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

• hat...
• October 29, 2015

Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "I developed shingles in my face, scalp, and eye in 2005. The initial pain was treated with gabapentin, which didn't work very well. The doc wouldn't prescribe anything stronger. In fact, she hardly recognized that shingles pain was significant. My PHN kicked in when the rash disappeared. I've still got it. I monitored the internet for PHN meds, and when Lyrica came out, I notified my new doc immediately. He started me out at 100 mg three times a day, and when that was only modestly effective, he kicked it up to 150 mg X 3. It works very nicely. However, there are side effects. My weight gain has been significant. Brain fog happens. I get double vision on an irregular basis. I feel tired. Now my liver values are increasing."

• ksu...
• August 2, 2009

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 14, and I have taken a myriad of medications to help with the pain. Lyrica, although it does help with the pain, the side effects are just too much for me. I have been on it for over 2 years now, and the water retention and weight gain is great. I weaned down and stopped taking it a week ago, and have already lost 10 lbs, and the edema in my legs is gone. If I could take the Lyrica without the weight gain and water retention, I would in a heartbeat. Hopefully, something else will work well for me."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2017

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I was given Lyrica 3 years ago for back pain from a herniated disk. The pain down my legs at night was horrific. The pain in my legs went, but I put on 12 kg. I did not eat more, in fact, I ate less because of my weight gain. The doctor refused to believe that Lyrica was the cause of the gain. Now, 2 years later, I have been given Lyrica again because no other drugs worked. When will the doctor listen and learn about side effects?"

• day...
• December 6, 2009

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Lyrica has helped my pain from fibromyalgia immensely. It helps better than anything I've tried, including narcotic pain medicines. I've had fibromyalgia for 6 years now, and Lyrica is by far the best option for fibro pain. I take 200 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily. (It really helps me to take 20 mg of Flexeril at bedtime too, but build a tolerance first). The combination sets me up for a pain-free day. When starting Lyrica, it does cause a feeling of imbalance, weight gain, and water retention, but after about a week or two, the side effects go away. I am so grateful for Lyrica. It has improved my quality of life exponentially, and I don't feel all doped up as the narcotics make me feel. Thank God for Lyrica!"

• Gma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2012

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2005, along with arthritis throughout and mixed connective tissue disease. Because of a bone marrow disorder, I have severe osteoporosis. I've been on Neurontin, morphine, and Vicodin for 7 years, and though it did help some, it didn't take away the pain from fibromyalgia. 5 weeks ago, we changed from Neurontin to Lyrica, and I had immediate relief. I'm angry that I wasted away 5 years of my life in pain that could have been alleviated had I changed meds earlier. I did put on 7 pounds in the first month and have peripheral edema, so I joined the YMCA to exercise and lose the fluid retained."

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2008

Pregabalin for Migraine Prevention "I have tried several medications for migraines and started Lyrica three months ago. Other than the weight gain, I am very happy. Lyrica makes me feel ravenously hungry all the time. Actually, this past doctor's appointment, I was also prescribed Meridia and have experienced a loss in appetite, and I hope this will get me back to a more comfortable weight."

• C j...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2017

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Worst medicine ever. I gained nearly 50 pounds in four months. At first, the medicine made me feel good even though I was gaining the weight fast. By the fourth month, the pain was so intense it actually rivaled childbirth. I was not overeating, and in fact, I was working out more. I still cannot get the weight back off. If I could give this med a -10, I would."

• Wee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2017

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "I started taking Lyrica for trigger spots (burning, painful hot spots throughout my back) plus lower back pain. I began taking 150 mg 2x a day. It was wonderful, no more daily nagging pain. However, the side effects started to outweigh the pain relief. I had to start taking water pills because of the water retention, my memory and cognitive thinking were really affected. On three separate occasions, I was sent home from work because I was so drowsy I kept falling asleep. I was staggering, slurring my speech. My supervisor thought I had been drinking. It was very embarrassing. If I did not have all these side effects, I would have stayed on these meds, but it was getting out of control-my weight has skyrocketed also. I'm weaning off. Pain is back."

• ema...
• July 23, 2015

Pregabalin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "Shingles in my scalp in 2009. Started off using 75 mg twice daily. I am now taking 150 mg twice daily. The Lyrica was/is a lifesaver since I also have migraine, sinus, tension headaches. I seldom have the migraines anymore. My problem is that my scalp continues to get irritated if I comb it or use any kind of lotions, gels, moisturizers, oils, or sprays on it. Concerned about the weight gain, but overall, satisfied with Lyrica."

• tex...
• July 15, 2008

Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Lyrica stops the pain in the ball of my feet. It's wonderful to be able to walk without the pain. I am diabetic and take insulin. I too have had a weight gain of 35 lbs over the past 6 months. I seem to suffer from a bit more memory loss than before, and I fatigue easily. I have caught myself dozing off in front of the computer at work, so I force myself to get up and walk around a bit. All in all, a small price to pay for the relief of the pain in my feet."

• Rub...
• April 17, 2017

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "Doc has me taking 150 mg morning and 150 mg evening. I have gained 50 pounds in 6 months. I am going to get him to take me off this. I went on a salad diet for a week with balsamic vinegar dressing (1 tablespoon for a huge salad). I ate salad for lunch and dinner and drank nothing but water with lemon in it. I gained 2 pounds. I told this to my doctor, and he said that I must have cheated. Why would anyone go on just a salad diet if they weren't serious about losing weight? I do not recommend this drug. I did start using cyclobenzaprine, and it really helps with the leg cramps."

• Mum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2016

Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain "Was put on Lyrica for recurring hip pain (and lower back pain). By one month, I was on 2x75mg morning and night. Greatly reduced the pain, but I felt like I was constantly forgetful and would have brain fog constantly. Have gained just a little weight, but can't do much with my hip anyway. The one thing that made my doctor decrease the dose back to one a night very quickly was that I became depressive. Unfortunately, I would prefer to deal with the pain and find something else than feel that way. It is effective for pain relief (I found), but unfortunately I suffered some of the bad side effects."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2010

Pregabalin for Pain "I took Lyrica for about 2 years and loved it. It helped my pain so much. I suffer from back pain and leg pain. I went from Topamax to Lyrica, and it was a big difference. I gained weight, about 20 lbs, but my problem was my insurance would not cover this medicine, and it doesn't have a generic. So I was having to pay almost $360.00/month for 60 pills. Couldn't afford it, so I've had to go back to Topamax. Now I've lost almost 30 pounds and don't like it as much as Lyrica, and it has more side effects. So stay with Lyrica if you can - it's a great medicine."

• Ble...
• June 12, 2009

Pregabalin for Pain "I have been suffering from severe pudendal nerve damage pain and fibromyalgia for over 12 years. Vicodin, Percocet, Duragesic, OxyContin, injections, you name it. Lyrica 75 mg 2-3 x day has made the biggest difference in my life and pain in over 12 years. I can walk without a cane, and I feel like doing things. There was some initial weight gain, but that seems to have leveled off. I've been amazed and very pleased."

• bru...
• April 3, 2010

Pregabalin for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "Started using LYRICA about 6 months ago. It seems to have minimized the toe/foot pain I have when I go to bed. This was keeping me awake with pain and restless legs. Now I can get to sleep easier. Did notice some weight gain, but am working on it. No other side effects noted at this time. Sure has helped me at night!"

• RIS...
• September 21, 2009

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1997, but wasn't prescribed Lyrica until 2007. What a difference. Until Lyrica, I was in bed and couldn't do anything!! I was vomiting every day and had to be hospitalized several times and had lost several pounds. Now I'm back to work full-time, which I'd never thought I'd be able to do again. Doing more than simple tasks is a joy, and being able to play with my grandkids is more enjoyable than I can say. I do have to say I have to take pain medicine and muscle relaxers and had a pain pump placed inside my stomach, but with everything, I'm almost back to normal. The only negative is the weight gain, but I'll take that. My husband said I needed it anyway. But I can't tell you how happy I am with the Lyrica."

• Anonymous
• September 8, 2009

Pregabalin for Migraine Prevention "Tremendous reduction in pain. I have been on the medication since May and have gone from bone-shattering pain at the bridge of my nose and between my eyes 24/7 to only two or three bad headaches a week. I have just had my dose increased to knock even those out, I'll let you know how much better I feel in four months. I would have given it a 10 if it wasn't for the weight gain."

• ihw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "A little hard to start and quit, especially for the stomach, but works well for anxiety and rumination. The best upside for me, compared to Lexapro, is that this does not give me insomnia. The downsides: must be taken 2 (ideally 3) times a day and that after reaching 150 mg a day I got cystic acne on my face, and it never got better. I have read on online forums that others have experienced this as well, even though it's not reported as a side effect by the manufacturer. Acne was so bad I have now quit. I have GAD, dysthymia, and ADD and have tried Effexor, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Lamictal, Lyrica, Ritalin, Attentin, Vyvanse, and Modafinil. I will definitely say that the most effective medication for me is Lexapro; it also has the least side effects. The problems I have with Lexapro long-term are lethargy, insomnia, and some weight gain."

• Gor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was put on pregabalin 3 months ago, starting with 75 mg twice daily, and after 1 week, 150 mg twice daily. Now added another 75 mg, so now take 375 mg daily. I also take Cymbalta 60 mg at night along with a zopiclone 7.5 mg. I had a few scary moments, but now my anxiety is almost non-existent. I have been trying to get something for GAD for over 20 years. I am sleeping well and calm. It looks like I have finally found the right medication. Most medications have resulted in weight gain, but not so far apart from a bit bloated at night."

• CEO...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 21, 2018

Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia "I began taking Lyrica in small doses and told my doctor it wasn't working. Dr. lowered the dose and the nerve pain was excruciating. I went back to my regular dose twice a day, however, I still had the pain in my feet. Once they increased the dose to three times a day, the pain in my feet completely went away. I gained weight, but since it stops the pain, I will take it gladly. As for the memory loss, I just give people I'm talking to the disclaimer, 'I'm medicated.'"

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2009

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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

Pregabalin 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."

• hit...
• November 4, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was on this for about 3 months. The first few days, I had some coordination issues, which I was warned about. Probably on the 4th day, something kicked in, and I felt wonderful. I have very bad social anxiety, but on that day, I was not afraid of anything. I felt any goal that I had always wanted to pursue I suddenly could, and even if I failed, I would deal with it. My only fear that day was that this would be temporary, and sadly, it was. The next day, I took it, and I got only the slightest hint of what I had the day before. The tiny effect maybe lasted for the next couple of days, then nothing. I kept taking it, thinking it might somehow kick in after time, but then I started to notice I was gaining lots of weight. I stopped."

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

Pregabalin 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."