Is it me or does taking Gabapentin make you gain weight? I'm new to it and been taking it for about a month. I felt like a gained weight so I weighed myself and sure enough I gained 6 pounds. I didn't do anything different than before so I'm curious to see if this has happened to anyone else. Thank you
I gained about 30 pounds after my surgery. I think the Gapapentin makes you eat more. I know I did. Now I'm stuck trying to lose. I think it does make you retain water too. I was weaned off because all my joints were killing me. Couldn't even get my wedding ring off because of swelling.
I was on it for over a year and I gained 20 lbs. About 9 months after I started it I started to lose weight without changing my eating habits. I lost 17 lbs and then they put me on Lyrica and I have gained it back. I took 1600 mg per day of Gabapenting. Now taking 325mg Lyrica. Both drugs did help the pain but only at the higher dosage. I tend to think that if the drug isn't helping that the dosage is not high enough. Also read pain specialist research that showed and even higher dosage than 1600mg was necessary for radicular pain relief.
Some of the pain relief I achieved is due to the tiredness that ensues and allows me to sleep at night. I read on the net that users of Lyrica can expect an average weight gain of 8%. I have surpassed that percentage on both drugs. I am trying my hardest to lose the weight but it is very tough.
From my own experience you gain weight even when your eating habits haven't changed. 1. You retain fluid. 2. Fatigue, your metabolism slows down. 3. Acts as an appetite stimulant. 4. Makes you crave sweets.
It is a love hate relationship. I love the pain relief but hate the weight gain and tiredness. Hate the fact that you have to take it every day. How are you suppose to know if your condition has improved if you are downing these drugs every day?? For me these drugs are not for short term use as surgery is not an option and pain management is all that can be offered.
There I have sounded off now I am going to go and have my cup of tea...lol
I have been on Gabapentin for about 6 weeks now and when i saw my doc last week she commented about my weight gain.
I told her that i have heard that it makes you gain weight but she said not!
When i came home i read the info sheet that comes with them and YES it does say weight gain!
Have had other side effects too which have settled down abit now.
My doctor has been a sweetheart in regard to the weight gain. She just smiles sympathetically at me and says "let get rid of the pain" that is the priority. Let's face it most women in particular worry about their weight all the time so maybe some of us lose sight of what is the most important.
Men worry about weight gain too! Especially when the new clothes I bought last fall don't fit anymore. Yes, I'm on Gabapentin and a diet! It also doesn't help that most if not all exercise hurts. Fred
