taking it for neuropathy and for panic disorder! It doesn't get me gain any weight! Also I'm taking 0.5 mg clonazepam twice a day for panic disorder! And just started Buspirone four days ago also for panic disorder! Starting with a very low 2.5 mg for a week then increase it for 5 mg a day for now! First couple of days make you very sick but now is going away! And even on the low-dose I start feeling a little bit better! Good luck

My PCP put me on Gabapentin following a car accident. Prior to the accident I walked/jogged around 4 miles per day, rode my bike anywhere from 10-25 miles per day. Since the accident with all my injuries I have not been able to exercise secondary to pain , and even though I am careful with what I eat I have gained 50 lbs.