What Causes Weight Gain After Taking Gabapentin?

Posted on Wed, 25 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Answered on

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking gabapentin for nerve damage for two years and I have gained two stone in weight this is despite the fact that I attend weekly slimming world sessions and have been following the diet and taking advice from my sw consultant

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
gabapentin is one of meds associated with gain

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Gabapentin is one of the medications that can be associated with weight gain. It is thought to do this by altering certain neural and hormonal pathways in the brain that are involved in energy control.

There are other antiepileptic medications that can be used to help with nerve related symptoms that are either weight neutral (do not affect weight) or are associated with weight loss.

Weight neutral meds are: lamictal, levtiracetam,oxcarbazepin

Weight loss: topiramate

You may want to speak to your doctor about altering your medications to one of these if they are available.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar