Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain?

Although they're not common side effects, gabapentin has been reported to potentially cause weight gain and fluid buildup in the legs (edema). If you're taking gabapentin or another medication that you think may have led to gaining a few extra pounds, talk to your healthcare provider.

Can gabapentin cause belly fat?

Official Answer. Gabapentin may cause weight gain, but it is a rare side effect. Studies have shown that a small number of people taking gabapentin, a drug used to treat epilepsy and postherpetic neuralgia, experienced weight gain. People who do gain weight may gain about 5 pounds after 6 weeks of use.

Why do you gain weight on gabapentin?

People may gain weight while taking gabapentin because the drug increases their appetite and causes water retention, mainly in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Patients taking medications like Neurontin and Gralise may gain a few pounds after about six weeks into treatment.