Putting on weight???

[littlejan]

Hi to everyone firstly,

I would like to ask is anyone only on Gabapentin, have you put weight on at all, or is that not a side effect and it's just me eating too much?

[Lruk]

Hi Littlejan,

When I first started taking gabapentin I put on over 2 stone but, looking back, some of it was the medication and some of it was eating too much. With a lot of effort and watching what I eat along with regular weigh ins I have managed to get most of that off but it hasn't been easy. I need to lose a few stones in addition to this but it is partly due to the medication and my poor mobility due to the fibromyalgia.

[TheAuthor]

Hi littlejan

I am so sorry to read that you have gained weight whilst taking Gabapentin, and unfortunately weight gain is one of the side effects. I have pasted you the NHS Choices cache of side effects with Gabapentin below:

NHS Choices - Gabapentin Side Effects

nhs.uk/medicine-guides/page...

If the issue is getting a bit too serious, it may be best to discuss an alternative medication with your GP or Medical Specialist. Please be aware that the most common alternative to Gabapentin is Pregabalin and this also has weight gain as a side effect.

I want to wish you all the best of luck with whatever you decide to do?

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[Ginsing]

Morning I am not sure about Gabapentin I do know that Pregabalin does put weight on! I think part of the problem is we are so much more sedentary. Nothing we can do about that except try our hardest to be good. Some times when yoU feel very down the only answer is CHOCOLATE!

Be good x ginsing

[B2WC]

Hi littlejan, yes I put on weight on Gabapentin, but the result is quite good on pain reduction, so you have to weight between put on weight and benefit on putting weight though, you can do a bit of diet and gentle exercise so that balance it out, I hope that's help

[Furry]

Hi littlejan.

I have gained weight since starting gabapentin, I've been taking it about 2 years and gained about one and a half stone. For me I think it increased my appetite? I've just started a healthy eating and increased excercise phase. New Years resolution , hoping I can start to loose a few pounds, hope this helps. Take care. X

[ailsamary]

I have been very lucky. I take 2100mg of gabapentin along with a couple of others that have weight gain as a side effect and i have never put anymore weight on. I am already large and also have an underactive thyroid. It will all depend on how successful the medication is for you and how much pain relief you get to decide which is more important for you. there are some whom decline to take it because of possible weight gain and others who take it because their pain is such that they decide they would rather have the possible extra weight.

It is all individual choice and what is right for you. Either way hope you have some relief

[collette]

Hi this issue I disguised with my consultant and yes they do and have caused me to gain a lot of weight. She has advised me to try the alternative pregabalin. She said it may it may not make you gain weight. It's worth a try. I have put on loads and wasn't aware of the dude effects when I started taking them over a year ago. Good luck. 😊