Weight gain and Lyrica

[keli222]

Has anyone who takes Lyrica noticed a weight gain which is one of the possible side effects. I have been prescribed and take 150mg at night which seems to be a perfect dose for me as I am kept comfortable. In the morning I take 0.25ug Sifrol. I am seeking feedback from any one who has noticed weight changes and who are taking Lyrica.

[Joolsg]

Lyrica ( pregabalin) increases your appetite dramatically and so , yes, it’s very easy to gain weight without realising. It also causes fluid retention and that will add weight.

However, these side effects will settle after 2-3 months so just ensure you stick to a healthy diet and avoid carbs and sugary foods.

I have put on about 8lbs with Pregabalin but my RLS is better controlled.

[LotteM]

I currently take a low dose of pregabalin (50mg) and definitely notice the increase in appetite that joolsg describes. Difficult to withstand, unfortunately, but I am trying.

[Nlthomp]

Hi Keli,

I’ve been taking Gabapentin for a couple of months and am starving all of the time! I’ve gained about 4lbs and am hoping this side effect is temporary.

Good luck!

[Amrob]

I take 300mg of pregabalin nightly (and have done for approx. 5 years). I have always maintained a low body weight however have found that I have gone up at least a dress size since taking pregabalin (5kg /11lb). It seems to be concentrated around my belly.

[Hidden]

Funny you should mention that, I was not aware of this. I had lost about 110 lbs through a 12 step program and had maintained it for about a year. I have put on about 25 pounds and and am puzzled about the increase in appetite and the carb cravings since I went on it a year ago and especially since since they added a 3rd dose. While it has helped some with the peripheral neuropathy and RLS, this symptom is very troubling. I will have to visit with my physician about this.

Is lyrica a drug that needs to be tapered off gradually? I will not stop without an OK from my physician.

[Amrob in reply to Hidden]

In my experience yes.

[Joolsg in reply to Hidden]

The slower the better. It can cause nasty side effects if reduced too quickly.

[Pam34]

I’ve been on Pregabalin for almost 2 years. 150mg at night. As the others have said my weight also went up by about half a stone. It did stabilise after a couple of months. I eat very healthily (apart from the odd glitch!) and I sleep very well now. If a few pounds is the price I have to pay to get a good nights sleep then I’ll take it.

Pam

[Lolly53]

Yes unfortunately weight gain is a common side effect of Pregabalin. I gained 20 pounds and had a ferocious appetite. I have been able to stop Pregabalin because I’m now taking a low dose of Methadone and I am now back to my original weight.

[Faithatthebeach]

I have definately heard of the weight gain from lyrica, but havent experienced it myself

[Quiltingmum]

Hello keli222

Regarding weight gain and Lyrica, I have gained an awful 14lb over 18 months since starting Lyrica. I take 225mg at night and it does work mostly. I am trying to reduce the dose but it is difficult. When I saw a doctor in Papworth sleep clinic the first question she asked when seeing I was taking Lyrica was - have you gained weight. It’s a very common side effect which my GP did not mention but which I discovered on this site and on reading more about it. I am desperately trying to lose some of the weight but from what I have read, again on this site, weight loss is near impossible on Lyrica. I understand the drug alters metabolism.

The problem is I have tried Ropinirole and similar drugs for RLS and suffered augmentation, and apart from Lyrica my GP did not know what would help. Gabapentin is similar with the almost identical side effects.

The choice is stark - suffer RLS or take Lyrica and buy a new wardrobe!

I don’t know if this helps but it’s my experience, and I am beginning to accept my new self.

Best wishes

[MayorMc]

Hi. I don’t have RLS, first of all, but I found this thread because I take Lyrica as well. I’m a 47 yo male. I lost my right leg suddenly two years ago and was prescribed Lyrica for nerve pain. When I started I was 5’11 and 165 lbs. now I expected maybe some weight gain because I can’t do much physically anymore. But even though I eat like a bird, and count carbs, et, I gained 35lbs since starting it. I was never told by my dr about the weight gain. It’s reassuring to hear it’s not just me overeating.

I am mulling over coming off it. I take 150mg twice a day along with OxyCodone to manage nerve pain, phantom pain (which SUCKS!!) and bone pain from the leg loss. I know if I come off it I will be in a lot more pain. I just don’t know at this point if losing all that weight would take pressure off my hip and “stump” (hate that word). Anyways. I concur. Weight gain is inevitable I think. Question I now have is how bad are the withdrawals if I wean off it. Thanks and good luck all

[joker826]

Yes! I stopped Lyrica because Of the weight gain. Now back on gabapentin.

[Chuck21]

I am the same I have gained 18lbs with lyrica concentrated around my belly it’s so awful and does my confidence no good at all ! but do you put up with the weight gain and ravenous appetite or RLS I’ve tried reducing the Lyrica but had stomach cramps sweating etc