I just started taking this medicine gabapentin. For pain in my neck.
I hope I don't gain weight.
Thank you
Gabapentin - does everyone taking this medicine gain weight?
Question posted by franky65 on 29 Dec 2012
Last updated on 26 June 2023
This question has also been asked and answered here: Does gabapentin cause weight gain?
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20 Answers Page 2
Inactive
30 Dec 2012
Hi franky! I did gain weight, but gosh darn it, gabapentin is the best medicine that I have ever taken for my problems. So if you do gain weight, but the med is helping you, I would wait and see if it starts to get worse. If it does, then go down on the dose first. I still take it, because the weight that I carry from it, (only 300mg/day though), is worth the pain relief that it supplies me. I wish that I could take more again, but it's not in the stars for me.
Best wishes to you!
Charincarolina
28 Oct 2016
I am taking Gabapentin 300mg. When I first got it, the side effects label scared me. So, I threw them away, refused to take them. I have nerve pain from having a part of my lung removed because of cancer, the pain was so bad I wanted to rip my head off. So my doctor sent me some more gabapentin and I took. I was surprised how fast it helped me. I also take hydrocodone 5mg for a back injury. I have noticed some weight gain, but didn't associate it with meds. Gabapentin does make me crave cookies, I've never been much on sweets, no sugar in tea or coffee so I am sure it's the Gabapentin. But the relief is worth it. And now that I know it makes me crave sweetie, I will cut them out.
Inactive
29 Dec 2012
franky65, a few members have complained of water weight gain on this drug, so if you have any ankle swelling or other that just doesn't seem right to you, be sure to tell your prescribing doctor...
KJHINORBIT1
13 July 2013
Hello franky65, I take Gabapentin 300 MG x 3 and I have not noticed a weight gain, but I also take a couple of diuretics that were prescribed. Maybe it is just water retention, but you are right about contacting your doctor. I don't enjoy going to see my docs, but they are necessary, unfortunately.
accidentw8n2hapn
29 Dec 2012
I also took Gabapentin (Neurontin) for my broken neck that resulted from a bad car accident. Gabapentin didn't do anything for me nor did it make me gain weight, luckily. I was on a pretty high dose at 600mg three times a day. I was on Lyrica after that, which I also felt didn't do much. Hopefully you have good results with the Gabapentin. What dosage are you on?
Inactive
29 Dec 2012
Hello franky65. In clinical trials, studies an increase in weight occured from 1 up to 7% of users taking Gabapentin. Regards pledge
Inactive
29 Dec 2012
In one study adults taking Gabapentin demonstrated a increase of 2.9%, whereas those taking a placebo it was 1.6% In children taking the drug, there was an increase in weight up to 3.4%, versus 0.8% not taking the Gabapentin.
Maryjoyce1
2 March 2017
Sorry if this seems like a silly question - I am new to this, taking gabapentin for recently diagnosed seizure disorder. Do your percentages mean that that percentage of the population on it gain weight or people gain that percentage of weight. I have been on it for 9 days, building up to 1800 mg/day (starting tomorrow) & so far so good, hoping that's not going to happen.
Inactive
29 Dec 2012
Hello franky65.
Welcome to the site.
Rapid weight gain is a serious side effect of this medication , you must contact your Dr. asap if experienced.
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Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
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