Can anyone tell me how serious the "weight gain" problem is with this medications and the "word finding" issues?
I am starting gabapentin tonight, how serious is the weight gain and "word finding" issues?
Question posted by Anonymous on 24 May 2011
Last updated on 26 November 2020
This question has also been asked and answered here: Does gabapentin cause weight gain?
20 Answers Page 2
musiclady39
20 Feb 2013
I have been on Gabapentin for 2 years following a large cervical fusion. Indeed it does make me hungry particularily forsweets. I have gained 5 lbs in the time I have been taking the med. My main complaint is the problem with finding the words that I am looking for at times.
pickles503
22 Feb 2013
You know, I was wondering what was causing me so much confusion. It makes me so angry when I'm standing in front of someone and all of a sudden I can't carry a conversation. I stand there studddering, trying to remember what the conversation was about and wondering how I'm suppose to respond. I open my mouth to talk, but no words come to me. I've gained 25 lbs. since I've started taking Gab a year ago. I also wondered if Gab was the culprit to both issues. It makes me sad because Gab helps me so much with pain, and I sleep so well. It calms me down when something/someone upsets me. I'm unsure if I'm going to stop. I want to talk to my psych about this. I KNOW that I gain weight from it. None of my other meds cause weight gain. But if I'm losing my mind because of it, there's no doubt that I'd stop taking it. It's extremely important to have a sound mind. I'm so glad this question was asked. Our conversation helped me put some things in perspective. Thank you. Anna
SaraECW
9 July 2013
I have been on Gabapentin for almost 2 months now. I have bulging discs and developed stenosis. The nerves are all pinched and the pain is horrible. The doctor tried this as a last resort. I do notice it helps more if I include advil in my day to get through the pain. It's hard to walk most days and my leg goes numb. I've struggled with my weight all my life and I thought I had put some weight on... but the scale is the same... it's more of a "puffy".
I don't want to continue with it because of the weight gain possibility. I make myself workout daily for 40 minutes, no soda, just water, and I make spinach smoothies and eat a sensible dinner. Very frustrated with the whole thing.
pickles503
9 July 2013
Hi music. There's an alternative med for Gaba. I'm sure you know about Lyrica. This is one of the new meds my docs want me to take. Both of these meds cause weight gain, but I understand Lyrica is better for pain. I'm slowly reducing the Gab because of weight gain and it's a "memory killer.' Yeah, I understand the confusion of Gab. I can hear someone say something, and I automatically lose what was said or if I'm suppose to say something, I don't know how to respond. People are beginning to tell I forget things and I'm easily confused. I'm seeing a neurologist, but he said he won't give a diagnosis until I do more cognitive test. We're trying to eliminate as many meds as possible to find out whether it's short term memory or dementia. I dropped Gab from 2400 to 1200 mg. Gab is great for pain and reducing anxiety, and panic attacks, or anger.
I believe it would be good to talk to your gp about this problem and ask to be seen by a neurologist. Would you give me an update of your condition?
May you have peace and hope,
pickles503
72113
29 Nov 2017
Hello. I am on my second month of Gabapentin after an artificial disc replacement that failed. I am an accountant and typically very sharp with numbers and explanations. I am on 600 mg 4 times a day. It offers me 100% pain relief that is typically a 7 out of 10 ALL the time. Within 3 days, I noticed strong cravings and my appetite sky rocketed, so I have to choose between pain relief or working hard to gain control of my cravings.
ej_the_dj
11 June 2011
Hey Kasey, I've been on Gabapentin for awhile and have not noticed any significant weight gain. I am on it for my fibromyalgia. My doctor also thinks that my migraines are caused by my fibro. He prescribes Motrin 800mg, for my migraines. Unfortunately, my pain pill is a regular in my life as the Gabapentin, now. It also works as a mood stabilizer in me. It helps that anyway. I recently ran totally out of my Gab one time, only for a day. That day was horrendous for me, and I am thankful that I was able to get it the next day and straightaway went right back on it and got better. Making a long story short, I am getting married come this December, and I need to lose a lot of weight to fit my wedding dress. I am doing exactly that by watching my portion sizes when I eat, and also use visual tricks such as using a saucer instead of a plate, to help that along. I do not have any eating disorders, thank God.
I just wanted to let you know that if you so wish, you can lose weight while on this med. Just know, that this med does not trigger weight loss. That was a conscious decision on my part. God Bless you, Kasey. I hope this was helpful. Stay in touch and let us know how you are progressing. -EJ :D
Inactive
12 June 2011
EJ
Thanks for responding. I am currently already 45 pounds overweight and just didn't want to add to that. So far no side effects except for tireness at times.
Congratulations on getting married in December, I know you must be very excited and motivated to get to the size you want to be.
Blessings,
Kasey
PhyllisGail
25 May 2011
Dear K and you all,
I have taken Gabapentin for over a year now for facial nerve pain (trigeminal neuropathy) It really helps and I have nad no 'mind' issues' or weight gain. I had some periodic depression vefore and non since taking the Gabap. as it acts as a mood stabilizer. I take 800 mg 3X daily which is a max. dose and this does does help the pain. It is a very good med and you go up gradually in dosage. Best of luck and renewed health to you. PG
Michi88
20 May 2018
I’m in the process of being diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. I have just started Gabapentin.
Anyone else dealing with Teigeminal Neuralgia? It is so painful. I went in to get an implant and five months later still in incredible pain.
Salihah
7 Jan 2019
I guess I am the "1 in a million" who experiences side affects that are negative. Since using gabapentin I have had food cravings thus weight gain; unusual thoughts/depression; runny nose; constipation, etc . I'm stopping use immediately. It's not worth the minor ease it has on the neuropathy pain I have in in my lower extremities.
Inactive
25 May 2011
Hi Kasey777 (or the poster child of migraines, poor baby!!)
If Gabapentin does not help, have you considered Topamax? I tried both, for fibro, and Topmax did give me problems with vocabulary. Yet it does NOT cause weight gain, in fact you will lose weight on Topamax!!
But I didn't gain anything on gab either, so, good luck, and keep healthy food available!!
Inactive
25 May 2011
Sweetlemon
Yes, I did try Topomax, the side effects were horrible for me. Are you still on gab? Are you taking it for Fibro or do you have migraines too? Thanks for responding, it really is appreciated. :)
Inactive
25 May 2011
Hi again Kasey,
I tried Topamax, Gab, and Cymbalta for Fibromyalgia, allergic to all of them!
I just seemed to get very bad swelling in hands and feet and hives too.
But that won't happen to you I'm sure. I am crossing fingers and toes that Gab works for your migraines!
Let us know how it goes???
Cookieface
4 Jan 2018
Hi Everbody, we are all each other's pain buddies. I am new to the site here. My first comment. Here goes... I have advanced osteo arthritis in my left hip. I also have bursitis in my left knee. My left leg is just a mess. I walk like either: I have a wooden leg, I have been in a severe accident, Im drunk. I have been dealing with extreme pain problems since 2013. I refuse to think about an operation. I have too many combined problems(flat feet, scoliosis).
When I started going to the GP for pain relief I was started on the most basic: Co-codomol. Was a waste of time.
Then I was given Tramadol. The lady at the pharmacy counter assured me I will feel a difference on Tramadol. I read all the side effects & was prepared. Well a few rare people experience "Restlessness". That was the only side effect I had. I was an insomniac, but came in the kitchen in the morning feeling jittery, full of fake energy. It did not a thing for pain relief. All I can say is Tramadol enabled me to have extended energy to drinking. I had a bottle of wine to myself with Tramadol. No problem.
So the GP tried me on the codiene based meds. No relief. Just a bitter taste. I seem to have passed the worst of it all with getting better shoes.
Then last year at this time things got worse. I was stiff & cramped. The GP gave me 400 mg Neurofen. No help.
I spoke to another GP who gave me Gabapatin. It worked amazingly for a week. Then I got food poisoning & my whole body went upside down.
Next I got Pregablin which was helpful. I built up a tolerance to it. No help anymore. Im now going to try Amitriplyne. I have read all the side effects & aside from weight gain Im not bothered. I have never had any side effects from any of the above besides weight gain. I have had a drink every night(lager) with absolutely no problems. I dont drive or operate tools. Im at home.
So everyone, what am I in for with Amitriplyne? I plan to take it in the morning for the pain relief. Sleep is not my problem.
I used to be a very active person. I walked everywhere & walked very fast. Old ladies walk faster than I do. Has anybody else been resistant to all the meds? Thank you, Jodi
LaurieShay
24 May 2011
Hey Kasey,
Gabapentin can cause food cravings so you'll need to watch your calorie intake while taking this medication. As long as you stay aware of what you are eating you should be fine. I'm not sure what you mean by the "word finding" issues. Please explain.
To learn more about this medication and possible side effects please go to: https://www.drugs.com/gabapentin.html
Best wishes,
Laurie
Inactive
25 May 2011
Laurie:
Thank you for responding. I had read a few reviews on side effects from some of the people on this site that mentioned "word finding" issues. I believe they mean communication skills are compromised. I wondered about that. When I am in terrible migraines, sometimes I stutter, can think of what I want to say but can't get the words out. I was hoping this medication would not do that to me :)
LaurieShay
25 May 2011
Hey Kasey,
Not aware of any side effects like that. I do hope this medicine works for you.
laurie
NYC414
25 May 2011
I concur with Laurie. I take 1200mg of neurontin nightly for sleep; And yes, you'll get some cravings for food so clear out the Oreos and put in the carrot sticks. Other than that I've never been at a loss for words nor have I had any morning "hangovers" as I have with pretty much every other sleep med... and I've tried them all!
Inactive
25 May 2011
NYC414 and Laurie:
I am happy to hear good reports. I took my first dose about 2 1/2 hours ago. Not sleepy yet, got a little agitated but that passed. Thank you for the support, I am praying this med will work!
NYC414
25 May 2011
If I may ask, what are you taking it for? and what's the mg?
Also rest easy, this is a really "good medicine" compared to a xanax or klonopin etc... no withdrawals no tolerance development... so if it works you're good to go!
Inactive
25 May 2011
NYC414
I am taking it as a migraine "preventative". They started me on 300mg and will increase it. I have between 15-17 migraines a month. Had 4 neuro surgeries that failed, trying to turn off the migraine trigger, they did a surgical oblation of the ganglion nerve at C-2 on both sides. Occipital lobe injections as well, the monster is still with me. Hoping this med will work, in 2010 I had 145 migraines, so far this year 55 of them. I could be the migraine poster child except it's not a job I want :)
NYC414
25 May 2011
Wow, you have not had an easy road. And that's not the spokesmodel job one dreams of ;)
Well neurontin has so many very successful "off label" uses. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Stay positive. Keep us posted.
Inactive
25 May 2011
Thanks NYC414, I am hoping this will be the one!!
NYC414
25 May 2011
Lets say "this is the one!" put it out there :)
After last night (which you might be on a low dosage) I hope it's started to work
Inactive
26 May 2011
crushing migraine this afternoon, heading back to bed, maybe tomorrow will be better,
LaurieShay
26 May 2011
Sorry to hear you are having another migraine. I pray that it is better today. There are so many choices of migraine preventatives, I do hope the gabapentin works for you. Hang in there, you need to give it enough time to build in the system to see if it is going to work.
Inactive
27 May 2011
Laurishay:
Thanks for praying for me. It was a bad one, it felt like a blood vessel was gone to burst in my head, along with the other gut wrenching pain. I am hoping gab will work too :) Hope you had a good day today.
Kasey
LaurieShay
27 May 2011
Thanks Kasey, how is the head this evening?
pickles503
14 June 2013
Good answer, Laurie
ubuibi64
12 June 2017
Kasey - I have been on Gaba for about a month or more now and I hate it. I know that everyone is different so please don't use what is happening with me to panic you. I am on it as a nerve block after I injured my 5th, 6th, and 7th disk. My side effects have been things like huge weight gain. I am thinking it is mostly water weight as this med makes me so thirsty all the time that I drink A LOT of water. At first I was also hungry all the time. I would get something in front of me and I swear it was as if I hadn't eaten in years and someone was going to take it away from me. I stay dizzy a good portion of the time, very talkative... VERY... and I will be talking and totally forget what I am talking about. OR I will try and think of what something is, and I can't think of the word... something as simple as a book per say. Sometimes out of the blue, my vision becomes very blurry or I will just get very tired all of a sudden.
Really messes with me when I am trying to drive the 20 miles home after work!! I hate this med and am hoping that I get taken off it soon. Good luck
Youandme1966
15 Oct 2018
I've actually lost weight while taking gabapentin. It does cause food cravings, but I still lost weight.
The most important thing gabapentin has done for me is it has helped me greatly with anxiety\panic disorder.
Related topics
migraine, weight loss (obesity/overweight), gabapentin, weight, medication
Further information
- Gabapentin uses and safety info
- Gabapentin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Gabapentin (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
