24 Jan 2022
Neurontin is an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic medication. It works by affecting the chemicals and neurons that produce seizures and some forms of pain. The generic name of the brand Neurontin is Gabapentin.
Neurontin (Gabapentin) can cause weight gain to some people; however, this side effect is quite rare. Neurontin use may increase appetite and water retention, mainly in the arms, hands, legs, and feet, causing weight gain in some people.
A study conducted at the neurology department in Miami, Florida, concluded that some people could gain weight. The study was conducted to see the changes in body weight with high doses of Neurontin. However, it also found that some people lost weight while many were unaffected in terms of weight changes.
To be safe and healthy as well as cost effective there are gabapentin sale available but you must get it from a reputable telehealth provider. Otherwise, you run the risk of purchasing Gabapentin illegally, with potentially hazardous or counterfeit components. (Changes in Body Weight With Chronic, High-Dose Gabapentin Therapy, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring)
Factors That Affect Weight Gain
A few factors might affect weight gain to some people while on Neurontin. The sudden increase in appetite is a significant contributing factor while taking this medication. Consuming more calories than you burn will increase body weight.
Fluid retention is another side effect caused by Neurontin linked to weight gain. The use of Neurontin also causes fatigue which makes it harder to get out of bed for exercise.
How Much Do People Gain Weight When On Neurontin?
According to the study mentioned in this article; the weight changes were as follows: Of the total 44 patients, ten patients gained 10% in body weight, 15 patients gained 5%-10% off in their body weight.
How Could I Know If Neurontin Is Making Me Gain Weight?
It is not always the same factors that affect everyone the same way to gain weight while on Neurontin. There are certain factors however that are common and mostly seen for weight gain.
Here are a few of the major reasons that affect weight gain:
- Changes in Appetite
Some people may face an increase in appetite due to the use of Neurontin and certain antidepressants. That can result in people eating more than usual. Doing so can increase in weight especially if the person is not working out or eating unhealthy.
- Fluid retention
Certain medications can make our body hold sodium that makes the body hold fluids as well. This makes us gain weight as the water weight adds more pounds. Since edema is a possible side effect, it can be the reason for your weight gain.
- Difficulty in exercising
Neurontin can make you sleepy and fatigued. It is harder to exercise when you are fatigued which might contribute to an increase in weight.
You can see to it if there are any changes or symptoms of weight gain occurring to you while on Neurontin. Self-diagnosis can sometimes be useful in such situations. However, when faced with severe levels of any side effects it is always better to see a doctor.
How Do Other Medications Like Neurontin Cause Weight Gain?
There are certain types of medications similar to Neurontin that can cause weight gain. Here are the reasons why.
- Increased fat storage
For example; medication like Insulin which shows an anti-depressant-like effect can make the cells in our body hold on and store fat. Insulin is a growth hormone that affects how our body stores fat. An increase in fat storage is bound to cause weight gain.
- Fluid retention
Certain diabetic medications have the property to retain sodium. The retention of salt causes the body to hold on to water causing an increase in the water weight of a person.
- Increased appetite
Like Neurontin, other antidepressants and corticosteroids are known to increase appetite in some people. If an individual does not pay attention to exercising and healthy eating, they are bound to gain weight.
- Slows the metabolism
Metabolism plays an important role in calorie breakdown. Certain medications like beta-blockers are found to slow down the metabolism of the body. This results in lowering the rate at which the calorie is broken down for energy. This causes weight gain in some people.
- Difficulty in exercising
Antidepressants and antihistamines have common side-effect of tiredness and dizziness. It makes it difficult to work out when you don’t feel like exercising. Skipping exercises and eating unhealthy causes weight gain.
Other side effects caused by Neurontin
Some side effects of Neurontin are:
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Blue colored skin
- Confusion
- Increased seizures
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
There are other side effects not mentioned in this article. We advise you to consult a doctor if faced with any side effects.
Precautions You Need To Take While Using Neurontin
You must tell your doctor of any pre-existing health conditions or if you are allergic to Neurontin. This medication might have some ingredients that may cause side effects that you are unaware of.
Drinking alcohol with Gabapentin or using other drugs that cause dizziness is highly unadvised, while using Neurontin medication may increase its side effects. Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machinery that requires high alertness.
Having the habit of practicing healthy living and working out can help reduce the risk of any adverse side effects.
Here are some conditions where you should be extra careful while using Neurontin:
- Kidney diseases
- Diabetes
- Breathing problems
- Depression
- Any drug addiction
- Seizures
- Liver diseases
- Heart diseases
Conclusion
Neurontin may indeed cause weight gain. However, it is an infrequent side effect. Studies have found Neurontin to cause weight gain and weight loss in few people. Most people do not show changes in weight after using Neurontin.
