snowgoer68I would like to find out how many here on lyrica are gaining weight. I have seen multiple sites on the internet with people gaining tons of weight, some saying they were even eating less, exercising more. Although it helped the pain some could not take the weight. I am an above knee amputee and have used a wheelchair for 13 years so it's even harder for me.I've endured 68 operations, 23 broken bones. Had 2 catastrophic accidents. Have tried 40 different medications for phantom limb pain. I will be trying a spinal cord stimulator soon. I eat so little as it is 500-650 calories a day. I can;t eat any less then that. Prior to starting lyrica 6 weeks ago I have also been taking methadone for my pain for 10 years and I have also seen multiple sites where people have gained tons of weight on that drug. The lyrica yes but the methadone surprised me. One construction worker gained 100 lbs in one year. What do you think about lyrica? Has anyone maintained, lost or gained and had anyone gained while eating the same or less? Also what about topamax. I know it can cause weight loss. Lyrica has helped my pain unbelievably but I don't want the weight gain.l It would be harder for me because I can't walk so my activity is less. Like I don't do extra stuff like shovel snow, rake leaves, sweep. I am totally independent and motivated. Work out on my total gym but don't have much energy when I have to eat so little to maintain my weight. This question has gotten pretty long. Thanks
Lyrica and Weight Gain? Yes or No?
- Posted:
- 27 Jan 2010 by snowgoer68
- Topics:
- lyrica, peripheral neuropathy, obesity, diabetic nerve damage, pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, epilepsy, persisting pain, shingles, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, migraine prophylaxis, postherpetic neuralgia, weight
Responses (34)
barbles241327 Jan 2010
When I first started Topamax I lost 14lbs quickly but it did not last long It came right back as far as lyrica is concerned well I took that with topamax and I believe that was the reason why I stopped loosing. I hated both meds the side effects well too much for me. First of all you are not eating enough calories your working out and doing the right things you body is in starvation mode and holding on to that weight to survive. I did the same thing you are doing and it proved to be right. Eat normal good food. No empty calories. I stay on white meat and fish Green veggies and watch how you cook them I will continue this in a few gotta run out but I will add more soon
angelnot
27 Jun 2010
yes... I have been gaining weight too... on 300mgs daily for 1 month..only gained 5 lbs... doesn't seem like a lot, but both my ankles, feet grew huge with water weight and its painful to walk..also I cut down to 150 mgsm daily for a few days, but that does nothing for the pain, neither does weight gain..so stopped Lyrica altogether... good luck to everyone
rainyday55
22 May 2011
I've been taking 600 mg of Lyrica a day but couldn't figure out why I was puting on weight as I don't usually go past 105 lb. I'm now 120. I won't be on it for much longer if I can't control my weight. Maybe there is something else I can take that will have the same effect.Any idea's?
pickles50328 Jan 2010
i've been on lyrica for over a year now my dose now is 300mg. i can't stop gaining weight i've gained 30 pounds since june now that's not to say i've been watching what i eat carb wise i just can't stop eating i also have a lap band to control my weight i'm so disappointed with myself over the weight gain but the benefit from the lyrica and taking away alot of my pain is something i haven't been able to separate if anyone has any suggestions i would love to hear from you i see my pain management doctor on tuesday. i also take topamax but i never saw a change in my weight either way just relieve from my migraines maybe this hasn't helped you but at least it's in support of what your asking.
snowgoer68
28 Jan 2010
Hi everyone, thanks so much for taking time to answer my question. I just wonder if topamax could help my pain as much as lyrica. Then you have hair loss from that. The constipation from the methadone has done a number on me. I can't have a bm literally without taking liquid senokot, more than the average dose every 4-5 days. I have to buy it in Canada. It's so nasty and destroying my insides. I also drink miralax and eat lots of fiber. Not much more I can do. Some days it doesn't work and i cant even leave the house so if it fails I have to drink it all over again the next night and cant take a chance on leaving the house again. I have worked really hard at not gaining a lot of weight in these almost 14 years since losing my leg. I am 5'7' and weighed 125 when my leg was amputated. I hate scales because they play mind games with me but figure I have gained about 10-12 lbs.
fall queen
12 Apr 2010
hi snowgoer, I am on Methadone 20mgs. a day, I take Lyrica 50mgs. in the evening and 75mgs. before bed it has helped. I wake up in the morning and I am not so stiff, but weight gain (particulary) if your pain is in your lower torso takes alot of abuse for the extra weight bearing on it. My dr. tried another nevre drug this month pregablin does work as well but the weight monster is back in his closet ! My sister struggled with phantom limb pain for many years, there were so many drs. that didn't believe it exsisted but I would rub her non exsisting leg and she would tell me it helped ( she passed of lung cancer) She was a real soldier. I am getting off the subject but I will say a few prayers for you and I hope you feel better. There are so many people who suffer with enormous amounts of pain and have no one to talk to so you can go on any old time. If I am on I can usually find something to say. I didn't say something smart though bit something none the less! Fall Queen
28 Jan 2010
I cannot give you a response to the medication in question, but I am just concerned for you overall because of all the pain you must be in. I live in Michigan and they have passed a medical marijuana bill, and to me it seems like you could be the type of person medical marijuana is supposed to treat and help. I am not a person who smokes or who ever has even tried that, and I hope I am not offending you by any means, but if you have gone through that many drugs to no avail, and you are in a state where it is legal, perhaps medical marijuana would be a step for you to try?
Please, before anyone bashes me, let's not make this a political forum and open it up to what everyone believes in. This is merely a suggestion to someone who needs hope. I myself don't know for sure if it is a true option, but these boards are here to offer help.
I wish you the best in finding help for your pain, and am saddened that you've had to endure so much hardship in your life.
snowgoer68
28 Jan 2010
You are too kind. Yes it's been a long road. my accident pictures are so graphic and would blow you away. I hate that we need to be at a certain level to send a PM and to post things about our self. Anyway yes i would love to try the MM and my husband, parents support it.l It's the idiot doctors who are afraid of you mixing an opiate with MM. I think they are afraid OF LOSING PAY=TIENTS TO mm AND THERE GOES MORW MONEY THEY ARE LOSING.L My PAIN PSYCHOLOGIST SAID I SHOULDN'T EVEN BRING IT UP TO THE PAIN DOCS. i HAVE AND NEVER WILL TAKE OR DO SOMETHING I AM NOT SUPPOSE TO BECAUSE I WILL NOT JEAPORDIZE MY PAIN TREATMENT. gotta TAKE WHAT I CAN GET. SEEMS REDICULOUS. i HAVE BEEN THE ONE TO RESEARCH PHANTOM LIMB PAIN OVER 1000 HOURS AND SPEND 3 GRAND IN MEDICALO BOOKS. Sorry about the capitals. happens all the time because i look at the keyboard while typing. Anyway thanks for caring. It helps.
pfcpremosgirl
28 Jan 2010
I am completely FOR medical marijuana. And for patients like this, whose pain is just not being dealt with by traditional means, I see no harm in trying this. I am so sorry that you are in such pain. It makes my heart hurt that you are in this situation.
505eva
Deadeye3712 Feb 2010
Hey snowgoer68, I guess the short answer is a big YES. 4 years ago I developed a severe case of Shingles. It started on my left side just about my ribcage as a sharp pain. It feels like the tip of a knife being press hard..and every once in a while someone twists the knife and the sharp pain shoots into my body hard. Eventually the pain went all the way from my back to my bellybutton..developed into big blissters and eventually scars. Now it is back to just my side but it's constant... 24/7... all the time... no break.
I say all that to tell you that I'm now on 4800 mgs/day of Lyrica, Methadone 10mgs/5 times/day, Lortab as needed and my favorite is Ambien/as much as I can get ;-). I've also had SCS, Intercoastal Nerve Blocks, Epidurals, Microwave ablation and all the Eastern Medicines. I've been diagnosed wrong on several occasions and put in jail for DUI(no alcohol or weed) and drug abbuse(just scripts).
pauleywalnuts
18 Apr 2013
Doug-so sorry to hear this. I am a chronic pain sufferer-but not nearly to the degree you are. I googled "weight gain and Lyrica" because I took Lyrica maybe 3 times and immediately started to puff up. This is not okay for me because I am a 42 year old woman who needs to stay lean. I wish I could help motivate you-but instead you have motivated me. I'm going to stop the daily tramodol and begin walking-exercise is the only way to get good results without the side effects of loss of motivation. That is the worst thing a person can do-give up. Hope you try a new way. Best of luck. Robin (my name is not pauley walnuts, that's my dog)
chronicpa...
reedeli12 Apr 2010
I have had Fibro for 2 1/2 yrs now. I have a conventional doctor and a Homeopathic doctor. I have tried Thyroid meds, organic, and finally gave in to Lyrica. Everything I read about the Lyrica was they gained on avg of 40 lbs. Not a good thought on my small body frame. Long story short... i gained 15 lbs in two mths. I didnt feel it was helping any - went off the Lyrica, too many side effects. People either love it or hate it. I do take fish oil, magnesium, and 10mg of Elavil at bed time to help me sleep. In January I started seeing an exercise trainer twice a week. She started me off just going through the motions. Didnt want me to over do it and get discouraged. If you have been exercising thats great. Keep it up. She then introduced me to Isotonix OPC-3. Basically its liquid vitamins. It comes in a powder form you mix in just oz's of water. It fights off the free radicals that attack your body. I started taking it in January of this year.
RSDHurtzme15 Apr 2010
Most people I've known that have taken Lyrica have gained weight; most recently my Aunt/age 73 with Fibro, Scoliosis, RA, Osteoporosis, Gout, and recently infection made worse by previous use of Lyrica (also due to vascular problems) had a finger amputated.
She has gained about 20lbs when she was only on the drug for 3 months. Even after going off of it, she kept gaining weight.
I have had RSD for almost 11yrs now due to a MVA. I could not bear any weight on my right foot for 2yrs even with PT. I finally got well enough to use a cane but the disease has spread on the right side of all my body but my arm and hand. I do not have it on the left side yet but it won't surprise me as it is a matter of when; not if.
I was diagnosed at 3mos and at the time of injury was 5'2" and 125lbs. In the 2yr period I got up to 185lbs and medications had just as much to do with it as being sedentary.
chevalierse17 Apr 2010
I have severe back problems (broken back) which has resulted in 2 surgeries. The most recent surgery has caused nerve damage/badly bruised nerves! The pain is extreme and taking lorecet and soma is only helping a little - doc had me try neurontin and this did no good today he started me on lyrica 50mg three times a day (so I have no idea yet if it will help) QUESTION: is the weight gain due to the medication making you hungry or does it just mess with your meabolism? I am like the others and don't eat much and I used to be a very active person (until this last surgery). Thanks for your help
chevalierse
18 Apr 2010
OK - Took or the first time yesterday (50mg 3x's a day) did feel some relief and slept for almost 8 hours uninterrupted (haven't done that in many years)! BUT... already feeling side effects - swollen hands, upset stomach, been visiting the bathroom a lot (very painful) and headache with what I would call bad brain fog! Uugghh! Not taking today to see if this stuff clears up - I think I would rather live with the pain!!! Any suggestions???
Anonymous 22 May 2011
I think it could be both. From all the answers. I stated it made me feel better is why I think I felt hungrier, but am really trying to avoid eating bags of chips!
Anonymous 25 May 2010
I too, am taking Lyrica, 50 mg 3xday. I have had this pain in my neck, shoulders, and down my arms for the last five years. The Lyrica has helped, but the side effects are terrible. Swelling of my hands and feet, blurry vision and major weight gain, about 10 lbs a month. I am asking my Dr. if they can put me on something else to help with the firbromyalgia.
rainyday55
22 May 2011
I am having the same problem with weight gain taking 600 mg of Lyriva a day. Please let me know if you get good results with another medication. Good luck...
connie sherrill
16 Apr 2013
I too take lyrica for fibromyaigia 150mg. 3×a day. Early side effects seem to go away. It has been my lifesaver. Bring on a few pounds. I'm tired of the pain,depression and lack of energy!!!
wildbrat4 Jun 2010
Hi snowgoer68, I have been on lyrica for about 6months yes it does make you gain weight and i take 150mlg 3xper day which is alot and i di notice some weight gain but it has tapered off by staying busy and eating the right foods i have acually lost 22lbls in the last 6 wks. I do not exersise often because my legs are in so much pain. so you will notice weight gain but eat write, because this medication has an antiexiety in it it helps you deal with Pain. Methadone huh???
jazijez
15 Aug 2011
I have only started Lyrica last week 150mg per day and having read some of the comments about weight it almost freaked me out as Im trying to lose weight at the moment. I suffer from anxiety/panicky feelings at the mo due to a lotta past and present personal stress in my life. When I took the first dosage it eased this down and I almost screamed 'Hallelujah' but unfortunately the anxiety seems to be creeping back a bit..would welcome comments from all my fellow "Lyricers".
4 Jun 2010
I posted to this before now but have since seen my 1st pain doctor who was trained by the Mayo Clinic and is by far the best pain doctor I've ever seen.
I was offered Lyrica and refused it after seeing what it did to my Aunt and others. If you read the label or anything online about Lyrica, it always states that weight gain is likely. I think it is the med; not metabolism.
This doctor I just saw recently told me that Lyrica is for Fibro only and something he wouldn't prescribe to many people.
He also stated he was happy that I never had the spinal cord stimulator as that would have only aggravated my condition; RSD/CRPS; 11yrs on 6/30.
He said that SCS only works in about 1 in 4 patients. That is a 75% fail rate.
He used to do it but no longer believes in it.
I try to stay at no more than 800 calories and eat better but not regular enough as my pain makes me not want to eat. I should eat in the mornings but just can't.
goldenqk11 Jul 2010
I'm on Lyrica 150mg 3x a day. Since I started it middle to late Feburary, I have gained weight. I seem to eat more than usual and it is awful. I have gained approxmatley 15 pounds. I try to eat less, apples and salad but the weight just appears. I would stop it but it helps with the pain. If the weight gain continues though, I will stop it because I have nothing to wear anymore! Hope this helps. I also walk to work, back and forth from lunch and walk to the store. I can not exercise like I used to... treadmill etc. Some days I can hardly walk.
6 Sep 2010
When I was on 150mg 3xday, I found that my appetite inceased greatly and I was eating way more than usual. I tried to control it but that was very, very hard for me to do. So needless to say, I gained quite a bit of weight. Because of this, I have decreased my intake to one 150mg pill a day with of course my doctors approval. My appetite is now under control and I eat small normal portions. Before I started Lyrica searched online for the same question and the majority of people have had weight gain and dry mouth as the most common side effects and that has been true for me. Good Luck!
30 Sep 2010
I have to say yes and also hair loss i have had both with it i only take aspren with my lyrica to help pain but i don't like pain meds and it does help with pain and if your on pain meds that long what is the differanc for the other things i have been in pain from the age of 5 and i am 55 now but try to get away from any thing hard any pain is to much pain as far as i see but doctors are to easy to give pain meds and not realy help
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I too take methadone and as far as gaining weight, I go up and down so it is not the methadone. I have never tried lyrica so I cannot say. But, I think you should eat at least 1200 calories a day. As long as it is good calories what can it hurt. I understand not wanting to gain weight as it must be harder for you but you are beautiful whatever you decided to do. To much pressure on weight these days. Get more answers from your doctor if you have concerns. Best of luck girlfriend... kimmie1
Topamax? RUN! That med made my legs seize up in the middle of the night, along with "electric itching" down my legs - far away from my PHN. Lyrics made me gain 15lbs... along with being so tired that I almost fell asleep at the wheel. I would say any drug that outweighs the purpose isn't worth it. Then again, if I could find something to take away my pain I'd almost try anything!
I have to agree, I did see on the site where it is possible to have weight gain~
Hello ! I take Lyrica 3 times a day & it has helped my pain tremendously with no weight gain. I feel hungrier because I feel better I think, but just watch what you are eating. That's all it takes!
Beware of Topomax, they don't call is dopamax for nothing. It turned me into a dummy and caused wrist pain so bad I thought I had carpal tunnel. My neurologist said it's famous for causing cognitive thinking problems.
Topamax/Dopamax is bad news! Though Ive heard that Lyrica has helped many peoples pain, it too has dangerous side effects. I have suffered with fibromyalgia for 7yrs. I choose not to take anything that serves as an antidepressant or antipsychotic. I dont want anything in my body that changes the chemical balance in my brain! In my opinion, fibromyalgia is caused from our lousy American lifestyle. Sorry to be so blunt but we are a country of unhealthy people because of our busy, stressful lives and diet of processed foods. These things are toxic to our bodies and cause disorders that aren't known to other countries. I believe a healthy lifestyle is the ony way to feel better. Eat whole foods in the proper proportions, meditate, have a physical therapy routine that includes stretching such as yoga (choose the moves that you are physically able to do). I have also found water aerobics to help a great deal as well. I choose not to be a slave to the meds.
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When I took them I felt trapt. My body depended on them and yet I STILL had days with pain so I figured if nothings works totally then why take it. i just learned to deal with it. When I have a flare up, I stretch or relax with a heating pad. There are MANY natural alternatives. It sounds like you have been through enough and dont need any more problems. Good luck to you friend! PS: My husband too is an above knee amputee and has suffered many traumas and surgeries. We have been through the ringer as well. If I can help with anything please let me know.
As far as Lyrica goes, I've just now been on it for about a month, and here's my experience. I feel less hungry, but when I do eat, I am all of the sudden really hungry and I have to watch myself not to overeat. Once I'm done eating and go on to something else, I don't think about it. Like today, I forgot to eat breakfast at all. Went to work and before my usual break-time I was wondering why I was hungry. Then I realized I'd forgotten to eat.
I've lost 4 pounds, but I'm on a low dose. My doctor has mentioned that I have to monitor swelling in my ankles and my salt intake. I think it's different for everyone. If you are already closely monitoring what you eat due to your inability to exercise with your lower half, I think you should try it. You have to start with a low dosage and build up anyway since it's one of those drugs you can't just stop after being on it for awhile. If you notice incredible hunger pains you can't satisfy, then you'll be able to decide it isn't for you.
I know everyone is different as I get different side effects according to my doctor's than most people. I took topamax as a migraine preventative for years and never had any problems with it - lost some weight initially which was good but over about 5 years I cannot say I had any major problems with it - though I recall some cognitive problems at first but they went away over time.
My doctor put me on Lyrica after alot of side effects from Elavil for neuropathy pain. The first week I felt 'high' but had lots of energy which was good - since then I cannot say I have any side effects at all and my neuropathy pain is the best it has been in years.
Alll medications have some side effect and in combination I am not sure you
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can say it is this drug or that one when you take 14 drugs like I do. Maybe it is not the one drug but the combination of that one and another one you've taken for years. But though alot of folks talk on and on about preferring the pain or preferring even death to being on medications, as long as they help me and
the side effects are manageable, I will continue to take the drugs so I can have an active life and enjoy the life I have.