I'd like to try Lyrica for my Fibromyalgia, but causes weight gain, How can I avoid that? Medicals, please.?

Question

I have tried all meds for my FM, Lyrica seems to be best choice- but I do NOT want to gain any weight, can I avoid that side effect?

Answer 1

I have been afraid to try Lyrica due to the side effects, I have tried Neurontin but it did not have an effect on the pain.  I also tried Cymbalta. I gained weight and it did nothing for the pain. I am an RN and was diagnosed in 2000 and have Medication books plus the PDR(Docs use this one)to use as reference. I have been on several different antidepressants because I am also diagnosed with chronic depression and is used for fibromyalgia.  When you see all these ads on TV you are blitzed by all the hype of these medications.  As you probably all ready know, it's all a trial after trial basis to see if this is or any other medication is the one for you. I hope you can find some relief of your symptoms if you decide to try Lyrica.

Answer 2

Lyrica or pregabalin can cause weight gain in some of the patients, but not all patients experience weight gain, nor do all have the issues with the medication that one of the other responders reported.  Incidentally, pregabalin is so named becuase it is a derivative of the GABA neurotransmitter, and has nothing to do with "stepping up" to gabapentin.  In fact these medications appears to have different mechanisms of action.  Also, you need to understand certain points about treatment of FMS with Lyrica.  It does not (normally) completely relieve FMS pain, but is usually 50% effective.  It usually takes a month or more to reach the optimum dose, and stabilize, and at that point you may also have any side effects tend to diminish some.  I have been on Lyrica at 100 mg three times a day for 3 years for neuropathic pain, and have yet to have any significant change in my weight, except that I have lost some when trying to lose weight.

All medications have side effects, and some patients experience the side effects to a greater extent, while others have few or no side effects on the same dose.  Your health care providers have weighed the benefits of the medication against any potential for side effect.

I urge you not to be overly influenced by the individual experiences of people who post their responses on YA.  Health care professionals make their decisions based on carefully controlled studies in which the outside variables are better controlled, as opposed to individual anecdotal comments.  I could report that I have anaphylactoid reactions to ibuprofen (which is true) but that does not change the fact that millions of people take ibuprofen without side effects.  If a 110 year old man tells you he has smoked cigarettes and consumed a quart of whiskey everyday since he was 15, it does not make these healthy lifestyle choices.

If when taking Lyrica, you notice weight gain, you should first look for signs of water retention.  That is the most important issue which weight gain would be associated with.  Otherwise, follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise.  One factor which is often not considered when people note the weight gain after starting some medications for pain conditions, is that their lifestyle usually becomes more sedentary as the pain condition worsens to the point where prescription medications are required.  This is not the only factor with Lyrica, but it is one of the contributing factors.  If possible, get yourt physician to start with a low dose and increase at a slow rate.  This won't provide as much relief as quickly, but your body will adapt to the medication, and the side effets will be diminished.

I hope all goes well with your treatment.

Answer 3

I have been on 25mgs of Lyrica every night for two years and have lost weight! I note the starting dose for many is usually high, say 100mgs two times a day, but my advise start with 25mgs, see how it goes, you might need to double it up, but once you reach a maintenance dose, then that is it. I have never had any problems with Lyrica and weight gain. Best of Luck

Answer 4

Lyrica, to me, is like smoking pot. It gives you the munchies, so I guess it all comes down to will power. I didn't gain any weight while I was on it though. I would just find myself waking up in the middle of the night starving for anything I could get my hands on.

Answer 5

I was taking Lyrica (pregabalin) for nerve damage but took myself off of it (with doctor's approval) because of the side effects.  I gained approximately 5-6 lbs in the first 10 days without changing my diet.  I was actually anticipating the weight gain and had lowered my caloric intake.  I also had peripheral edema (water in the extremeties).  My thinking was "off" and I was having trouble remembering things.  These are all possible side effects to Lyrica.

I was on a high dosage, though.  I was taking 300mg per day.  It didn't really seem to do anything for my pain.

Have you tried gabapentin (Neurontin)?  Pregabalin is the "step up" to gabapentin.  A lot of people who have problems with Lyrica find they can tolerate Neurontin.

Good luck with your FM.  I hope you find some relief.