Neurontin and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• fib...
• July 7, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "I've been on it for 7 years now, and it is amazing. I had to go off of it for a while when I was in the hospital, and I got to see how it actually helps me. All of my fibromyalgia pains and everything else came back. I was in so much pain until I went back on it. Now, presto, it has taken 99% of the pain away. I am now able to move around and not let it slow me down or keep me in bed all day. So very effective for me. I tried Lyrica, and it made me gain weight and made me very suicidal, so I went on this, and it's a wonder drug. Hope it helps you too."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2009

For Pain "I took Neurontin (Gabapentin) for three months as a treatment for chronic pain following a herniated lumbar disc a year and a half ago. Anti-inflammatories and other medicines such as Oxycodone, Tramadol, etc. had minimal effect. After increasing my dosage over the course of three weeks, Neurontin completely eliminated the pain. However, I gained weight rapidly (nearly 20 pounds in 2 months), retained a tremendous amount of water, to the point where my jewelry wouldn't fit and my shoes were very tight, and the constipation was awful and even laxatives didn't help. Also, I was fatigued all the time. Unfortunately, the side effects were just too much for me. I still haven't found a good replacement medicine for the pain. All the side effects!"

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "It has made a huge difference. I've tried everything including Lyrica, Elavil (which made me gain weight). Those were helpful but I get the best results with 600 mg Neurontin 3 x daily and flexeril 10mg 3 x daily or as needed."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2010

For Peripheral Neuropathy "After being diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy 6 years ago, I have tried many different types of drugs and other therapies to ease the burning, tingling chronic pain that I have. Neurontin seems to work the best for me. I take Neurontin in order to manage my pain. However, if I have an especially painful episode, an extra dose goes to work quickly - within 30 minutes or so. The one drawback for me is that it causes me to gain weight. 5 lbs the first month, and within 6 months approximately 10 lbs total gain. I know that is a side effect for me because I have been on and off Neurontin 3 times in the past 6 years and have had this same side effect. I am currently taking Neurontin and will continue to do so because of its effectiveness."

• Anonymous
• March 16, 2011

For Migraine "I have been on Neurontin for about a year now. I started with 300 mg a day and now take 400 mg a day. This medicine has given me my life back. I was having 4-6 headaches a month, each lasting 1-4 days. I was taking Zomig 4-6 times a month along with Excedrin Migraine and Fiorinal. Now I only get 1-2 headaches a month, and they are very mild. I can usually get rid of them with one dose of Excedrin Migraine or Fiorinal. Side effects are weight gain and some slight brain 'fuzziness,' but nothing serious. I had previously tried a beta blocker and an antidepressant, and the side effects were horrible, plus I still had the headaches. I am very happy with Neurontin."

• Nic...
• June 17, 2010

For Hot Flashes "I had been on the brand name Neurontin for my complex partial seizure disorder since 1994. When the generic came out, I began taking it. I began experiencing menopause symptoms within two months. I was 36 years old at that time. Three months ago, my neurologist put me back on the name brand. My symptoms have diminished greatly, but not completely. I think my condition is unique in that I took this medication while still in childbearing age. When my age increased, something about the generic formulation's bioavailability actually induced menopause symptoms. I also know that the name brand is working, as evidenced by weight gain, which can be brought back down with exercise. I had lost weight, sleep, memory, and sanity while on the generic."

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2010

For Pain "I recently started Neurontin after trying oxycodone with a bad allergic reaction. Initially, I was tired non-stop with nausea and vomiting the first two weeks. Now, I have no nerve pain as long as I take it at 300 mg three times a day. I do have a nonstop haze that does affect my reading, so reading isn't too enjoyable anymore. I have also packed on 10 pounds. I still have horrible joint pain that I treat with 800 mg Advil three times a day. My gait is still the same and I still cannot walk without a cane, but the side effects are tolerable."

• bra...
• August 20, 2009

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "Do not like the weight gain."

• chr...
• July 10, 2009

For Pain "Although it helps with my RSD pain, it still has adverse side effects, such as weight gain, and large doses seem to affect the gastric system."