What is a common adverse effect of gabapentin?

Gabapentin is frequently associated with weight gain as a common adverse effect. This can stem from a variety of factors, including alterations in metabolism or an increased appetite that can occur in some individuals taking the medication. Weight gain, especially when monitored over a longer duration of treatment, can be significant for some patients, particularly those who may already be predisposed to obesity or metabolic syndrome.

While hypotension, diarrhea, and dry mouth may occur as side effects in some cases, they are not as prevalent or widely documented as weight gain when it comes to gabapentin. This distinction highlights why weight gain is often emphasized in discussions about the drug's safety profile and its impact on patient health over time. It's essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients for this side effect as part of their overall management plan when prescribing gabapentin.