Gabapentin side effects weight gain
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Gabapentin Side Effects: Weight Gain
Introduction to Gabapentin and Weight Gain
Gabapentin, a medication commonly prescribed for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, has been associated with various side effects, including weight gain. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of gabapentin's impact on body weight.
Evidence of Weight Gain with Gabapentin Use
Long-Term Gabapentin Therapy and Weight Changes
A study involving 44 patients treated with high-dose 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 gabapentin dosages remained unchanged .
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Findings
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 257 randomized trials, including 84,696 patients, identified gabapentin as one of the drugs associated with weight gain. The analysis reported an average weight gain of 2.2 kg in patients using gabapentin . This finding underscores the potential for weight gain as a notable side effect of gabapentin therapy.
Gabapentin Enacarbil and Weight Gain
In a phase 2 trial examining gabapentin enacarbil (GEn), a prodrug of gabapentin, patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) experienced dose-dependent weight gain. The study reported mean weight gains of 1.22 kg, 1.71 kg, and 1.85 kg for GEn dosages of 1200 mg, 2400 mg, and 3600 mg, respectively. Comparatively, patients on pregabalin, another medication for neuropathic pain, gained an average of 2.65 kg, indicating that gabapentin enacarbil may result in less weight gain than pregabalin 45.
Gastroretentive Gabapentin and Weight Gain
A study on the long-term safety of gastroretentive gabapentin (G-GR) in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) found minimal weight gain over a 24-week period. The mean weight change from baseline was +0.76 kg, with only 2.5% of patients reporting weight gain as an adverse event. This suggests that while weight gain can occur, it may be relatively modest with this formulation of gabapentin .
Conclusion
Gabapentin is associated with weight gain in a significant proportion of patients, particularly with long-term use and higher dosages. While the extent of weight gain can vary, it is a side effect that clinicians and patients should be aware of when considering gabapentin for treatment. Monitoring weight and implementing preemptive weight management strategies may be beneficial for patients undergoing gabapentin therapy.
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