Lyrica/Pregabalin

[AzraCG]

Hi has anyone experienced weight gain on lyrica?

[ChrisColumbus]

One of the common side effects of pregabalin (Lyrica) is 'appetite abnormal' which can of course lead to weight gain unless diet is monitored.

But are you still taking pregabalin? You have previously reported "Lyrica,gabapentin didn't help for me" and Joolsg recommended low dose opioids: were you unable to get one of these prescribed in South Africa?

[AzraCG in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thanks chrisI was enquiring for a friend. Yes I tried it and it wasn't for me. I've been having a tramacet everyday. Seems to be helping. Hoping I don't go through augmentation with this

[Joolsg]

It's a very common side effect. Pregabalin increases appetite - so you have to watch your intake carefully.It also causes water retention which can add to weight gain.

[SueJohnson]

You might want to try switching to gabapentin. Although they are basically the same drug except you need to divide the doses, and the side effects are basically the same, some people find that the side effects that bother them on one don't bother them on the other. Multiply the pregabalin amount by 6 to get the correct dose. If you need more than 600 mg take the extra 4 hours before bedtime as it is not as well absorbed above 600 mg. If you need more than 1200 mg, take the extra 6 hours before bedtime. If you take magnesium, even in a multivitamin, don't take it within 3 hours of the gabapentin as it reduces the absorption of the gabapentin. If you take calcium don't take it within 2 hours for the same reason.

Pregabalin is much more likely to cause weight gain.

[Theonlypetied]

Yeah! 2 1/2 bloody stone in 18 months!

[Westann]

I switched from gabapentin to pregabalin and gained 10 lbs. But the pregabalin controls my symptoms much better, and has been well worth the weight gain. After the first month or so, my weight stabilized and I stopped gaining. However, I'm having difficulty losing that extra 10.

[AzraCG in reply to Westann]

All the best. Rather some added weight then the rls horror

[SueJohnson in reply to Westann]

For others who might read your reply, it was because you didn't like taking gabapentin 2 hours apart that you switched as the 1800 mg would control your symptoms equally as the 300 mg of pregabalin if taken that way. I can certainly understand as taking it 2 hours apart can be a nuisance (I switch when the occasion warants it for the same reason) but I don't want others thinking pregabalin is more effective. .

[marsha2306]

Yup, 12 lbs in 4 weeks

[BettyRae]

Yes!