What Causes Sudden Excessive Weight Gain?

Posted on Thu, 5 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 5 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 5 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am gaining a lot of weight all of the sudden like 5 lb a week. Could my medication be the cause. I am taking thyroid medication, Prevacid, Wellbutrin, Gabapentin, Mirapex, stool softener, Red yeast rice, Aleve, Vitamin D 50.000 units and get a B 12 shot ones a week and Diazepam 5 MG. My diet t hasn't changed, but I have noticed that I have to run to the bathroom a lot more.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, the medications are probably responsible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Yes, the antipsychotic medications that you are on are responsible for two effects - weight gain, and urinary urgency .
Hypothyroidism itself can lead to weight gain.
Wellbutrin and Gabapentin are known to cause weight gain and urinary incontinence.
You would have to ask your prescriber to either substitute the drugs, or opt for an intensive fitness programme to maintain your body weight.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar