Pregabalin and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ric...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 2, 2022

Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Terrible, this med. Caused 20 different things to me, including shaking hands, impotence, bad balance, forgetfulness, memory loss, dizziness, weight gain, bad eyesight, among other things. When I was trying to get off of it, I had real bad anxiety. As far as I’m concerned, it is poison. I was on it for 8 months but didn’t realize that it was causing all of these problems until I got off of it, and all of the problems went away. I actually thought that I was getting to the end of my life."

• Pum...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 15, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been taking pregabalin 300 mg twice a day for about 5 years. Although it was prescribed for neck pain, which I still have, my GAD has been cured. I also take Prozac for depression. Apart from weight gain, I feel fine. Tried to stop them, though, and I started having suicidal thoughts, so I'm hoping to stay on them."

• msp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2017

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Been taking Lyrica for 4 months now for carpal tunnel and neuropathy in hands and feet. It is no good. It has not stopped the pain at all, makes me so dizzy I am afraid to drive my car, legs swell like balloons, and have gained over 30 pounds in 3 months. A clinical research study was recently done in Australia on Lyrica (for Acute and Chronic Sciatica), and the findings stated it had the same effect as the research subjects getting placebos or sugar pills. The makers have racked in 3 billion dollars on it. I told my doctor it isn't working, but he still prescribes it to me, finding another doctor this week. I just got a month's supply, 90 pills 3 times a day, 150 mg at a cost of $1,111.19. Biggest drug ripoff in history."

• Hur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2020

Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "Got shingles on the right side of the scalp into my right eye on May 25, 2020. Specialist got the infection out of the eye. Prescribed Pregabalin. On max dose - take 200 mg every 8 hrs, and the pain starts back about 6-7 hrs after the dose. It has been 5 months, and I'm still dealing with sharp, stinging pain! I have also gained 25 lbs. Dr. said deal with weight gain or pain. I chose weight gain because the pain is extreme. Want something that will heal the nerve damage. I also get severe itching on the right eyebrow, forehead, which is numb, and the inside corner of the eye. I’m hoping this will end soon, but I have a feeling it won’t. Hopefully, in the near future, there will be something that will heal the nerve pain."

• lyr...
• November 11, 2010

Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I was already overweight and went on Lyrica because of the tingling in my hands and feet being intolerable. Three weeks later, it's like I woke up one morning and none of my clothes fit. I got on the scale, and from the time my doctor gave me this pill to the current time, I have gained over 25 lbs. It's a shame I have to decide between being obese or able to sleep and be pain-free."

• kri...
• April 11, 2013

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "This medicine worked pretty well for me. I didn't realize how well it worked until I went off of it before getting pregnant. The thing I didn't like about it, though, was that it always made me feel like I was in a cloud. My thinking wasn't clear. I would get dizzy. I didn't notice too much of a weight gain, but there was some. In the end, I chose to try a different med (Savella) after my daughter was born and have been happier with that. Still works and fewer side effects."

• Mon...
• December 31, 2016

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I wanted to share my experience in combining Lyrica and Neurontin for neuropathy symptoms; I've had fibromyalgia for 25 years. Neurontin was effective, but only at 1800 mg/day, which left me drowsy (fell asleep anytime I wasn't moving). My MD switched me to Lyrica (75 mg), but when I got to 3 per day, I rapidly gained weight - 10 lbs in 2 weeks! As a med student, I knew the two meds worked in a similar way and were metabolized similarly. I decreased the Lyrica to 1 per day, which stopped the weight gain but didn't control the nerve pain, so I added back in one 300 mg Neurontin per day (both at bedtime, to minimize drowsiness) - still not enough pain control. I added another Neurontin, and that was optimal for me. I take it all at bedtime."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2012

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I have only been diagnosed for about a year now. I have completely lost my life due to fibromyalgia pain. My doctor started me on Cymbalta, which worked for a while but then stopped, then put me on Lyrica without weaning me off Cymbalta. Withdrawals, hello. I had to start again and wean off while also taking Lyrica. The Lyrica seemed to help at first too, then wham, just like everything else, it stopped working, except on weight gain and brain fog. I was a zombie. So now I'm worsening day by day even though I try to stay active and have cut all caffeine, etc. because my doctors just don't believe pain medicines help and say there isn't much else they can do for me. I'm glad for the people it has helped."

• cat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2013

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I started taking this at 150 mg twice a day with some relief of pain, no side effects. I've recently increased to 225 mg twice a day, which is the maximum dosage. I'm experiencing vertigo, sleepiness, and weight gain, but virtually no pain. My doctor feels the results outweigh the side effects, and I agree."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2017

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I was prescribed Lyrica for post-shoulder surgery with continuing nerve pain radiating down the arm. Lyrica caused me to gain 20 lb, slurred speech, and blurred vision. I had edema in my ankles too. Since I would only take it two times a day, I would have rebound nerve pain that encouraged me to take more Lyrica. After my doctor advised me about the weight gain, I decided to take myself off of it. It took 10 days to withdraw from the drug, but I'm glad I did. I'm a clinical pharmacist and advised all on Lyrica to be aware of all the adverse effects of this drug."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I've had problems with my feet burning for several years. Every year, it was worse than the year before. It got to the point that I couldn't stand anything on my feet. Lyrica helped a lot, with much less frequency and severity of burning. Finally, some relief. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue because of side effects. I had almost all side effects listed in the info sheet. Most I could have tolerated, but the ones I couldn't were weight gain, confusion, and fast progressing blurred vision. Also, I had severe clinical depression over 18 years ago until I received the correct antidepressant. I've had no depression since. However, the Lyrica caused it to return, although not as severe. It also caused anger flare-ups, very unlike me."

• Con...
• March 14, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I had cervical fusion at C4-5, 5-6, 6-7. After my surgery, coming out of the operating room, no one could touch my skin. I had loss of sense of feeling in the right arm, left hand, and right shoulder. It was on fire, pins and needles severe, also on the back right side of my tongue and throat. In the hospital, they started giving me Lyrica 75 mg, 3 times per day, that just took the edge off. Then I went to the pain doctor, and it was increased to 150 mg, 3 times a day. I had such relief to the point I could touch my skin. It has worked so great that when it is time for my next dose, I begin to feel the pins and needles severe and the fire on my shoulders and hands. Amazingly, it takes away that feeling as long as I take it every 6 hours. The problem I have had is weight gain."

• W0N...
• April 18, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This drug worked for my bipolar disorder, but the side effects, like the belly bloating and weight gain, were bothersome to the point I had to quit. Also, there were issues with short-term memory impairment and forgetfulness."

• Can...
• January 14, 2012

Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I have been on this medication for 4 years now. There has been a 20-pound weight gain so far. My GP is always after me about the weight gain, however, I would rather be fat and happy than suffering from the pain it used to cause. I also take methadone as a painkiller. The sad part of the Lyrica is the price."

• sby...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 19, 2025

For Back Pain "I was diagnosed with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Pregabalin, on its own, is not sufficient enough for my pain; however, Pregabalin paired with my prescribed opioid gives me better pain relief than Pregabalin or Nucynta alone. The biggest con of Pregabalin is weight gain. If you are going to be on Pregabalin, and you do not want to gain weight, you have to pay close attention to the foods/beverages you are consuming. Interestingly enough, Pregabalin works better for Generalized Anxiety Disorder than benzodiazepines ever did. With benzos, I grew a tolerance to them, and at times I wasn't sure if my benzo was working. I'm very grateful for this drug; however, insurance doesn't want to cover it, you can gain a lot of weight on Pregabalin, and it's, sadly, not as effective as Tramadol or Nucynta. However, if you grew a tolerance to your opioid, ask your pain management doctor about trialing Pregabalin; you might be surprised at how much it helps."

• She...
• April 18, 2017

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Been on this Lyrica 200 mg for at least 2 yrs. I still have a lot of pain from having the disease of fibromyalgia and chronic pain along with arthritis. They raised it up to the highest dose and still hurt very much. I agree with the lady above, you do gain weight. Trying to hang in there! Hope they find something better for me and everyone else. Blessings to all."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2009

Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "I was put on 50 mg of Lyrica at age 62. Within a week, there was noticeable improvement in the amount of burning and tingling in my feet and legs. Within a month, the burning and tingling disappeared. At 3 months, I had gained 15 pounds at a rate of 5 pounds per month. Most importantly, I began to notice I did not care if I lived or died. I stopped taking the drug. I have also experienced this with antidepressants. For 6 months after stopping Lyrica, I remained relatively free of pain. By 8 months, the burning and tingling have returned at their full intensity. I rate the drug a 5: great for pain with serious side effects."

• Nut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 7, 2015

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I have taken Lyrica for several years now, and it has helped me so much with nerve pain. I used to take 200 mgs twice a day for spinal and cervical stenosis, scoliosis (spinal fusion), and cervical and lumbar spondylosis. I put on over 10 lbs in weight when I first started taking it, but with correct food choices, I lost what I had put on and more. I did at first have an increased balance problem. I now take 200 mgs of Lyrica 3 times a day because I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I take metformin 500 mg twice a day, and I've got neuropathy pain. I have no side effects with Lyrica now. The other pain meds I am on are a 500 mg Fentanyl patch, Arcoxia, and Quinine for leg cramps. I live in the UK and get my pain medication free."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2017

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "My own experience was awful. I did not gain weight, but I had been suffering with depression because of all the pain I was in. My doctor prescribed these, which in my opinion she should have never done, especially when I was very down at the time. I've never experienced such thoughts in my life, the only time I got a break from my own thoughts was when I was sleeping. If you are feeling down at all while taking these, my advice: go see your doctor ASAP. Do not continue with these, not advisable to anyone with depression."

• Kha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2019

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I’m a mess. I have several issues medically: CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) in my left limbs. My arm, wrist, and fingers are nonfunctional due to a carpal tunnel procedure, it went untreated, so it spread to my leg and foot, Fibro, as well as degenerative disc disease. My mobility is 200 ft, it is the furthest I can walk. I have a new PCP. I’m on a Fentanyl transdermal patch, 25 mcg, for the last 4 years. I just started Lyrica. My issue is gaining weight. It’s already a struggle to walk, and I can’t carry extra weight, else, I won’t be able to walk. I’m prescribed 50 mg, 3x a day. I just wanted to know about weight gain. I appreciate any feedback."

• emi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2015

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Lyrica did not work particularly well for me. I had previously taken Cymbalta 60 mg for 7/8 years and felt that it was no longer as effective, so my doctor prescribed Lyrica. I noticed a large amount of weight gain (which I would not have minded if it helped the pain!)-about 50 pounds over 6 months before it stabilized. After some time of taking the medication (9 months or a year, I forget), I was always complaining to my doctor about pain and fatigue being bad, so he switched me to Savella. I noticed a huge difference, and I lost the weight!"

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2008

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I have an entrapped nerve in my leg causing shooting nerve pain in my foot. Lyrica has really helped stop the pain. It was so bad I couldn't sleep at night. However, I am gaining weight and having some difficulty in concentrating."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2016

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I have been taking Lyrica for 6 weeks. The first 5 weeks I took 50 mg twice daily. Literally, at the 5-week mark, I had significant improvement. My pain was at a consistent pain level of an 8/9 before starting and now a 5/6. I would like to note I had no side effects at this dose. My doctor increased my dose to 100 mg twice daily a week ago and now I have side effects: headaches that last all day, every day, whereas before I did have chronic headaches that came and went during the day from fibro. Also, my fingers and face are very puffy to the point of being uncomfortable. And the worst part is the chronic dry mouth. I have to keep a water bottle on hand to sip on constantly! (Having a chronic dry mouth puts you at a higher risk of cavities.) And weight gain."

• Nut...
• May 26, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on pregabalin for over a year. Started at 75 mgs and thought it was going to work, but it only lasted 1 day. I got up to 150 mgs twice a day with no positive effect. I am now down to 100 mgs twice a day. I have had no weight gain. I am on a few other meds, but I still suffer daily with this awful anxiety. I am trying transcranial magnetic stimulation right now and have about 3 weeks of treatments left, it hasn't helped me yet. The only thing that works for me is benzodiazepines, and I become tolerant very quickly."

• GIG...
• February 7, 2017

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Doc put me on Lyrica 50 mg twice a day. The first two weeks were AMAZING, I was doing things I haven't been able to do in many years. HOWEVER, let me just say IT DOES CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN AND MINE WAS NOT FROM OVEREATING. In fact, I was hardly hungry at all, and when I do eat, it is usually fruits and veggies. I was even working out every day. The last day I took Lyrica (I only took it for one month), it made me so freaking miserable, I went home in tears. My stomach swelled up like I was malnourished, and every time I would bend over, I would throw up water or whatever I had just put on my stomach. It was AWFUL! In a month, I gained over 10 lbs. NOT COOL!"