Lyrica and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2009

For Neuralgia "I have nerve damage in my L4/L5 disc and down my leg. Out of all my medicines, the one that helps me the most is Lyrica. I can tell if I miss a pill because my pain goes up. The pain medicines just hide the pain, and not that well on cold and rainy days. Lyrica helps the pain - it is the best nerve medicine I have ever had. I gained 40 lbs. I have been on Neurontin with lots of side effects. As much as I hate the 40 lbs, I'm glad to have the medicine."

• own...
• May 29, 2008

For Pain "I have rheumatoid arthritis, so I have joint and tendon pain just about everywhere, but mainly in hands, wrists, forearms, legs, and feet. I have been on Oxy ER 80 mg 2x a day and was still not getting full relief (4 out of 10) and having difficulty remembering. The doctor added Lyrica 75 mg 2x a day three months ago, and the day after, I felt euphoric. I felt no pain! After one week, some pain came back, but no peaks as before. Some weight gain. Want to get off of Oxy and try Lyrica or other non-narcotic drugs."

• Gsu...
• February 15, 2017

For Neuralgia "I didn't experience any side effects at 50 mg 2x per day. After my knee replacement surgery, I started taking 100 mg 3x per day. Almost right away I noticed vision blurriness and mental fog. After about a month, I started noticing weight gain and swelling in my ankles, legs, feet, and my hands are puffy. I have been on it 7 weeks now and have already gained 10 pounds. The swelling in my feet is nearly intolerable."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 23, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "I took Lyrica for a year, and within that year, I gained 35 pounds and had problems sexually. It barely helped my nerve pain, but every time I tried to stop taking it, I got terrible withdrawals, so I would start back taking it. After my weight kept climbing, I had enough and finally made myself endure the withdrawals. I’ve been off it a week and already lost 10 pounds and feel better already. Horrible medicine for me. Diazepam works a lot better for me without the side effects."

• her...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "I started on Lyrica 6 weeks ago, started on 25 mg for one week, then 50 mg for one week, and then 75 mg twice a day, but that high didn't suit me, so I took 75 mg in the morning and 50 mg in the evening. Currently, I'm feeling spaced all the time, gaining weight each day, and kind of depressed, but my psychiatrist said that could be anxiety coming through. I have been taking Xanax also for about 6 years. Before that, I was tried on Lexapro and went crazy on it. Also, the Xanax was a disaster long-term, as it became very addictive. Well, the moral of the story is I'm praying for the Lyrica to work."

• jea...
• November 9, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Lyrica for three months. I started out with 75 mg twice a day. It took the edge off my fibromyalgia pain during the day, but at night I would wake up due to muscle pain when laying on one side too long. My doctor increased me to 150 mg twice a day, and for the first time in months, I was able to sleep through the night. I feel like a new person. It's a wonder drug. For once, I am not walking around like a zombie due to pain and lack of sleep. I have gained a couple of pounds, but I can live with that."

• Leo...
• July 15, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "I suffer with chronic pain because of injuries and both types of arthritis. Then about a year ago, I got a tingling sensation in the soles of my feet. They swell to the point I have cankles, and I am walking on fluid. When I took the weight off my feet and lay down to sleep, it felt like someone lit a fire on the soles of my feet. Needless to say, I didn't sleep too well because I had to stand to get rid of the pain. I only slept 1 out of every 3 nights, and I have sleep apnea when I do try to sleep. To be fair, for my skeletal pain, I live on up to 40 mg of OxyContin and 20 to 40 mg of Targin every day. I hope my knee ×2 and hip replacement are soon so I can get off this rubbish. Since I have been taking Lyrica, I am now sleeping 2 out of 3 nights, so I'm rapt. I've only been on them a couple of weeks. I'm already 122.8 kg, so I hope I don't put on any weight. Leon, Melbourne, Australia. Oh, here in Oz, this medication is on our PBS and only costs $5.40 for 56 tabs. Feel sorry for you lot overseas. Peace and love."

• Anonymous
• September 25, 2008

For Fibromyalgia "My doctor calls my Lyrica use a sprint. Week 1 was 50 mg, week 2 - 100 mg, the next 4 weeks were 150 mg in the evening. Now we are working our way up to doing the same thing for the second dose in the morning. I must admit I am glad she is doing it this way. The first weekend after I started taking it was the first weekend I actually wanted to do something, like move when I did not have to. I've adjusted slowly to the drowsiness and confusion to where it is not nearly as bad as when I first started taking it. There has been weight gain, but I am slowly getting to the point of wanting to get back into that gym. Thank you, Lyrica."

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2011

For Peripheral Neuropathy "I've been taking Lyrica for about 3.5 years. Excellent pain relief and mood improver. The downside for me is cost, weight gain, and dependency. The withdrawal is worse than opiates, in my opinion. 300 mg twice a day."

• CCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2018

For Fibromyalgia "After taking gabapentin and still feeling sore and fatigued, I began Lyrica. I have gained 20 lbs. I eat salads and go to the gym every other day. Some days, I even hit a yoga class on top of the gym. This drug causes me to have significant depression inclinations, makes me stutter my words, makes my hands shake, and caused me to gain 20 lbs in less than a month. I am 35 and have never gained weight like this. I will say that it reduces tingling in hands and feet... but also caused my hands and feet to swell. I would not recommend it unless you have no other option. The side effects did not outweigh the benefits for me."

• ben...
• November 18, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Just started Lyrica last night, and I do notice less pain generally already. It seems my neck pain is worse, but that may be because the other pain is so much less. I did feel nauseous for a while after taking the pill (50 mg). The possible weight gain is worrisome because I am already overweight; something for me to watch out for."

• She...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2021

For Fibromyalgia "I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. In the beginning, I thought Lyrica was amazing. My pain was gone, and I was moving. I was happy. Halfway through the second month, I started noticing I was dealing with fibro fog much more than before. It was worse than before and continued getting progressively worse. I couldn't put words together, I sometimes forgot where I was driving to and why I was going. At the time, I was 42 years old. That should not be happening. Along with that, some of the pain was back and getting worse. I couldn't keep my eyes open. In the first three months of taking Lyrica, I gained almost 40 pounds, which made the pain worse. I stayed in contact with my doctor, and finally, she took me off of Lyrica. The severe fibro fog calmed, and any fog experience after coming off was minor. The weight started going down, and I started feeling like me again. I will never take Lyrica again. It was a horrible experience. Never again."

• Mat...
• March 6, 2010

For Neuralgia "After a head/neck/spine injury, I found the drug to be very helpful with the neuropathic pain in my arm, face, and various body parts. Weight gain is a minor issue. I don't suffer night terrors, but I feel as though I've been dragged through a hedge backwards upon awakening. I do NOT feel rested upon awakening. Cognitive issues due to the injury have been exaggerated after taking Lyrica."

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 16, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "At 62, I consider myself in excellent health. Nine months ago, my right leg completely cramped while walking. Diagnoses after MRI: spinal stenosis, herniated disk between L4-L5 pressing on the nerve. Presently on Lyrica 125 mg morning and night. This drug only controls the pain a portion of the time. It is wearing off a couple of hours before the next dose is due. Have experienced a weight gain of 12-15 lb (there is no being full sensation), insomnia, dry mouth, losing my voice after talking 2-3 min, involuntary hand and finger twitch, headaches, depression, a few strange dreams, and trouble concentrating. I still have constant pain down my lower leg and occasional hip pain and a tingling big toe. Presently on my second round of cortisone epidural injections. Walking more than 400 ft with support is agony. Do I recommend Lyrica? Yes. Everyone's reaction to this medication is going to be different. For myself, the benefits, although not as great as expected, outweigh the side effects."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2009

For Pain "I had laminectomy surgery in 2003, which was about 40% effective. I still have constant sharp pain in my left testicle, recurring burning pain in my left calf, and lower back pain. For years after surgery, I have had acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medications. I have taken methadone, morphine, and oxycodone for 4 years. Now I have been taking Lyrica for a year. For the first 6-7 months, it was like a wonder drug. It worked as well as anything else, aside from dry mouth, weight gain, and blurred vision. Now it's not working so well. An MRI showed I have many broad-based disc bulges, spondylosis, stenosis, and arthritis. Now looking at fusion surgery. Lyrica has worked for me, however, it seems to be less effective than when I began taking it."

• Jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "Excessive and rapid weight gain due to increased appetite. Only good thing is it does work 100% for my pain. Dr. damaged my sciatic nerve during hip replacement surgery. The weight gain and increased appetite is not just a little but A LOT!!!!!"

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "I was amazed at the pain relief I received after trying so many pain meds. But I gained 30 pounds in two months, constantly craving sugar. I’d be up in the night ravaging for anything to fill the need. I started to stock up one certain drawer with candy of all sorts. I was so very sad to stop taking it - it was the first med to conquer my pain. Next was Cymbalta, which helps to the same degree without uncontrollable cravings or notable side effects."

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 24, 2017

For Neuropathic Pain "Initial euphoric effects wore off, so dosage was increased. Was told it would treat nerve pain and later told it was good for anxiety. My anxiety got worse on the medication, as when it was due or late, I was ill. It has addictive qualities I do not like. My health took a nosedive on this, and I had to come off due to blurred vision, weight gain, and blocked bowel. My doctor advised decreasing by 75mg a week. My first drop was hell, it completely threw me into a panic as I felt so ill. No one explained withdrawal when I saw medics in a state, no one comforted me, saying it could be the reduction was too high/quick for me. After all, in hindsight, if I felt unwell late taking one dose, then dropping 75mg wouldn't be helpful quickly. Lower doses are not easy to get as more costly to the NHS, etc."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2018

For Neuropathic Pain "I have been on Lyrica for 2 months now. Started on a low dose and slowly increased the dose to the max of 300 mgs in the morning and 300 mgs in the evening. I have a pinched nerve at the C8-T1 level affecting my left arm. The nerve pain was unbelievable, radiating across my back and down my arm. The Lyrica has taken the pain away, and now I experience a few side effects: dry mouth, sore knee joints, pain when I first get out of bed or the car, fluid retention in my legs, and weight gain."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2009

For Epilepsy "Worked wonders at the start. Was up to 600 mg a day. I don't eat the best, but I do think this did make me gain weight. I live in the great white north, but I struggled with balance, fell often, and also had trouble putting my thoughts into words. These side effects are now gone now that I'm off this. Balance and communication much better now that I'm off."

• rad...
• November 5, 2009

For Neuralgia "I had a cervical laminectomy to remove a cyst that had grown and was encroaching on a nerve. I also had a 4mm subluxation of C7 over T1. The surgeon removed the cyst, realigned my vertebrae, and used instrumentation to hold the vertebrae in place. Unfortunately, after the surgery, the most painful part was the pain in my arms. I had taken Lyrica in the past for a very short time, and it caused weight gain. I kept the medication on hand because it was expensive. After 2 trips back into the ER, the surgeon wanted me to take the Lyrica. His RN said that I will know if it will work in 1 1/2 - 2 days. She was right, thank God! The pain decreased dramatically. I'll deal with the weight gain later."

• wal...
• March 30, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "Started this medicine one week ago. Had minimal change in fibromyalgia. I slept pretty well the first two nights, but now starting to not sleep so well. Still need over-the-counter pain medicines and muscle relaxers. Had a very stiff neck and now my lower back hurts from the weight gain: 15 lbs in one week."

• bbb...
• January 1, 2010

For Pain "I was given Lyrica for my fibromyalgia in 2007. No relief, but gained 30 pounds in 3 months and continued gaining until it reached 55 pounds! I've lost less than 10 pounds, hard weight to lose, so be aware."

• she...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "Lyrica works well on my chronic neck pain, which I have had for 4 years. But I have gained about 30 pounds, so I am considering trying Neurontin to see if the effects are the same but without the weight gain!"

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Have been taking methadone, Zanaflex, and Mobic for quite a while for both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Tried Neurontin, but it knocked me flat, finally switched to Lyrica, but I am so medicine sensitive that I can only take 25 mg in the a.m. and 50 mg at night. It is helping, however, I become groggy and have gained 20 lbs. The weight gain doesn't help the fibromyalgia, but the pain is unbearable, so I will take it."