How does gabapentin affect appetite and weight. What are the mechanisms behind gabapentin-induced weight gain. Which practical steps can be taken to prevent weight gain while on gabapentin. How can diet and lifestyle modifications help manage weight while taking gabapentin. What role does proper hydration play in weight management for gabapentin users. When should patients consider medication adjustments to address weight gain concerns. How can healthcare providers support patients in maintaining a healthy weight while on gabapentin.

Understanding Gabapentin and Its Effects on Weight

Gabapentin, also known by the brand name Neurontin, is a medication primarily used to treat seizures and postherpetic neuralgia. While it’s effective in managing these conditions, some patients experience weight gain as a side effect. Understanding the relationship between gabapentin and weight gain is crucial for those taking this medication.

Weight gain occurs in approximately 2% of patients taking gabapentin. This statistic, while relatively low, is significant enough to warrant attention. It’s important to note that weight gain should not be confused with peripheral edema, a swelling in the legs caused by fluid buildup, which affects about 8% of gabapentin users.

Mechanisms Behind Gabapentin-Induced Weight Gain

Gabapentin may contribute to weight gain through several mechanisms:

• Increased appetite
• Fluid retention
• Reduced physical activity due to fatigue

As an anticonvulsant, gabapentin works by reducing nerve activity in the central nervous system. This action can lead to side effects such as sedation, drowsiness, and fatigue, which may make it challenging for patients to maintain regular exercise routines.

Strategies to Prevent Weight Gain While Taking Gabapentin

For those concerned about potential weight gain while on gabapentin, several strategies can be employed to maintain a healthy weight. It’s crucial to remember that weight management is a highly individualized process, influenced by factors such as age, metabolism, and underlying health conditions.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

The first and most important step in managing weight while on gabapentin is to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and may consider the following options:

1. Adjusting the medication dosage
2. Switching to an alternative medication
3. Providing tailored weight management strategies

Never alter your medication regimen without professional medical guidance, as this could lead to the return or worsening of symptoms.

Implement Dietary Modifications

Dietary changes can play a significant role in managing weight while taking gabapentin. Consider the following approaches:

• Practice portion control
• Focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods
• Limit intake of refined sugars and processed foods
• Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins

Working with a registered dietitian can provide personalized nutritional guidance tailored to your specific needs and medication regimen.

The Role of Hydration in Weight Management

Proper hydration is often overlooked in weight management strategies, but it can be particularly beneficial for those taking gabapentin. How does drinking water contribute to weight control?

• It can help distinguish between thirst and hunger
• Drinking water before meals may reduce overall calorie intake
• Proper hydration supports metabolism and bodily functions

Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day, and consider having a glass of water before meals to promote satiety and prevent overeating.

Exercise and Physical Activity: Overcoming Gabapentin-Related Fatigue

While gabapentin may cause fatigue, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for weight management and overall health. How can patients overcome medication-related fatigue to stay active?

• Start with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming
• Gradually increase intensity and duration of workouts
• Schedule exercise during times of day when energy levels are highest
• Consider working with a physical therapist or fitness professional

Regular physical activity not only aids in weight management but can also improve mood, sleep quality, and overall well-being.

Monitoring and Tracking Progress

Keeping track of your weight, diet, and physical activity can provide valuable insights into your weight management journey while taking gabapentin. Consider these tracking methods:

• Use a food diary or smartphone app to log meals and snacks
• Regularly weigh yourself and record measurements
• Track physical activity and exercise routines
• Note any changes in appetite or energy levels

Sharing this information with your healthcare provider can help in making informed decisions about your treatment plan and weight management strategies.

Managing Cravings and Emotional Eating

Gabapentin-induced increased appetite can sometimes lead to cravings and emotional eating. How can patients effectively manage these challenges?

• Practice mindful eating techniques
• Identify triggers for emotional eating
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotions
• Keep nutritious, low-calorie snacks readily available

Cognitive-behavioral strategies and support groups can be valuable resources for developing healthy eating habits and managing cravings.

The Importance of Sleep in Weight Management

Quality sleep plays a crucial role in weight management, particularly for those taking medications like gabapentin. How does sleep affect weight, and how can patients improve their sleep quality?

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensure a comfortable sleep environment
• Limit screen time before bed
• Avoid large meals and caffeine close to bedtime

If gabapentin affects your sleep patterns, discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they may be able to adjust the timing of your medication to minimize sleep disturbances.

Nutritional Supplements and Their Role

While a balanced diet should be the primary source of nutrients, some patients may benefit from nutritional supplements to support weight management while taking gabapentin. Which supplements might be beneficial?

• Vitamin D and calcium for bone health
• Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation reduction
• B-complex vitamins for energy metabolism
• Fiber supplements to promote satiety

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some may interact with gabapentin or other medications.

Balancing Nutritional Needs and Medication Effects

Creating a nutrition plan that addresses both the potential side effects of gabapentin and your body’s nutritional needs is essential. Consider working with a registered dietitian who has experience with patients on anticonvulsant medications. They can help develop a meal plan that:

• Provides adequate nutrients to support overall health
• Incorporates foods that may help mitigate medication side effects
• Focuses on weight management without compromising treatment efficacy

Remember that nutritional needs may change over time, so regular check-ins with healthcare providers are important for ongoing management.

Psychological Aspects of Weight Management on Gabapentin

The psychological impact of weight gain while on necessary medication can be significant. How can patients address the mental and emotional aspects of weight management?

• Seek support from mental health professionals
• Join support groups for individuals on similar medications
• Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
• Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories

Developing a positive mindset and strong support system can greatly enhance your ability to manage weight effectively while on gabapentin.

Addressing Body Image Concerns

Weight changes can sometimes lead to body image issues. It’s important to maintain a healthy perspective and focus on overall well-being rather than just numbers on a scale. Consider these strategies:

• Focus on non-scale victories, such as improved energy or reduced symptoms
• Engage in activities that promote body positivity
• Surround yourself with supportive individuals who value health over appearance
• Consider working with a therapist specializing in body image issues

Remember that your worth is not determined by your weight, and managing your health condition effectively is the primary goal of your treatment.

Long-Term Strategies for Weight Management on Gabapentin

Developing a sustainable approach to weight management while on gabapentin is crucial for long-term success. What strategies can patients implement for lasting results?

• Regularly reassess and adjust your weight management plan
• Stay informed about new research on gabapentin and weight management
• Maintain open communication with your healthcare team
• Develop a support network of friends, family, and healthcare professionals

Remember that weight management is an ongoing process, and flexibility in your approach may be necessary as your body and treatment needs change over time.

Exploring Alternative Therapies

Some patients find complementary therapies helpful in managing weight and overall well-being while on gabapentin. These may include:

• Acupuncture for appetite control
• Yoga for stress reduction and gentle exercise
• Meditation for emotional regulation
• Herbal supplements (with physician approval)

Always discuss any alternative therapies with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

The Role of Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring the effects of gabapentin on your body and adjusting your weight management strategy as needed. During these check-ups, your healthcare provider may:

• Assess your weight and body composition
• Conduct blood tests to check for any metabolic changes
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your current gabapentin dosage
• Discuss any new concerns or side effects you may be experiencing

These regular assessments allow for timely interventions and adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring optimal health outcomes.

Tracking Metabolic Health

In addition to weight, it’s important to monitor other aspects of metabolic health while taking gabapentin. What key indicators should be tracked?

• Blood glucose levels
• Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Blood pressure
• Waist circumference

These metrics provide a more comprehensive picture of your overall health and can help guide treatment decisions beyond just weight management.

Navigating Social Situations and Dietary Challenges

Social events and dining out can present challenges for those managing their weight while on gabapentin. How can patients navigate these situations while staying on track with their weight management goals?

• Plan ahead by reviewing menus or bringing a healthy dish to share
• Practice mindful eating techniques in social settings
• Communicate your dietary needs to friends and family
• Focus on socializing and enjoying company rather than food

Developing strategies for these situations can help maintain consistency in your weight management efforts without sacrificing your social life.

Meal Planning and Preparation

Effective meal planning can significantly support weight management efforts for those taking gabapentin. Consider these tips:

• Prepare meals in advance to avoid impulsive food choices
• Use portion control containers for easy serving size management
• Incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods in your meal plans
• Keep healthy snacks readily available for times when appetite increases

By taking control of your meal preparation, you can ensure that your dietary intake aligns with your weight management goals while on gabapentin.

Leveraging Technology for Weight Management

In today’s digital age, various technological tools can assist in weight management efforts for patients taking gabapentin. How can technology be leveraged effectively?

• Use smartphone apps to track food intake and physical activity
• Utilize wearable devices to monitor sleep patterns and energy expenditure
• Join online support communities for motivation and tips
• Explore telehealth options for remote consultations with healthcare providers

While technology can be a valuable aid, it’s important to use these tools in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, professional medical advice.

Personalized Approaches to Weight Management

As research in pharmacogenomics advances, there’s growing interest in personalized approaches to managing medication side effects, including weight gain. What does this mean for gabapentin users?

• Genetic testing may help predict individual responses to gabapentin
• Tailored dosing strategies based on genetic profiles
• Personalized nutrition plans accounting for genetic predispositions
• Targeted exercise recommendations based on individual metabolic factors

While personalized medicine is an exciting frontier, it’s still an evolving field. Consult with your healthcare provider about the latest advancements and their potential applicability to your situation.

Empowering Patients: Self-Advocacy and Informed Decision-Making

Taking an active role in your healthcare decisions is crucial when managing weight while on gabapentin. How can patients become effective self-advocates?

• Educate yourself about gabapentin and its potential side effects
• Keep detailed records of your symptoms, weight changes, and other relevant information
• Prepare questions for your healthcare provider before appointments
• Explore clinical trials or research studies related to gabapentin and weight management

By being informed and proactive, you can work more effectively with your healthcare team to manage your weight and overall health while on gabapentin.

Building a Collaborative Healthcare Team

Managing weight while on gabapentin often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Who should be part of your healthcare team?

• Primary care physician
• Neurologist or pain specialist (depending on the reason for gabapentin use)
• Registered dietitian
• Exercise physiologist or physical therapist
• Mental health professional

Coordinating care among these professionals can provide comprehensive support for your weight management efforts while ensuring your gabapentin treatment remains effective.

How to Avoid Weight Gain on Gabapentin

Gabapentin and weight gain: not a fun mix. Unfortunately, weight gain is a common side effect of many medications.

From a fluctuation in hormones to water retention to changes in appetite, drugs like gabapentin can cause some unwanted weight gain. That’s why our Palm Springs drug rehab also incorporates healthy and nutritional meals in patients’ treatment plans. If you’ve started taking this medication for a condition, are recovering from an addiction, or will begin this treatment soon, here are some tips on how to avoid weight gain on gabapentin and maintain your health.

Why Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain?

Neurontin or gabapentin is a prescription medication used to treat seizures and postherpetic neuralgia, a type of nerve pain that can occur after a shingles attack. Although this medication effectively treats these conditions, like other drugs, gabapentin can also have some unwanted side effects like weight gain.

While weight gain is a rare side effect of gabapentin, it still happens. In fact, weight gain from gabapentin only occurs in around 2% of patients.¹ However, weight gain is not to be confused with peripheral edema, which is a swelling in the legs caused by a build-up of fluids. This occurs in around 8% of patients taking gabapentin.¹

Gabapentin may cause weight gain by increasing your appetite, causing fluid retention, and inhibiting physical activity by causing fatigue. Because gabapentin is an anticonvulsant, it prevents seizures and nerve pain by reducing nerve activity in the central nervous system. As a result, side effects like sedation, drowsiness, and fatigue may occur, making it difficult to find the energy to exercise.

Tips on How to Avoid Weight Gain on Gabapentin

Whether you want to learn how to lose weight on gabapentin or lose weight after taking gabapentin, below are some practical tips that can help. However, keep in mind weight loss is different for everyone. These are just general tips that can contribute to weight loss, but other factors that may affect this process include age, metabolism rate, and any underlying conditions. Always speak to your doctor about losing weight or making any other changes related to your medication.

Talk to Your Doctor About Switching Medications

If you notice that gabapentin has made it difficult for you to maintain your weight or has caused you to gain weight, one possible solution is switching to a different medication. However, do not do this without speaking to your doctor. If you have an issue with any medications, always go directly to your doctor and discuss other options.

If you can’t switch from gabapentin to another medication, then your doctor may have some tips on how to stay healthy. Our other tips below can also help.

Talk to Your Doctor About Lowering Your Dose

In some cases, it’s also possible to lower the dose of the medication and still feel relief from symptoms. Again, this is not something you should do on a whim. Reducing your doses without consulting a doctor first can cause your symptoms to return or worsen. Like we previously mentioned, be sure to speak to your doctor about making any changes to your medications.

Limit Food Portion Sizes

Like medications like corticosteroids and certain antidepressants, gabapentin stimulates your appetite, making you feel hungry more often. As a result, you may eat more than usual. And if you don’t adjust your eating habits or exercise, you may gain some weight.

As you’re taking gabapentin, or even after you’ve stopped taking it or switched to a different medication, a great way to lose and maintain your weight is to limit your food portions. You can also speak to a dietitian about incorporating foods into your diet that will help you feel fuller for longer periods so you can avoid overeating.

Drink Water Before Meals

Sometimes, when we want that midnight snack or to snack on something “just because,” that hunger that we think we feel is actually thirst. If you were hungry, you’d feel a pang in your stomach, or your stomach may gurgle and rumble. But if you’re feeling sluggish, then water can help.

Water can also help you maintain and lose weight when you drink it before eating anything. Again, sometimes our hunger is just thirst, and drinking water before a meal can help prevent overeating. It also fills your stomach up a bit, which can help with portion control.

Avoid Refined Sugars

Refined or added sugars are in so many foods that it can be difficult to manage how much sugar you eat in a day. Added sugars are items (including, but not limited to, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, syrup, or honey) that are added to foods and beverages during preparation to make them taste sweeter.

Although these sugars are chemically indistinguishable from naturally occurring sugars, they aren’t natural, and they’re often excessively added to foods and drinks. As you may be aware, eating too much sugar increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain.

Eating too many refined sugars causes weight gain for a variety of reasons. For one, they’re empty calories, meaning they are neither nutritional nor satisfying enough to keep you full for long periods. As a result, you may eat larger portions and more frequently than what is healthy.

Added sugars also spike your blood sugar levels. Constant, elevated blood sugar levels can cause a condition called hyperglycemia, which contributes to weight gain by promoting insulin resistance. When insulin resistance occurs, your cells become resistant to its effects and instead store the sugar as fat, causing weight gain.

If you want to cut down on added sugars to lose weight, some foods to avoid include candy, pastries, sodas, juices, and sugary cereals. While having a treat every once in a while isn’t horrible, constantly eating too much sugar is unhealthy.

Exercise Regularly

Because gabapentin relaxes the nervous system, people taking it may feel tired often. This can make it difficult to find the energy and motivation needed to be active and exercise. However, exercise can contribute to weight loss through fat-burning and increasing your metabolism; it also alleviates stress and improves mood by releasing endorphins.

If you’re looking to lose weight during or after taking gabapentin, try to exercise for at least 30 to 40 minutes every day or at least four times a week. Be sure to pick an enjoyable activity, so you’re more likely to maintain the habit. This can include anything from daily walks around your neighborhood to yoga to spinning classes.

Avoid Alcohol

Most medications aren’t safe to take with alcohol, and mixing gabapentin and alcohol is not an exception. However, even if it is safe to take with alcohol, most alcoholic drinks contain a lot of carbohydrates and empty calories that can increase your appetite, spike your blood sugar levels, and cause weight gain. So, to stay safe, avoid alcohol while taking gabapentin.

Eat More Protein

Having a healthy amount of protein in your diet helps you lose weight, maintain it, and it helps you develop a healthier relationship with food. Protein boosts metabolism, reduces your appetite, keeps you fuller longer, and regulates hormones that play a role in weight regulation.

Your weight is regulated by the hypothalamus, a brain region that coordinates the autonomic nervous system and the pituitary gland. Specifically, it plays a role in functions like hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

Hormones also play a big role in our hunger and satiation from eating. Eating more protein increases appetite-reducing hormones (GLP-1, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin) while reducing the levels of ghrelin, a hormone that contributes to the feeling of hunger.²

Protein also helps you burn more calories, even during sleeping. It boosts your metabolism, enabling it to burn more calories for longer periods. One study even found that eating a high protein diet increased calories burned by 260 per day, making weight loss easier. ³

Sleep

Lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain for a variety of reasons. Maybe you tend to rely more on sweet lattes to get yourself through the day. Or maybe you’re too tired to exercise or cook dinner, causing you to order take-out and then go to bed later because you’re too full.

Scientifically, a lack of sleep also inhibits the brain’s frontal lobe from working properly, affecting our decision-making and impulse control. So basically, a lack of sleep increases our chances of making poor decisions, like ordering out instead of making a healthy dinner at home.

Additionally, when you don’t get enough sleep, your body spikes your cortisol levels. This is a stress hormone that tells your body to conserve energy. When your cortisol levels are spiked, this also means that you’re more likely to hold onto fat.

Speak to a Therapist

Finally, many people don’t consider the emotional ties that we often have to food. When we eat something delicious that brings us joy, it activates the release of dopamine. This makes the brain think, “Hey, we should keep doing that,” encouraging this repeated behavior.

An emotional attachment to food can also contribute to weight gain and unhealthy eating patterns. So, another great tip would be to speak to a therapist or dietician about your eating habits, why you eat certain things, and how to create healthier habits.

Gabapentin Addiction Treatment

Gabapentin, while not as addictive as other drugs, does have the potential for abuse and dependence. What’s more, weight gain can also occur due to chronic gabapentin abuse, adding to the list of other possible dangers.

As a Palm Springs, California drug rehab that offers prescription drug addiction treatment, we’re familiar with all the challenges associated with recovery. From medically monitored detox to healthy meals, our specialists are trained to administer the most effective form of addiction care possible.

If you’ve become addicted to gabapentin or any other drug or alcohol, Banyan Treatment Centers can help. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our California drug treatment programs and the amenities offered at our facility.

Related Readings:

• Does Gabapentin Affect Memory?

Source:

1. FDA – GABAPENTIN – gabapentin capsule
2. NIH – Ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, 24-h satiety, and energy and substrate metabolism during a high-protein diet and measured in a respiration chamber
3. NIH – Effect of protein overfeeding on energy expenditure measured in a metabolic chamber

Does Gabapentin Cause Weight Gain?

It’s normal to experience some undesirable side effects while taking prescription medications.

Among the most common is weight gain. Whether it’s due to increased appetite or water retention, there are various reasons why certain prescription drugs cause you to gain some unwanted pounds. But what about gabapentin? Does gabapentin cause weight gain?

What Is Gabapentin?

Also known by brand names like Neurontin and Gralise, gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizure disorders like epilepsy and alleviate nerve pain caused by conditions like shingles. As an anti-seizure medication, gabapentin alters electrical activity in the brain and body by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that blocks brain signaling or neurotransmissions. When someone uses gabapentin, they may experience sedation, drowsiness, sleepiness, and a sense of relaxation.

Some other common gabapentin side effects include:

• Back or chest pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Coughing
• Fever
• Flu or cold-like symptoms
• Memory loss
• Mouth ulcers
• Sore throat
• Uncontrollable eye-rolling

Children and older adults taking gabapentin are more likely to experience adverse side effects. Physical dependence is also a possible side effect of taking gabapentin, even if it’s taken as directed.

Physical dependence can lead to compulsive drug-taking behavior, such as taking higher doses to experience relief. This not only increases the risk of an overdose but also makes it more difficult to reduce or stop taking gabapentin in the future due to withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re misusing your medication or are showing any signs of gabapentin withdrawal, speak to your doctor about alternative treatment methods. Our Banyan rehab in Gilman, Illinois, also offers medically monitored detox for prescription drugs that includes 24-hour medical assistance.

Does Gabapentin Make You Gain Weight?

In addition to the other side effects of gabapentin, weight gain is a concern for many patients. Gabapentin can cause weight gain, but this side effect is usually rare.

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.

Duration of use also affects whether you gain weight on gabapentin. One study measuring the correlation of gabapentin and weight gain in 44 patients found that 10 patients gained more than 10% of their baseline weight, and 15 patients gained 5% to 10% of their baseline weight.¹

The study also found that this increase in weight occurred in the second or third month of treatment and tended to stabilize after about 6 to 9 months.¹ So, it’s safe to say that it is possible to maintain your weight while taking gabapentin. It might just take some time.

Additionally, if you want to avoid gaining weight while taking gabapentin, make sure to drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and try to eat a clean diet. Weight loss after gabapentin is also possible, but it may require you to adopt some healthier habits.

Speak to your doctor about healthy things you do to prevent serious weight gain while on gabapentin. If you experience any other adverse side effects, such as difficulty controlling how much of the medication you take, speak to your healthcare provider right away.

Help for Prescription Drug Abuse

Not only does gabapentin cause weight gain in some users, but physical dependence and overdose are additional risks to be mindful of. Overdose can occur either intentionally by someone who wants to increase the impact of the drug’s effects, or accidentally by mixing it with other medications or drinking alcohol on the same day.

Additionally, while gabapentin is believed to have a low potential for abuse and addiction, never take more than directed by your doctor and never mix it with other medications unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Also, avoid drinking alcohol while on gabapentin, as both are considered depressants and can produce extreme sedation and cognitive impairment. If you find yourself misusing any prescription or illicit substances, we can help.

Our Heartland drug rehab offers inpatient substance abuse treatment in Illinois for prescription and illicit drug addiction, as well as alcoholism. To learn how our specialists can help you or a loved one achieve an addiction-free life, call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763.

Related Readings:

• Can You Take Gabapentin with Oxycodone?
• Gabapentin Addiction

Source:

1. NHI – Changes in body weight with chronic, high-dose gabapentin therapy

Gabapentin – pharmacy drug, consequences of use

Some drug addicts “sit” on pharmacy drugs, which are always available for sale and attract less attention from law enforcement agencies. Many drug addicts are even of the opinion that medicinal drugs are not so dangerous for the body.

Read more:

1. Product summary
2. Gabapentin – pharmacy drug
3. Dangerous combinations of Gabapentin
4. Side effects
5. Signs of use of the pharmacy drug Gabapentin
6. Withdrawal syndrome
7. Effects of Gabapentin
8. Gabapentin Overdose – First Aid
9. Gabapentin addiction treatment

Today let’s talk about a fairly well-known pharmacy drug Gabapentin, learn about its narcotic effect, signs and consequences of use, overdose symptoms and how addiction to this potent drug is treated.

Brief information about the drug

Pharmaceutical preparation Gabapentin is compared with the effects of the drug Lyrica according to the principle of action. When used in an increased dosage, the pleasure centers are disinhibited, there is an effect of euphoria, a surge of positive emotions and other pleasant sensations. But, if you overdo it a little with the dosage, hallucinations and delusions occur.

Due to the regular use of Gabapentin, severe dependence and tolerance develops, against which the addict constantly has to increase the usual dosage to get euphoric sensations.

The effect after oral administration occurs after 20-30 minutes. The narcotic effect of the drug has a duration of 5-12 hours. However, with the regular use of a pharmacy drug, the period of pleasure is quickly reduced.

Many drug addicts take Gabapentin in combination with alcohol or energy drinks to increase the effect of the drug. And some, in pursuit of unreal feelings of euphoria, take it simultaneously with other drugs. Such experiments can cost a human life.

Pharmaceutical drug Gabapentin, taken uncontrollably, often causes serious side effects that can affect absolutely all organs and systems of the body.

Most common adverse reactions:

• drowsiness;
• dizziness;
• depressive disorders;
• dyspepsia;
• increased blood pressure;
• ringing in the ears;
• visual impairment;
• allergic reactions.

It is possible to suspect the use of Gabapentin as a pharmacy drug by the characteristic features:

• sleep disturbance;
• a person becomes overly sociable and talkative;
• there is a violation of coordination of movements, slurred speech, unsteady gait;
• attacks of aggression may occur for no reason;
• depressive disorders;
• hallucinations, delusional states.

Some addicts who take this drug have suicidal thoughts.

Withdrawal symptoms appear one day after the last dose of Gabapentin and may last up to 7-10 days. Breaking from this pharmacy drug is quite pronounced and is accompanied by painful physical and severe mental manifestations. The symptomatology has much in common with the withdrawal characteristic of opium addicts.

Signs of withdrawal syndrome:

• unbearable joint and muscle pain;
• diarrhea;
• cardiac arrhythmia;
• increased sweating;
• a sharp increase in blood pressure;
• headaches;
• loss of appetite;
• sleep disturbance;
• irritability, anxiety, depression.

Recreational use of Gabapentin causes severe health effects. This potent pharmaceutical preparation destroys the central nervous system, causes severe poisoning of the body, and reduces immunity.

Common pathologies caused by uncontrolled use of Gabapentin:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• disruption of the cardiovascular system;
• urinary tract infections;
• inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs;
• dermatological pathologies associated with allergic reactions to the drug;
• diseases of the kidneys, leading to severe swelling of the tissues;
• mental disorders, chronic depression;
• convulsions;
• paranoia;
• erectile dysfunction in men.

Gabapentin, taken as a drug, significantly shortens a person’s life. A drug addict needs professional help. The best solution is to go to a narcological clinic, where you can undergo complex treatment for addiction to a pharmacy drug under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Uncontrolled use of Gabapentin often leads to overdose. This is a very dangerous condition with a direct threat to life, characterized by severe intoxication of the body.

Signs of drug overdose:

• blurred consciousness;
• severe drowsiness;
• slurred speech;
• dizziness;
• double vision;
• lethargy;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• difficult breathing;
• coma.

If symptoms of an overdose are detected in a person who has taken Gabapentin at an increased dosage or in combination with other toxic substances that enhance the effect of the drug, it is necessary to call an ambulance for narcological help.

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Starvation and appetite stimulation in cats

Often veterinarians and cat owners have to deal with such a problem as refusal to eat – anorexia (despite the common misconception, anorexia is not exhaustion, but namely the lack of appetite with the body’s objective need for nutrition).

Anorexia is a non-specific clinical sign in the vast majority of diseases in cats. The main strategy for dealing with anorexia is aimed at eliminating problems such as pain, nausea, dehydration (dehydration), which prevents the root cause of lack of appetite. But, unfortunately, during long-term therapy and even after a cure for the underlying disease in cats, a full-fledged appetite may never return.

An esophagostomy tube or nasogastric/nasoesopharyngeal tubes are the gold standard for feeding cats in the complete absence of appetite.

Esophagostomy tube (esophagostomy) – an opening in the middle third of the neck, into which a special tube is inserted for the introduction of liquid food. Such feeding is also possible at home, which can be important for cats with a long refusal to eat. Caring for an esophagostomy does not require a medical background. After the appearance of independent appetite, the tube is easily removed from the esophagus without anesthesia and suturing.

Esophagostomy tube feeding

The Nasogastric Tube is a tube that is inserted through the nose into the esophagus and allows you to feed your cat a very liquid food. Caring for a nasogastric tube is possible only in a specialized hospital, due to possible secondary infection and the need for frequent replacement of the tube.

Do not be afraid to install such auxiliary elements for feeding cats, as the ability to fully receive food significantly increases the chances of recovery and improves the prognosis.

In addition, there are several options for drugs to stimulate appetite. Unlike routinely used pharmacological agents (such as antibiotics, analgesics, gastroprotectors and many others), the effectiveness of this group of drugs does not have such a stable evidence base. Fortunately, very few of these drugs have significant side effects; so you can try a few of them.

Nasogastric/nasoesopharyngeal tube

Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine has been around for decades and has been shown to cause weight gain in children. Given the complexity of the neurohormonal regulation of appetite, it is not surprising that it remains a mystery how cyproheptadine or any other appetite stimulant actually affects appetite.

Cyproheptadine is classified as an antihistamine but also has anti-serotonin activity. It is metabolized by the liver and undergoes renal excretion, so patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency require a special dosage adjustment.

There are no clinically relevant retrospective studies or clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of cyproheptadine in cats. Side effects are generally minimal and limited to hyperexcitability in some cats, which resolves on its own.

Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine (Remeron) is a human antidepressant that has a profound effect on the central nervous system. A placebo-controlled crossover study in 2011 demonstrated weight gain in young healthy cats administered mirtazapine.

The same team also studied the clearance and half-life of mirtazapine in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and liver disease. They determined that these patients had a longer half-life of the drug. The most common side effects include vocalization, behavioral changes, tremors, and hypersalivation.

There are also some simpler ways to stimulate appetite in cats that any owner can try at home:

– offer the cat different brands and flavors of food – wet, dry, in sauce, in jelly.

– offer heated wet food, add warm water to food.

– add meat / chicken / fish broth to your usual diet.

It is worth remembering that anorexia is only a symptom and is not a diagnosis, the treatment of such a patient should not be limited solely to attempts to stimulate appetite in various ways.