{"id":629392,"date":"2024-08-26T09:30:40","date_gmt":"2024-08-26T13:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629392"},"modified":"2025-10-20T19:57:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T23:57:02","slug":"does-gabapentin-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-gabapentin-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does gabapentin cause weight gain?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gabapentin<\/span><\/a> (brand name <\/span>Neurontin<\/span><\/a>) is an anti-seizure medication that is primarily used to alleviate nerve pain and manage seizures. The prescription drug is <\/span>FDA approved<\/span><\/a> to control seizures in adults and children with epilepsy and treat a type of nerve pain called<\/span> postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) that can occur after a shingles infection. It\u2019s also used off-label to treat diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain from sciatica, alcohol dependence, and anxiety<\/span>. An extended-release form of gabapentin is approved to treat restless legs syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because it\u2019s effective for many different nervous system and chronic pain disorders, <\/span>gabapentin<\/span><\/a> is commonly prescribed. But like all medications, gabapentin comes with the possibility of side effects, including one that may surprise you\u2014weight gain. Here\u2019s what to know if your weight changes on gabapentin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can gabapentin cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In <\/span>clinical trials<\/span><\/a>, the most common side effects of gabapentin in adults were drowsiness, dizziness, and edema (fluid retention) in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. While it\u2019s not a common side effect, about 2% of patients taking gabapentin experienced weight gain, and 8% experienced fluid retention. <\/span>Other potential side effects<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n