Some people who are taking
Neurontin® (
gabapentin) may notice a weight change. Specifically, the drug has been shown to cause weight gain.
In clinical studies, up to 3.4 percent of children taking Neurontin for
seizures experienced weight gain, compared to just 0.8 percent of a similar group of children not taking the drug. However, weight gain in children is generally not unusual or unhealthy. Weight gain is also a possible side effect in adults, although it is less common. In adults, up to 2.9 percent of people taking Neurontin experienced weight gain, compared to just 1.6 percent of adults not taking it.
If you are taking Neurontin, and weight changes occur, contact your healthcare provider. He or she may give you some suggestions for controlling your weight (such as eating
heart-healthy foods, exercising, and limiting your intake of alcohol), or may recommend another medication. If you are gaining weight rapidly, this may be due to fluid retention and
heart failure, possible side effects of Neurontin. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you notice rapid weight gain, as this can be a sign of
congestive heart failure (CHF).
(Click Neurontin and Weight Gain for a more in-depth look at potential weight changes with Neurontin. This article also explains what clinical studies have shown regarding weight gain in people who were taking the drug and what your healthcare provider may recommend.)
