Hi everyone,
I have recently (yesterday) started taking Pregabalin instead of Gabapentin for chronic pain. I have TMJ and it causes muscular and nerve pain in my face which is quite severe in addition to the joint pain and crunching/clicking every time I open my mouth. I have put on 2.5 stone since February on the Gabapentin and I am desperately trying to lose weight. I used to be 9.5 stone and I am currently up at 15 stone. I am terrified of putting on weight with the Pregabalin. The Pain Specialist gave it to me as an alternative to Gabapentin as I'm not sure that worked very well. He also gave me Buprenorphine a few weeks ago but I ended up in casualty with severe sickness and headache (i couldn't even keep down water) that lasted 2 days. I now have Fentanyl 25mcg p/hr instead and it is MUCH better. I cant take NSAIDS as I'm allergic to most of them we've tried so far (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen etc.).
Does anyone have any advice on how to lose weight whilst on Pregabalin? Is it possible to prevent weight loss even if you are on acalorie reduced diet and excersise program?
Any help would be much appreciated. I hope everyone is having a good, relitavely pain-free day.
Thanks x
Hi Kirsteenie!
I have taken Pregabalin at varying doses for the past 2 - 3 years. Yes I gained weight, but i can't say for certain it was the medication. I was making poor food choices and not getting regular exercise. There is hope though
I have recently lost 3 stone going to a very well known weight-watching group
it's not been easy but I have found that it is the exercise which makes the difference!
Thanks for your reply Disney-girl! Thats an amazing achievement! Its definitely given me some hope. I understand the thing about the food choices. I've just found that, with the gabapentin before, I was exhausted as i was also always on strong opiates with this until we found one that worked for me. We tried Dihydrocodeine, Cocodamol, OxyContin, Buprenorphine and now Fentanyl! The constant tiredness makes it so easy to reach for sugary, fatty foods for a quick boost, doesn't it? Of course good food choices help energy and mood in the long run, I suppose I need to find that balance. I'm really happy to hear your great news, keep it up
xx