Does gabapentin make you gain weight
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Gabapentin and Weight Gain: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Gabapentin and Weight Gain
Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medication, is widely used for treating seizure disorders and neuropathic pain. However, one of the concerns associated with its use is the potential for weight gain. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of the relationship between gabapentin and weight gain.
Evidence of Weight Gain with Gabapentin Use
Long-term Gabapentin Therapy and Weight Changes
A study involving 44 patients treated with gabapentin for over 12 months revealed significant weight changes. Approximately 57% of the patients experienced weight gain, with 10 patients gaining more than 10% of their baseline weight and 15 patients gaining between 5% to 10% of their baseline weight. Weight gain typically began between the second and third months of treatment and stabilized after 6 to 9 months, even as the dosage remained unchanged.
Comparative Studies with Gabapentin Enacarbil
In a phase 2 trial comparing gabapentin enacarbil (GEn) with pregabalin and placebo in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, GEn was associated with lower incidences of weight gain compared to pregabalin. The study found that weight gain was dose-dependent, with higher doses of GEn resulting in more significant weight increases. Specifically, the mean weight gain at the end of the 12-week maintenance phase was 1.22 kg for GEn 1200 mg, 1.71 kg for GEn 2400 mg, and 1.85 kg for GEn 3600 mg, compared to 2.65 kg for pregabalin and a weight loss of 0.55 kg for placebo .
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Findings
A systematic review and meta-analysis of various drugs and their association with weight change identified gabapentin as one of the medications linked to weight gain. The analysis reported an average weight gain of 2.2 kg in patients using gabapentin, highlighting its potential to cause weight increase among users.
Clinical Observations and Case Studies
Clinical observations have also noted weight gain in patients treated with gabapentin. In a review of 69 patients, 11 adults experienced a mean weight gain of 6.9 kg within an average of 3.5 months of starting gabapentin therapy. This weight gain was observed even in the absence of changes in appetite or eating behavior, suggesting a direct effect of the medication.
Long-term Safety Studies
A long-term safety study of a gastroretentive formulation of gabapentin (G-GR) in patients with postherpetic neuralgia reported minimal weight gain over a 24-week period. The mean weight change was +0.76 kg, with only 2.5% of patients reporting weight increase as an adverse event. This suggests that while weight gain can occur, it may be relatively modest with certain formulations and dosages.
Conclusion
The evidence indicates that gabapentin can lead to weight gain in a significant proportion of patients, particularly with long-term use and higher dosages. While the extent of weight gain varies, it is a notable side effect that healthcare providers should monitor. Patients on gabapentin should be aware of this potential side effect and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider to manage and mitigate weight changes effectively.
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