Gabapentin and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Sky...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 14, 2019

For Pain "I was on Gabapentin for over 5 years for pain and anxiety. The withdrawal almost killed me. I'm still suffering months later. I have permanent damage to my bowels due to the fact that it numbed the signal to my brain that I needed to go to the bathroom. I gained significant water weight. I was unable to think clearly and would get lost driving to places I've been many times. It raised my hemoglobin to the point that I had to be hospitalized. I developed sleep apnea. I had 8 central sleep apneas in 30 minutes. I stopped breathing over 60 times an hour. This was all on less than 300 mg. I now lost 28 pounds, underweight and was unable to eat due to withdrawal. My doctor said it can take up to one year for the effects to wear off. I pray it does not last that long. This is a dangerous drug that is given out like candy."

• PMW...
• July 29, 2016

For Peripheral Neuropathy "Do your research. If the lowest dose of gabapentin does not work, higher doses will not either. I was prescribed GABA as soon as I was diagnosed with PN due to a side effect for a biologic I had been taking for rheumatoid arthritis. I experienced rapid weight gain, disorientation, and my short-term memory was non-existent. My neurologist increased my dosage 2x, with no success. I did some research on my own and spoke to my rheumatologist and pain management doctor. They both agreed: if the lowest dose doesn't work, then it won't work... It'll just cloud your mind. Stanford University published a study deterring the prescribing of this medication for neuropathy, as did the University of Vancouver, British Columbia. The efficacy rate is 10%."

• Jew...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2020

For Hot Flashes "I have started to take gabapentin 100mg. It is working for me and fibromyalgia, but also seems to be helping with menopause, which I never expected. So much so that I am considering stopping my Evorel patches. I am very happy that my hot flashes and night sweats are less. I only take one around 7 pm, but I am thinking of taking two to help more. I was wondering though, has anyone gained or lost weight on these, or stayed the same, and has anyone had problems with swelling or fluid?"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

For Burning Mouth Syndrome "I’ve been on a very high dose of gabapentin 800mg 3x per day and it’s been great. The only bad thing I realized is it has caused weight gain at such a high dose. I’m going to really monitor my weight as I’ve had BMS (burning Mouth Syndrome) for many years and at times all I want to do is cry. Many people haven’t heard of it so they think I’m making it up. Maybe they should feel it for a day? Just overwhelmingly painful."

• nin...
• March 23, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Neurontin for fibromyalgia pain and sciatica nerve pain for several months. I can truly say it is a miracle for me. I can hardly get out of bed in the morning, and when I do, I feel like I have been hit by a truck. When I take my Neurontin (600mg 3 times a day), I feel so much better. I have the energy to get things done, and it makes the stiffness I feel in my muscles relax more to ease the pain. I have gained a little weight on this medicine, but when the warmer weather hits, I am going to try and get outside and get some exercise. It helps with my high anxiety levels as well, and my psych doc told me that this is a wonderful medicine for anxiety and depression as well. I consider it my miracle pill."

• Dan...
• July 18, 2016

For Anxiety "I've found this drug to be excellent for treating general anxiety and looping thoughts. My anxiety is now buzzing in the background instead of punching me in the face. I use neurontin in combination with Wellbutrin and lamictal. Great combo for a possibly bipolar recovering alcoholic :) The only slight downside is that it pushed my cravings for sugar and carbs through the roof. I gained a little weight before I realized what was happening and then put myself in check. Keep an eye out for that one."

• Ins...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 12, 2019

For Insomnia "I started this drug for chronic back pain, but my doctor prescribed it for nighttime only because of the supposed drowsiness effects. Being an insomniac, I was not at all opposed to possible drowsiness (excited for it, actually). Now it’s been just about 6 months and I love it! I take 600-900mg at night, normally just before bed (9 pm) (higher dose if the pain is worse that day). I start to feel the calming effects within 15 minutes. I don’t think it really makes me drowsy, but I get the same feeling on the drug as I do after I’ve finished some yoga or meditation so it’s very tranquil, and I usually fall asleep within a reasonable time frame (30 min-1 hr) and stay asleep throughout the night to wake up at 4:30 am feeling refreshed and alert! I’ve not noticed any additional side effects (e.g., dizziness, weight gain, etc.) and it works well for my pain!"

• CGa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Put off taking this medication for half a year as I was worried about possible side effects. I've tried other medications for Fibro, and this has been the most useful so far. I'd say it gets rid of 30-40% of my Fibro-derived pain, and it helps immensely with mental fog, anxiety, and fatigue. Side effects include a bit of dizziness for the first hour or so after taking the pill and a very small amount of weight gain."

• Mat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 19, 2020

For Insomnia "I've had so many kinds of insomnia for so many reasons, including sleep apnea, cortisol and endocrine issues, anxiety, caffeine abuse, and genetics (family history on both sides). I've tried almost everything out there for insomnia, and only three pills have worked: diphenhydramine, doxepin/Silenor, and amitriptyline. But they all cause weight gain and lead to tolerance, so I try not to use them too often. That said, gabapentin is an awesome, awesome drug, so calming and (for me at least) almost totally without side effects at 300 mg. It doesn't put me to sleep or keep me asleep, but I keep it by my bed for any early wake-ups, for which it sometimes works: about half the time it puts me back to sleep for that extra 60-90 minutes I really need but my body hates to give me, and it always puts me in a good mood."

• Ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have had various treatments for bipolar over the last 7 years but was unhappy with weight gain. I was put on gabapentin for my sciatic nerve pain and soon realized my low moods had lifted, enabling me to have a better quality of life. Six months ago, I was able to stay off my other meds for bipolar and just take the gabapentin."

• fib...
• July 7, 2011

Gabapentin 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."

• Rya...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2020

For Pain "I use this drug to help with neuropathic pain after fractured spine T4 & T5, so metalwork put in, and it is agony without pain help. Gabapentin cures it 100%. The pain can still be felt, but it is not as mentally crippling as it was before. There are side effects. I take 2700 mg per day over 3 doses. Weight gain from fluid retention, memory loss, motor movements affected, but you adapt. Also, a change in personality, for some, as for me, it simply boosted me as a person as I am not in that dark place anymore. You have to find the right dosage for this drug, and it takes a week or longer to adapt and go through initial side effects. If you need to come off, go very gradually."

• dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've been on 600 mg in the morning (an hour or more before I get out of bed) and 1200 mg at 6:30 p.m. for a bedtime of 10:00 p.m. In almost a month, I've had a return of my 'can do' attitude, a reduction in pain, a seeming improvement in memory, and the greatest sleep in years. Unfortunately, I've also had a 16-pound weight gain. I am already obese, so this is a huge problem. It breaks my heart because for the first time in 27 years, I've been excited to have a flower garden again. Before that, I had no interest because even the thought of it was too overwhelming due to pain. Dizziness was a very bad problem at first, but I was down in bed anyway for other problems so it didn't matter to me. That wore off (mostly) in three weeks."

• tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2017

For Pain "Pros: I actually feel the complete opposite from the side effects. Instead of depression or suicidal thoughts, I actually feel relieved and more energetic with motivation. Once the medicine kicked in and took the pain away in my spine, I felt so much relief, and I was able to get up and start cleaning my house and doing things I had trouble doing before. I think this is a great medicine. Cons: I have noticed some weight gain, I have been feeling like I can't get full, I feel like I am always hungry. So I eat, and then I am going to go get out and hike more or something to help with that issue. I have noticed some slight memory loss or forgetfulness. Gingko maybe? Lastly, I have noticed I have constipation and need to use a stool softener."

• fre...
• April 30, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I was prescribed gabapentin for fibromyalgia 3 weeks ago, taking 300mg 3 times a day after years of trying every depression medication and being on painkillers for back pain for a year. I was consistently unmotivated. I didn't want to do anything, had severe body aches, and generally felt terrible with depression and anxiety to top it off. After my first dose of 300mg, I felt better within the first 10-30 minutes. I got up and felt like I had a purpose. My anxiety and depression ceased, and my body felt better. I would recommend this to anyone unless you have problems with weight gain. It seems to cause water retention. Also, sometimes I get dyslexic or clumsy. Those are the adverse effects for me, not sure about anyone else?"

• Sob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2016

For Alcohol Withdrawal "I suffer from generalized anxiety and abused alcohol heavily for over a year for sleep and stress reduction. When ready to quit, I was terrified of withdrawal, my doctor prescribed 300mg, 3x a day. So far, so good. I've been on it for a month and have noticed it really helps my anxiety. Sober just three days but feeling okay! Some precautions: Experiencing a little weight gain and notice an increased appetite an hour after I take this medication. Also, I notice when I miss a dose almost immediately. Good luck! It's worth it!"

• egg...
• October 5, 2013

For Peripheral Neuropathy "I have been taking Gabapentin for 7 months while awaiting surgery for a laminectomy, nerve decompression, sacrum tear, and impinged nerves L3-S1. While I still require Oxycodone for pain relief, Gabapentin relieves 80% of my nerve pain. I can't tolerate Lyrica so we started on 900mg-1200mg in the hospital due to severe dis-coordination. Regular dose is now 2400mg per day. Side effects are occasional lethargy, some forgetfulness, and about 3kgs weight gain but I wouldn't be walking now without Gabapentin! If toleration is a problem, titrate up slowly because it's so worth persisting with!"

• Ood...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 28, 2015

For Migraine "My neurologist prescribed me this drug at 600mg at night for my chronic, daily migraines, and it is quite literally a godsend. It helps with migraine prevention, anxiety, and even helped with my chronic pelvic pain before my hysterectomy! Taken with my 100mg of Topamax, I get maybe one or two migraines a month! I used to have daily migraines that required Toradol and Phenergan injections to relieve. I will say the only downside was that I gained a pound or two, but nothing exercise can't manage. Overall, great drug. Highly recommended if you suffer from chronic migraines!"

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2009

Gabapentin 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!"

• Gre...
• March 1, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been treated with a combination of Depakote, Effexor, and Wellbutrin before, and I just felt crazier than I did before and gained about 45 pounds. So I got off meds altogether for about 15 years. Needless to say, as much as I wanted to live an unmedicated life, my rapid and severe mood swings were really making things difficult for me. After two failed relationships, I decided I'd go to the doctor and give it another shot. I feel like a brand new man! I'm just beginning my second month. In month one, I was on 200 mg taken three times a day, and I just was so calm and collected and took my time to react to things instead of flying off the handle. Now I'm on 300 mg three times a day, and this might just be perfect for me. Highly recommended."

• Too...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2013

For Peripheral Neuropathy "Gabapentin really helps pain in my arms, legs and feet. I have been on Gabapentin for 2 years on and off. Took ages to get used to tight band feeling around head, vision problems, and weight gain. The worst side effect is constipation and bloating. Sometimes I feel as if I can't breathe because I'm so bloated. Trying to keep taking them so that I can sleep at night and walk without so much pain in my feet."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2009

Gabapentin 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."

• meg...
• July 8, 2014

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've been taking 1800 mg of gabapentin for restless legs since April of this year. It has been wonderful. Plus, I get a tad drowsy, but, alas, there is a problem: weight gain. I've been on a 1200 calorie diet and I continue to gain weight. 15 lbs since the end of April. What to do?"

• veg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2017

For Pain "Gabapentin works really well for my degenerative disc disease and back arthritis without making me sleepy like opiates. It's not addictive as well. The only downside, after taking it for about 3 months, is it seems it's making me gain weight and gives me a lot of gas. And I'm eating less than I did before taking it."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2010

Gabapentin 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."