Lyrica and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 7, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I have stage 5 neuropathy in my feet, with the usual needle pain and numbness, and even worse electrical shocks. I am not diabetic, and they checked me for lead and mercury, so they have no idea what is causing my neuropathic pain, but it has ruined my life. I tried a variety of medications, even medical marijuana, to no avail. I also tried K-lasers and neurogenic electrical current machines, which seemed to aggravate my condition. I even tried a spinal block that didn't help one percent. Lyrica reduced my pain by about 30%. I was taking 100 mg three times a day, but I was a total wreck. I walked around like a zombie, sluggish, very confused, and depressed, and I swelled up like a beach ball, gaining 25 pounds in under 3 months!!! My vision would blur up, and I had trouble doing routine tasks, and blurred vision."

• 1ha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "This medication Lyrica is an absolute miracle drug. I've been taking for only 2 weeks, however, but my fibromyalgia pain that has haunted me for 12 years is absolutely GONE!!! I'm a little nervous about the weight gain, but we shall see, I guess."

• Too...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and degenerative disc diseases, plus arthritis. I was on gabapentin and tramadol. Neither helped. I then tried Lyrica. I've been on it for just about 2 years, 300mg twice a day. I started experiencing memory loss about 7 months in. I have more of what I would describe as blank moments which is a bit scary and frustrating. I also gained 65 lbs the first year which has its own side effects! However, it controlled my pain, a feeling similar to having overall body pain like when having the flu. Because the 'memory loss' was bothering me, I asked the doctor to go off it. I began tapering off and the pain came back. I was left to choose between two evils; disabling pain, or being fat and forgetful. I went back on Lyrica. Sure the side effects suck. I write a lot of things down, set reminder alarms, have family remind me of stuff, and buy stylish big-size clothes. Life goes on!"

• Kre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 13, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica is the worst medication I've ever taken. I took it about 10 years ago or more. I swelled up and gained 90 pounds. I went to doctor after doctor. Even put me in the hospital for 4 days. Lost 32 pounds. All they wanted to do is put me on diuretics. But that just caused rebound swelling so it didn't stop the problem. Nobody would tell me why I was so swollen. I couldn't even wear shoes. My ankles were even oozing. Finally, one day I was sitting in a chair watching TV (all I could do) and saw a commercial about Lyrica and for side effects it said 'slight swelling of feet and hands'. I had already asked doctors if it could be any of my meds. Of course, it was always no. I quit taking it and the swelling gradually went away. The Lyrica had caused really bad edema. But it took me another year to get the 90 pounds off of me. Overall, it stole 3 years of my life. Talked to many that went through the same thing."

• Lil...
• February 3, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I hate to write this comment, but it has to be done. I have been on Lyrica for 5 years. I now take 150mg 3x a day. At first, this was a dream medicine for me. It relieved the aches and body spasms almost instantly. I could sleep at night and woke up pain-free, able to live a somewhat normal life. I did, however, gain 40 lbs. I am now experiencing severe depression, and I feel it is due to the Lyrica. I ran out once and experienced the worst withdrawal symptoms. I felt like I was dying, and the pain was severe. This medicine is wonderful, but getting off of it is very hard."

• Okg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 6, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I was taking Xanax to calm the muscle spasms and Tylenol 3 for severe pain. This combination worked, but I was terrified of addiction. Now taking 75 mg Lyrica 3x a day. Pain almost gone after two days, but I'm dizzy, falling down, sleeping in a stupor for 18 hours a day, weight gain 7 lbs a month for 5 straight months, can't remember vocabulary, feel dumb down."

• sti...
• November 25, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I decided to give Lyrica a second chance after surgery for cord compression at C4-C6 didn’t relieve pain and actually aggravated things. New herniation above and below the level of injury and surgery. Continued cervical myelopathy diagnosis. I’ve been tested and should have known better as I metabolize medicine differently. Lyrica hasn’t helped with pain at all. I am in a stupor most of the day and I am so hungry. I’ve gained 15 lbs that I couldn’t afford. I wake up every night with severe pins and needles, pain, rigidity, and the worst migraines & head pains. Moodiness and depression have cloaked me. I’m weaning off today. I thought surgery would eliminate the need for medications but pain has increased. A scary side effect is my legs go completely numb and I feel my legs have been less reliable since starting the medication. I have an extruded disc and nerve root compression in L5-S1, the medication has me feeling weaker, inebriated, confused, and sad."

• Ang...
• January 8, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I started Lyrica 3 months ago because previous medication didn't do anything for my pain. I'm taking a dose of 100mg 3 times a day for numbness, weakness, and chronic pain from DDD, but fibromyalgia is also a possibility. Within 3 days, my stomach blew up like an inflated tire and hasn't gone down since. I have an increased appetite, started feeling moody too, no menstrual period for 2 months now, but not sure if that's my age (47) or Lyrica. The pain in my back and arm is still the same, so is my numbness and weakness, but it has taken the edge off of it. I feel bloated and get emotional a lot too. I've gained 11 lbs in 3 months too. I'm going to speak to GP."

• Cho...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2019

For Neuropathic Pain "I have both nerve pain and other joint and limb pain. But even with my injuries, I exercise every day, eat healthy, don’t drink or smoke. Twice I have been prescribed this drug for pain relief. Always being told it's a good drug, how can this be correct when the side effects make you dizzy (what can't stand, can't walk so no exercise). It increases appetite so you then put on weight because you can't prepare healthy food due to nausea. So again, you don't exercise, and it prevents proper nutrition. Beginning to think this is a way of further putting the blame on the patient. You won't be suffering from the initial conditions, but will have secondary medical harm that the medical profession can then blame on the patient. Instead of treating the initial problem."

• Wor...
• May 13, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Lyrica for almost a year now and can say that it has helped tremendously. I am very active in trying to keep the fibromyalgia pain as controlled as possible and just not been able to get to a plateau of any type. After a rough adjustment period of about 5 wks, I noticed a drastic change in fibro pain. I have gained a significant amount of weight, but over the last three months have been able to maintain. Now I am able to start losing the weight but have to be very careful to not take in complex carbohydrates or sugars in the afternoon or evening. I have gone to an almost vegetarian-style diet and have noticed that the weight just starts to come off with ease but slowly. My balance and vision are the only consistent side effects that I have."

• Liz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibromyalgia since I was 27. I was put on Lyrica at age 31 to help with the severe pain that I have (and I also have nerve damage in my toes due to an unknown cause - I'm not diabetic). The medicine is astoundingly good for me at combating depression, anxiety, overall body pain & morning stiffness. It takes higher doses of Lyrica to feel pain relief for most people with fibromyalgia - those who say it doesn't work have often only tried it at less than 300mg a day. I take 300mg twice a day. The only bad side effect is weight gain - 100 lbs. (And I'm naturally overweight to begin with, so this was terrible). It did eventually stop making me gain, but I have to eat less and work out more than everyone else I know, just to maintain my weight, let alone lose."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I had put off taking Lyrica because I was afraid of the side effects. Eventually my nerve pain got to the point where I had no choice. It was completely debilitating. Searing burning pain with no relief. Pain meds didn't touch it. I couldn't sleep because the pain was that bad. My clothes hurt. Soft feather light brushes against my skin stung and BURNED for minutes after contact (more intensely than the consistent present burning). After about three weeks on Lyrica, I finally found relief from the worst of it. What I am left with as far as the burning goes is completely tolerable (of course it does nothing for my other symptoms). I'm grateful I caved but am concerned about weight gain & significant cravings for sweets."

• ski...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 25, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I took this drug for 7 years, only gained 5 pounds. Recently I quit using it and started taking Gabapentin. I'm at 1800 mg a day and I've gained 15 pounds and counting. I walk briskly every a.m. for 45-60 min., 7 days a week. I'm up to 15 laps a day in my pool and I eat like a bird. Saw my doctor yesterday, am weaning off the Gabapentin and in a few days I will start taking Lyrica again! It helped my pain much better than the Gabapentin and the weight gain is ridiculous! I realize that some people have similar experiences with Lyrica, it just goes to show that every 'body' is different. Some people have a better time on Lyrica, some on Gabapentin. I'll take the Lyrica!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2018

For Neuralgia "I just started taking Lyrica 50 mg 2x a day for trigeminal neuralgia. Before I started, I was having awful facial pain, especially on the right side of my jaw and teeth. I thought I had some cavities or something. I was crying from being in so much pain. I went to the dentist, got an X-ray done, and there were no cavities and nothing wrong. So, I started doing my own research (googling my symptoms) and read about nerve pain. I immediately got in contact with my neurologist to come in and get seen. I also have epilepsy, chronic migraines, and the list goes on. When I picked up the medication from the pharmacy, I asked how long it would be before I could get relief, and the pharmacist said probably 3 or 4 days. I was feeling great after 2 doses of Lyrica. I am scared about the weight gain, so I'm watching how much I eat, but just not being in pain is so great right now!!! Thank you, Lyrica!!!"

• tri...
• February 28, 2008

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I love the drug, but I am experiencing excessive weight gain. I began the medication in November 2007. To date, I have gained 30 lbs. Some of my now fat clothes have gotten too tight. :( Has anyone else experienced this problem?"

• Jam...
• December 12, 2015

For Neuropathic Pain "I have a spine injury L5-S1 area. For the first 6 months, I was on every anti-inflammatory, and it made me sick. In addition, I was on a heavy dose of Tramadol with no effect on pain whatsoever, it just made me high. Then, Percocet only made me high and was very addictive. However, after reading about Lyrica, talking to my doctor, getting some, and stopping my flair-ups, it saved me. Lyrica reduced my pain by about 40% and stopped my flair-ups by about 80%. It acts somewhat like an antidepressant for me, making me a bit hyper (which is a good thing), but it kills my sex drive. I stopped it for a week, and it was hard on me as the pain and flair-ups came back. I rapidly built a tolerance to Lyrica, increasing my dosage from 100mg to 600mg. It also restored my hunger, and I'm gaining weight (a good thing). It's essential to realize that nothing but hard work and medication will reduce your pain, nothing can eliminate it entirely. I understand it can be disheartening, we all wish for a miraculous healing touch from our doctors. It's crucial to incorporate exercises at home, maintain a healthy diet, seek mental support, use pain medication, and seek guidance from your doctor. Dealing with chronic pain requires both mental and physical assistance, and above all, it's your determination that aids in your recovery."

• tit...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 1, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica has changed my life. I have worked in retail most of my life, and it entailed a lot of heavy lifting. As I got older, I started to get pain all over my body, my hands, legs, and back. Doctors gave me every drug you can think of, including narcotics, nothing was helping, and I was also getting very depressed. Finally, I saw a specialist and was prescribed Lyrica. Not only did it help me with the pain, but it also helped with the depression. I did gain 30 lbs, but I will take Lyrica over having pain and depression."

• JFr...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "I have suffered with fibromyalgia for over twenty years, and when Lyrica was recommended for use by FM patients, my life changed drastically. Actually, the first time I tried it, the dosage at 75mg/day wasn't nearly enough to tell any difference. Then my doctor bumped it to 75mgX3/day, and that did it. I got off the couch but ate everything in sight. I decided I would rather have a few extra pounds and have a life than not take Lyrica. Last year, my new doctor switched my Rx to 150mgX2/day, and I'm feeling even better! I have taken the weight off because I'm so much more active now. Seriously, if Lyrica wasn't available in the US, I'd move to where it was!"

• zoo...
• March 13, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "I take 75 mg x 2 per day. It seemed to help the first couple of days, now nothing. I have gained 12+ lbs, too. My appetite is getting out of control. I'm going to talk to my doctor about trying something else. Anyone else having problems with weight gain like me? I still need to take an OTC pain medicine with my Lyrica. Anybody ever try muscle relaxers?"

• Gra...
• April 2, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "The positives outweigh the negatives for Lyrica for my fibromyalgia, it is taking care of my pain so well. The side effects I've experienced are weight gain, blurred vision, swelling of my ankles and feet. Also, less output than the amount of input regarding my urine. I'm hoping that will adjust because Lyrica is controlling my pain, so I will tolerate the side effects anytime, anywhere, all the time. I take 150 mg a.m. and 150 mg p.m. I was taking Norco. No more, yeah!!!!"

• Nan...
• March 28, 2016

For Neuralgia "It cured my pain (trigeminal neuralgia), but I had nasty side effects at first: mild headaches, nausea, tiredness, feeling too full and bloated (even when not eating), weight gain, dizziness, etc. I stuck with it, and after two weeks, I was still feeling bloated and had headaches, and I continued to gain weight. I researched ways to counteract the negative effects and started taking a B6 supplement (for weight gain) and an herbal diuretic (for the bloat). I no longer feel bloated, and the headaches are gone. I'm on my 4th (or 5th?) week of Lyrica, and I am feeling much better. I don't think I'm still gaining weight, but it's too soon to tell. I wasn't eating any more or less than usual, so if the B6 helps, that would be nice."

• Jay...
• June 20, 2015

For Neuropathic Pain "Lyrica works. Unfortunately, I am on the verge of discontinuing use because of significant side effects. The most troubling for me are the eye disorders (conjunctivitis and blurred vision), and the dementia. I am 53 years old and I have trouble remembering elementary words! It's very embarrassing. I also have a significant taste disorder... many things taste like 'burnt garlic' to me... that's the best way I can describe it. Finally, I have facial bloating, weight gain, and dizziness. I have been on the maximum dose of Lyrica for chronic pain due to degenerative disc disease in my neck. I was willing to endure the weight and dizziness, but the eye, memory and taste problems are intolerable. Too bad, because Lyrica really helps pain."

• Cyc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2016

For Postherpetic Neuralgia "I had shingles in January 2014. I have had terrible PHN ever since. 2.5 years of pain. It has been awful! Shingles is the worst pain I have ever experienced, and it isn't going away. I tried everything out there from Gabapentin to acupuncture, to Percocet, to injections in my back, and nothing helped, or it would help for a few weeks, but the pain always managed to come back strong. I was wary of Lyrica because of the side effects, but I finally decided to try it. It has definitely helped me, and I can do things like ride my bike again with little pain. However, I have put on 8 lbs in 6 months, and I am an extremely active person, so this is tough for me. I also have pain in my joints, and sometimes my hands go numb, but less pain."

• Bab...
• March 18, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "Miracle product for fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I picked up some weight but: Do you want to be thin or have chronic pain/be immobile? Cannot do without it. My muscles 'freeze' and I have spasms if I don't take it."

• pai...
• March 19, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking 75mg twice per day now for 10 days. I have severe back pain from an injury. I did not think that such a small pill twice a day could help. I was ready to stop using it after three days because of the side effects of feeling totally 'out of it'. I had mood swings, dizziness, and confusion. Those side effects have now eased up, and my pain has become less severe. I have had weight gain and wonder if it causes water retention. I feel bloated. Hope this helps."