I 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?
Question posted by snowgoer68 on 27 Jan 2010
Last updated on 4 May 2023 by WildcatVet
43 Answers
LYRICA:
Metabolic -
Common (1% to 10% of users): Weight gain, edema, increased appetite
Uncommon (0.1% to 1% of users): Weight decreased
I have been on LYRICA since 2015. I was around 165 at that time. I am now at 225. The more the increase the milligrams I feel like you have a greater appetite or something, plus all the swelling it causes me. I started out at 75 mg in 2015, now I am on 300 mg three times a day. I have yet to find something that helps me as well with my nerve pain in my left leg though. I have tried gabapentin, and it does nothing. I also take Tegretol which is used for epileptic seizures but this and LYRICA takes 80% of my pain away. The only side effect of the Tegretol that I know of is that unless you are moving around it makes you sleepy. I hope this helps. Thanks
I’ve gained 150 lbs after starting Lyrica. I started retaining fluid and gaining the very first week. I also had significant reduction of my physical activity too, because of Transverse Myelitis. So, which caused the weight gain? I’m sure it’s a combination of both, but I think the Lyrica is largely to blame. I haven’t changed my diet much except to try and eat more healthily and I’m trying to avoid carbs when possible. I’ve tried going off Lyrica, but the nerve pain is too excruciating. I’m planning on trying a reduction in dosage to see if that is tolerable. Your situation is very challenging. I hope you're working with a doctor while on such a low caloric intake. It seems very unhealthy, but I understand the reasoning and admire your will power and drive for maintaining your independence. I have lost mine.
I can’t drive because I can’t afford to get an accessible vehicle and wheel chair to be independent. One day. If I were able to maintain a low calorie diet like you I could lose some of the weight. Oh, I do take other meds that have a weight gain as a side effect. Cymbalta could be contributing as well. Please share any findings and how you are doing. Good luck and best wishes on your quest for a life free a nerve pain.
I have had postherpeticic neuralgia for 12 years, so while constantly painful, nothing like your situation. Yes, when I first started with Lyrica and continued my undisciplined eating habits, I discovered after a short period that my clothes were all getting pretty tight. I had gained 30 pounds in about six months and I scaled out at 230 pounds. I went on a Weight Watchers type diet using the point ratings for foods and reducing portions. In about 10 or 12 months I was back to my 200. It is a situation you always have to be aware of and be disciplined in your intake. Good luck with your stimulator. I've had one for four years and it does help somewhat. Always ensure that your batteries are charged.
So far the pain has decreased but I take it at night and by mid morning it is wearing off. I use a tens machine at night which helps a little or is just a distraction. Yes I feel it affects my weight, which I hate. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do. I keep mindful of what I eat, so I just weight and see. I hate making the choice of either weight gain or pain relief. This is the fourth medication the neurologist has tried on my neuropathy caused by a pinched ulnar nerve. Pain even after two years from the surgery.
I first started on Lyrica 12 years ago and before I knew it I went from 200 to 230 pounds. When I realized what happened I began a diet program and over time got my weight below 200. But it crept back up when I increased my dosage to 200mgx3. I haven't notice much improvement in the pain at that dosage so I am going back to 150mgx3 and hopefully reduced weight. I must say that weight gain is the only side effect that I have experienced from Lyrica.
Yes I did and could not lose it. I have been off Lyrica about 2 months now and have lost 20lbs so far.
Hi been on Lyrica for 5 year due to pain in feet from my diabetes, and I have not gained weight , from the meds, so maybe if I stopped it, I would lose weight but the pain is unbearable, so don't have much choice.
Yes! I have been on Lyrica for about 6 months. I take 150mgs three times a day and I went from 132pounds to 172 pounds and my daily activity has not changed. I eat light and move around as best as I can but unfortunately the weigh continues to increase! I'm just as frustrated as you are!!
I've been on lyrica 300mgs ( for 2 yrs) 3x a day, my neuropathy is so bad in my feet and gained 50lbs too. I am now on gabapentin 300 mgs 4x a day ( not as strong as lyrica) . swolen feet also one of my side effects. I am 6'4" 262 lbs and its hard walking. I applied for lyrica (a Pfizer co.) because unemployed and they set me up for 1 year at a time for the lyrica,, no charge thru a doctor at a clinic at all,, if that helps anybody.Only problem is sleep,can't cause still some pain. best of luck to anyone with these pain problems,, tmystr
I just started taking Lyrica a week ago - I am so absent minded that I have been forgetting to eat. So far, I have not gained any weight - will keep ya posted.
Oh my I thought it was just me! I have recently been diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS with the added joy of epilepsy and my GP has put me on Lyrica. I am now taking 300mg twice daily and I have put on so much weight in 2 months and appear to have developed a wicked sweet craving too. I almost emptied our food cupboard in a day and wondered why! My GP says it's a side affect but I just don't want this. I cannot walk our dogs any more due to the MS so can't exercise like I used to. Is there an alternative drug that anyone knows of? I've also got the dry mouth and memory loss.
Hi, I have what was untreated psoriatic arthritis several years ago, since then I have had 4 spine surgeries, knee and shoulder surgery to help fix some of the damage, currently my spine is collapsing and with the nerve damage coming from my spine they can not replace my knees and have opted not to repair my shoulders again, they both have shredded rotator cuffs. I was on Morphine and Loratabs then percocet for years, one day several months ago they told me there was no hope and from here on out all they could do was pain control. I researched and liked what I saw with tramadol and lyrica. So my pain doc took me off the morphine and added the lyrica and tramadol, Oh my gosh my pain level went to near zero, and my energy went thru the roof. I have put in a huge garden and work in the yard more than the last 3 years put together. Now the sad part, the new drugs are pushing my weight up, along with my blood pressure. I was devastated.
I am very heavy and can not gain any more weight as that will get me into a wheel chair even sooner, or I will stroke out, with 2 young children thats not much of an option either. Since I have been on lyrica, about 3 months I have gained 30 pounds. It is the strangest thing, my belly is full but still need to eat, its like by body isnt getting the right nutrients to be satisfied. And I am craving really bazaar things like cinnamon by the tablespoon fulls, onion sandwiches, and bananas by the bunches. I was in school to be an RN, and we learned when our bodies are craving something its because we are missing something in our diet, I eat a well balanced diet and very limit the chemicals that go in them, no prepackaged stuff... everything is homemade. I am just starting my research on this Lyrica/weight thing and see if what kinds of changes we need to make in our diets or possibly be prescribed something to limit the side effect, I am really thinking it has something to do with the serotonin but not sure yet. If I find anything I will post it here. Oh, I do want to add I am active, between the garden the yard and then spend hours in the pool everyday and not eating anymore than I was...
hi, I was on lyrica for awhile but they took me off it because it was causing alot of swelling in my face, I'm taking other drugs that causes weight at the same time some causes weight loss, so it dosen't matter my face will look like a basketball and I have edima in my legs pretty bad so i pretty much look like a whale most of the time, very frustrated. But I do know that Lyrica dose cause wieght gain.
I am so sorry about all your difficultys here I am with major rsd and lost function of my right arm and hand and tying to learn to use my left hand no luck and my right leg just drags now and i fall all the time, and hearing your story makes me feel bad. I have learned how much we take things for granted until we loose function of everyday tasks. I lay in bed and when the pain becomes so unmanigable that i just keep praying asking God to take me. You are an insperation to me, and I will keep you in my prayers.
God Bless you,
Judi
Add me to the list! I, too, take Lyrica, 50 mg, 3xday. Have developed pain in my neck, shoulders, both wrists, and tingling down my right arm for the past couple months. I agree - the side effects are terrible! Major weight gain, some swelling in my hands and feet, and blurry vision at times. After talking to the pharmacist earlier this morning about the potential side effects, I just notified my doctor that I intend to stop taking the Lyrica. I have been diagnosed with firbromyalgia and have degenerative arthritis. Also, am upset because I went thru lap-band surgery a little over a year ago, lost a considerable amount of weight, stepped on the scale this a.m., and discovered every pound is back, plus a couple extra - even tho I have decreased my food intake and water is my drink of choice!! Very discouraged. Guess it's a two-edged sword ... live with the pain or try to find that elusive miracle drug.
Related topics
lyrica, peripheral neuropathy, weight loss (obesity/overweight), diabetic nerve damage, pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, epilepsy, persisting pain, shingles, fibromyalgia, generalized anxiety disorder, neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, migraine prophylaxis, postherpetic neuralgia, weight
Further information
- Lyrica uses and safety info
- Lyrica prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lyrica (detailed)
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