Weight loss after Gabapentin in cats

197 reports to the FDA describe weight loss in cats given Gabapentin. That is 10% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all cat medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

197Reports

61%Marked serious

7.1%Recovered

18%Died or euthanised

21 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

28 17%

1–2 days

11 6.5%

3–7 days

20 12%

1–4 weeks

37 22%

Over a month

73 43%

How the animals did

Recovered

14 7.1%

Still unwell when reported

92 47%

Died

8 4.1%

Euthanised

27 14%

Not known

56 28%

Problems reported at the same time

92 47%

56 28%

48 24%

34 17%

34 17%

30 15%

Didn't work as expected

28 14%

Diarrhea

28 14%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

104

About this medicine

Gabapentin used for pain and to reduce stress or anxiety.

Questions owners ask

Can Gabapentin cause weight loss in cats?: 197 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?: In half of the reports with dates, it started within 21 days of the first dose.
What should I do?: Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Weight loss with similar medicines

Weight loss after Fluoxetine 21 reports · 8.7% of its reports

All reported side effects of Gabapentin in cats · Medicines most reported with weight loss