Pregabalin v gabapentin

[Believer1234]

Hi,

Has anyone any experience of weight gain when moving to from gabapentin to pregabalin. I've just been changed prescriptions and having read about the dangers of severe weight gain on pregabalin, I'm now very unsure!

[SueJohnson]

Pregabalin is more likely to cause weight gain but it would be rare to have severe weight gain. The usual amount is 7% and not everyone has even this. The main reason is it increases your appetite.

[Believer1234 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you Sue. Don't like the sound of that!

[martino in reply to SueJohnson]

I take Pregabelin and have suspected that it is responsible for my weight gain. 7% would account for my weight increase so I can go back to the chocolate biscuits!

[Katyparis in reply to SueJohnson]

Yes I definately have weight gain after switching from pramipexole to pregabalin. My appetite has increased too and I have a problem with late night snacking which has increased my weight. I feel upset about my body image now.

[Munroist]

I took pregabalin for a year and had no significant increase in weight. I suspect it’s partly down to increased appetite and a bit of disinhibition i.e. you don’t care as much. Some people report oedema i.e. fluid retention which can increase weight.

[Believer1234 in reply to Munroist]

Thank you - that's really helpful ☺️

[NJB71]

I’ve been on 300mg of Pregabalin for a few months now and have not experienced any weight gain. I find my appetite has increased slightly but have adjusted my eating by cutting out biscuits and puddings and eating lots of fruit instead.

[Believer1234 in reply to NJB71]

Thank you - that's reassuring. I track all my food anyway so hopefully I should be ok!!!

[Wtfisup]

Greetings! I know this is an old post however I’m wondering how you are doing and if you stayed on pregabalin?

Previously, my physician prescribed higher that the maximum daily dose of gabapentin for me. It had no positive effect, none. Problems began weaning off of it. Took several months.

Started on pregabalin for legs at night and multiple sclerosis pain. Noticed slight change in weight and mood, both up. I needed both.

Currently taking 150mg pregabalin twice daily. It has greatly improved sleep and some anxiety.

Hope today is a good day for you! 🫧

[Believer1234 in reply to Wtfisup]

Hi there. Yes still on Pregabalin but only 150mg. Have recently started to increase it by 25mg at a time. Am also taking 200mg Gabapentin. Results are variable. I still have very bad nights and then quite good nights but persevering with increasing the quantities. I judge the quality of the night by how many hot drinks I have during the night and how many crossword puzzles I complete! Am also trying to build up my iron stores at the same time. Haven't noticed any change in appetite or weight but then I'm quite strict on monitoring my food intake and I do a lot of exercise. I am also starting to train seriously for the London Marathon next year so weight gain is probably not going to be an issue 😅 . Will let you know how it progresses 🙂

[Amrob in reply to Believer1234]

I read your comments about exercise and wondered whether you're familiar with the link between vigorous exercise and worsened RLS symptoms? Many people report a connection. I used to do more vigorous exercise but found it sent my RLS/ PLMD into overdrive. Conversely, I find walking helps.

[Wtfisup in reply to Believer1234]

You go girl! Friend of mine recently did NYC Marathon. It sounds like you know your body and take steps to be the best you can be. Only thing I add at night to sleep on bead nights is THC.

[Believer1234 in reply to Wtfisup]

Thank you 😊. Yes I tried full spectrum cannabis oil and it didn't work for me 😒

[Believer1234]

Thank you -.yes I have heard this but I've not noticed any difference when Ive been through periods of low activity. TBH its exercise that keeps me going mentally. It makes me feel that it's not going to beat me and control my days as well as my nights! 🙂