Last post Sat, May 10 2008 3:31 PM by hinge404. 17 replies.
I just sat here and read so many posts in the forums. Someone posted somewhere that taking Neurontin caused alot of weight gain. Anyone else have this happen?? I've taken Neurontin for a year and a half. I take 2100 mgs per day. I cannot stop gaining weight though my diet is mostly wholesome and low carb. I'm wondering if the med is the culprit.
Sherry
I take 3600 ml of Neurontin a day and have had no weight gain. Just drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.
The short answer to your question is: yes. A lot of people taking Neurontin complain of weight gain. A lot of people taking Neurontin also complain it is ineffective for controlling pain and stop taking the drug (it only works for some people).
Hello Sherry
I have been taking Neurontin for five years, 3600mg a day, I have gained weight. However I have found that my thyroid was not working at all which might the reason for the weight gain, my docs think it was probably my meds that caused the weight gain via my thyroid. You might want to have your doc check your thyroid.
Pat Ryan
I'm doing 1800mg daily for over 3years...no weight gain or loss
I have taken drugs in the past that were effective for the reason prescribed that did cause weight gain and I have also taken drugs that were not effective for the cause prescribed and had other negative side effects. The most important thing is that in partnership with your doctor you should weigh all the factors and consider options including changing the medication. Weight gain when mobility is limited is a big issue because it becomes harder to get the weight off and the weight in itself makes pain and mobility issues more of a problem for you. I too suggest discussing other options with your doctor and good luck to you.
At one time I took Neurontin, and did not gain weight, but did not get much relief either. There has been some discussion here about Lyrica, which is a newer drug, works along the lines of Neurontin, and is said by many to be more effective. I have found that it helps me much more. Others, however, have reported a weight gain from Lyrica, also, but a switch might still be in order. As breakerless wrote, you need to discuss this with your doctor.
The weight gain is a problem for many reasons, of course, but one I found compelling was when my doctor pointed out that the more there was of me, the more there was to hurt! I actually found this to be true when I worked hard to get my weight under control.
Nutrition, as I know you are aware, is a big part of weight gain. The correct combination of carbs, vegs, and fruits is as important as calories, but low carb is not the only issue. Also working with food allergies is important. I discovered that my alllergy to wheat caused me to gain weight. Eliminating foods one by one, for a week, and seeing if that makes a difference, is the cheapest way to discover food allergies, although a comprehensive blood test is the best and fastest. This is best done by someone working with nutrition, not a allopathic MD.
Food can also be related to pain as in the acupuncture system, there are "meridians" that run throughout the length of the body. The digestive, or "stomach" meridian runs down the outer arms and legs, and if stressed can feel like lines of fire. This could be a partial cause of your pain. Also, the issue of acid vs. alkaline is very important for pain and weight gain.
Working to find some way to exercise is so important. If nothing else, due to pain, you might try what I have, which is a large, round "soft tub" whirl pool in which I can do gentle, slow exercises (there is just enough room), and stretch. I am able to work with every muscle group in my body when I can't get to the regular therapeutic heated pool I regularly use. I know this might sound expensive, but perhaps you can find someone to donate it to you. Churches, disability organizations ("Center for Independent Living for People with Disabilities") is nationwide, etc. You would need to adjust the temp as you would not want to exercise in 102 degrees! But it will go lower if adjusted. Send me a personal contact if you want more info on the manufacturer of this particular tub, which fits indoors in a large room, or outdoors. I have used it both ways, and mine has lasted six years so far.
Just some suggestions, as I have had weight shifts of over 80 pounds due to various issues, and it is no fun. Good luck. Bonnie
Thanks everyone. Actually Neurontin is not very helpful but takes the edge off the Arthritis and nerve pain so I continue taking it. Still hoping for something that will relieve Fibro pain. And also the rapid weight gain just started about 6 months ago and I was doing nothing different to cause this. Before this when weighed at the doctor's office once a month I lost 2 or 3 lbs every month so upon more contemplation I believe something else is going on here. My thyroid has been tested several times but I do have many of the symptoms of a thyroid not producing it's hormones. So think I'll ask for another test. I stayed physically active with brisk walks, stretches, light weights and light cardio exercises until I developed Neuralgia and chronic Sciatica adding to the pain mix. Even a short walk or a slight bend would set off nerve pain and lot's of it tormenting me constantly for a couple months at a time. Very difficult to know what I should and could be doing for physical activity right now.
There is a self-help body work solution that aids some with sciatica. It comes, from among others, the Upledger Institute which works with cranial/sacral issues. They recommend, and I have tried with great success, the following simple action:
Take two tennis balls, put them in a sock, and tie the sock tightly. Lie down on a carpet or padded mat, on your back, with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Place the tennis balls behind your head, just at the point where your head joins the neck, at those two bony spots. This is called "constructive rest." Then, using gentle music of your choice if you want, or a heating pad on your stomach as an added therapeutic component, lie there and try to let your lower back release into the ground. Feel the ground beneath your back, and try to feel it evenly. If there is an area where you cannot feel the ground, that is numb, concentrate on sensing the ground in that area particularly.
The purpose of this is to try to adjust the sacrum and pelvis back into alignment. Take it very slowly, five minutes the first day, 10, then 15, working up to 20-30 minutes after a while. STOP IMMEDIATELY IF THIS BRINGS PAIN AFTER THE FIRST TWO SESSIONS.
The only other issue is to take care getting up off of the floor. Roll over onto your side, have a chair near by, bring the top leg over onto the floor, and use your hands on the chair to bring you up to standing. Do not roll up.
Then sit down for a bit, and then rest. This "constructive rest" routine has brought relief to many, but needs careful attention to the above details described. Do not eat immediately before or after (30-45 minutes). Good luck if you try it!
Bonnie I hope you never, ever leave this site! You have a good answer for just about any question I have asked on the forums. I appreciate your feedback. Thank you and I would like to try this exercise. Might have to borrow tennis balls and an old sock from my dogs.
hey Sherry,
Ive been taking neurontin for several years, I did experience some weight gain at first, but its leveled out now. Neurontin is not a good medicine for pain management, but it is good for nerve damage. I have alot of numbness and tingling in my hands and feet and neurontin has helped that tremendously, but doesnt help my back pain at all.
What other meds are you on. If you are taking other pain management meds, It could be a combination of them all that is causing the weight gain.
Donna
Yes, I had weight gain from the start, three years ago. I take 900 mg a day. It works for my neuropathy, but dang that weight gain.
Becky
i hated Neurontin, i was nervous, stressed, depressed, uncontrollably crazy, don't remember if i gained on it, it's been a long time since, but i wouldn't be surprised, it really affected me strongly in many ways.
I was on Neurontin (why I don't remember ) but found out that it can cause severe constipation.
Donna I hear ya about it helping with nerve pain although I still have plenty of numbness/tingling. For pain......well if it helped I guess I wouldn't be suffering such severe, chronic pain still. Seeing my new doc in a few days, I hope, I hope he will do some experimenting with new methods and meds because I know there's no good reason I should suffer this MUCH pain constantly.
SAD you on Neurontin sounds like me before, during and probably after Neurontin.
