Valproate and gabapentin are seizure medications commonly linked to weight gain. Other ASMs, like topiramate or lamotrigine, may lead to weight loss. Some may not affect weight.

Certain medications used to treat seizures, also known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or antiseizure medications (ASMs), may cause weight gain for some people. Other people may experience no weight change or weight loss.

Discuss your concerns about weight gain and other side effects of seizure medications as you work with a healthcare professional to find the most effective treatment plan for you.

If you currently take seizure medication

Do not stop taking your seizure medication before speaking with your neurologist or other healthcare professional, even if you’re seeing weight gain. Stopping without approval may cause more severe or frequent seizures.

Many medications, including those used to treat seizures, may cause weight gain by slowing your metabolism so you burn fewer calories or changing your brain’s chemistry. This change may disrupt when your brain signals that you’re hungry.

Because of the disruption in signaling, you may feel hungrier more often, leading you to eat more and gain a modest amount of weight.

Not all seizure medications will cause weight gain. Sometimes, these medications may cause your brain to signal hunger less (suppress hunger), potentially leading to weight loss.

A few ASMs or mood-stabilizing medications that may have the potential for weight loss include:

Even the seizure medications most frequently associated with weight gain won’t always cause it. Everyone’s response will vary.

But several ASMs or mood-stabilizing agents associated with weight gain may include:

Valproate, in particular, has a main side effect of weight gain. A 2017 randomized study of 66 females with newly diagnosed or untreated epilepsy took either valproate or lamotrigine.

At the end of 1 year, the group that took valproate had a significantly higher body weight than the lamotrigine group.

Research also indicates that valproate and carbamazepine may cause weight gain in 71% and 43%, respectively, of people who take them.

If you’re unsure about seizure medications

The benefits of taking seizure medication often outweigh the risks. If you’re worried about weight gain, speak with your doctor. They may recommend combination therapy or lifestyle modifications to minimize or prevent weight gain.

While several seizure medications are associated with weight gain and a few with weight loss, some may be neutral to weight gain and loss. This means they’re not associated with any weight changes.

Seizure medications potentially neutral to weight changes are:

But remember, everyone will respond to treatment differently. Just because these medications may be weight neutral doesn’t mean they’ll be weight neutral for everybody.

Because obesity is a risk factor for epilepsy, according to a 2022 observational study, your doctor will consider this when prescribing a seizure medication and dosage.

Your doctor knows dosage is important because it’s typically related to the degree of the side effects. They might have to adjust your dosage or change your medication depending on how you respond to the ASM.

Besides keeping track of any side effects you experience to manage weight gain from your medication, you might also try (or keep up, if you already do these):

While some seizure medications may cause weight gain, other ASMs or AEDs are neutral or have weight loss potential. Speak with your doctor about potential side effects, including weight changes, from seizure medications.

You can manage your weight while taking seizure medication by tracking any changes and side effects, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. You should also consider speaking with your doctor about weight loss drugs.

Looking for more wellness tips? Sign up for our Wellness Wire newsletter!