Lyrica works well for me. I suffer from chronic pain due to 6 ruptured 6... 4 in my neck and 2 huge ones in my lower bato from an auto accident where I got rear ended. I believe I got fibromyalgia due to the accident. My pain is terrible to the point where I take Zofran for nausea. My pcp did blood ak my ANA came back positive possibly meaning I have Lupus. Im so nervous my moms cousin passed away @ an early age due to the disease. Im only 30 I have 3 kids. I can't work I filed for disability and go to my hearing in July... I pray I get it. Im on methadone xanax Lyrica norco robaxin lidoderm patches dyazide b/c lately my bp has been 160's/100's im not sure why and I've gained 30lbs since on Lyrica which is not good for my back. Also im anemic and take prescription strength iron. Im so depressed I wish I could be the same person I was before the accident in Sept 2010. Anyone with any comments to share... I would love to talk to someone who can relate to what im going thru :(
What can I do to stop weight gain caused by Lyrica?
Question posted by nledesma1981 on 16 June 2012
Last updated on 16 March 2021 by 1965LP
37 Answers
I feel sorry for your pain and understand completely. I have a similar story minus the accident. I started with iron def anemia which is when my symptoms began at age 42. They used to get better after my iron infusions but at about age 49, I started with pain, fatigue, tingling and burning of my whole body at night. I fought it for a while then started cymbalta 60mg at night. It was a life saver. I too am diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have a positive ANA. They think I have an overlap syndrome which is a sort of mixed connective tissue disorder that has yet to present. Sometimes my crp is elevated. I recently started lyrica 3 times daily with the cymbalta and it has really helped.
It is also important to exercise regularly. I watched Caroline Jordan on YouTube who has a bunch of short 8min to 30min low impact exercises even for folks with back injuries. Also make sure you make time to sleep and rest. I have limited my activities and have started to get more done with less pain.
I am also on tramadol 50mg 4x daily and roboxan 2 to 3 times when necessary. When the weather is cold and damp or I overdo things, I really regress and it takes days to recover.
Take slow steps. I was at a point of really giving in to this and I pushed myself into a positive life. There are more of us out there than we realize.
Oh honey! im SO sorry that you are going through all this.
I am 84 years of age and in constant pain due to arthritis, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, and spinal deterioration, all due to back surgery for a compressed spinal cord.
I had taken Lyrica years ago and didn't gain a pound, but this time after only being it again all I want to do is eat :( I’ve only been on it again 3 days and have gained 2 pounds.
However, it is really helping my pain in these 3 days, although my equilibrium has been off some. I’m determined to conquer this wanting to eat AND the equilibrium. I’m asking our Heavenly Father to help, and He will. I will say a prayer for you too dear. Stay strong. I don’t know who you are, but God does.
I fully understand the pain you suffer and depression from work related injury the worst right now is I can't lose weight because if I go off lyrica I have tingling in feet so I'm stuck with weight and that adds to pain damned if you do if you don't
I recently started on Lyrica 200mg a day. How long before it starts working? I’m extremely concerned about the weight gain I keep reading about. Has anybody come up with a way to prevent this? I appreciate any tips on what worked for you.
Hi Calcetin64. Tingling in feet (and hands) can be a withdrawal symptom too. Just check out ‘The Discontinuation Syndrome’ on Google and you can see the symptoms from ‘withdrawals’ from these types of medications. I have completely tapered off Lyrica and I don’t experience these tingling symptoms anymore. I didn’t have them while tapering either because I went off very slowly. Thousands of people have tapered completely off Lyrica; including me; and you can do it too. Remember we are not alone. Take care and I wish you the best. Cindy
I gained 40 lbs on Lyrica in 5 months with the first 11 lbs in 2 weeks. I have never been overweight! I had ACDF surgery of 3 levels 3 months ago and have been off Lyrica for 3 weeks now and I haven't lost ANY of the weight!
Hi Carte. Please don’t give up! You will lose the weight. It just takes time. There are thousands of us going through this and we will make it. Take care xo
Cindy59
Hi my name is Maria I just started taking lyrica so I don't know if I'll gain weight but I do know that iron makes you gain alot of weight try to change the way you eat so you won't be enemic another condition you have is lupis I believe I have a friend who has lived along time so don't give up your too young praying helps alot he always hears us he doesn't give us more than we can take hang in there I lost 70lbs for a total knee replacement by using this app it's called mynetdiary try it's really good if you want to talk you could call me at 3235340268 a friend Maria
Hey did you get the disability? I'm still in process after 6 shoulder surgeries and I can relate to all of the above. ..except we only have 2 kiddos... let me know! Best of luck!
Hi. I can empathize with your frustrations and pain. I was diagnosed with Lupus 13 years ago, and Addisons disease three years ago. Recently I gained 65 pounds within a two-month period. I'm not sure if it was the Lyrica, or the fact I stopped Plaquenil that caused the weight gain.
I was shocked to read your post, due to our health similarities. I am also a chronic anemic, and now malnutritioned. I have back problems, that worsened with the weight gain. My nutrients are not absorbed by my body, so I have to supplement all vitamins and minerals. It's so frustrating bcuz I gain weight, yet I have anemia and malnutrition. It's interesting to know someone else suffers from very similar issues. Let me know if you were able to solve the weight issue, and if so, how.
If anyone else has any input, please feel free to comment.
I also do a light yoga daily that opens the joints and gets the blood flowing "yoga class with gary brumley" he is an aussie. I have used this very yoga session to skip phy$io
Have your PCP refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in treating Fibromyalgia. I know the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, has a research based-Best Practices program for Fibromyalgia and lifestyle. The program includes correct movement to prevent pain, exercise, etc. Also have a goal to stop the narcotics (norco robaxin) by working with your doctor to prevent withdrawal. The narcotics relieve pain but drag you down and cause drowsiness. The drowsiness can lead to depression because you feel guilty for not doing more. When talking to your PCP ask about starting Cymbalta (duloxetine). This drug has properties of Prozac, for example a SSRI antidepressant AND is specific for treating neuropathic pain. 20 - 60 mg is the daily dose. Don't beat yourself up about the weight gain. Think more in terms of protein, healthy fats and vegetables to stay away from carbohydrate craving. You have a lot of work ahead of you.
Get your family involved to help fix healthy meals, an exercise you all enjoy- swimming or non-weight bearing walking at waist to chest high water as prescribed. Exercise to keep the muscles limber and strong is turning out to be one of the major treatments for fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. Remember if you miss a day of your prescribed exercises you may start over with pain, that is how important this is. I would not recommend that you NOT stop Lyrica. My feeling is that you need the pain relief the Lyrica can give. Take Lyrica to achieve the best pain relief, every 12 hours scheduled and possibly a little higher dose if you are already doing the every 12 hour dosing. Remember no alcohol or acetaminophen with Lyrica. Lyrica metabolism can be blocked through the liver with alcohol or acetaminophen use resulting in the Lyrica blood level to drop. This may lead to seizures. Again talk to your PCP about this. Look into local support group(s) for perhaps your religious background and/or Fibromyalgia and back pain. Last, but not least, read, read, read all you can about these topics. You are your best advocate. I wish you and your family the very best.
I had an accident to my nerves first and then Fibro 6 years later with chronic fatigue syndrome. Two different pains.
I started on Gabapentin and did not have weight gain but it didn't work either. He maxed out the dose and it interfered with my decision making. Sounds benign. Ut you can really get yourself into trouble! Lol...
I weaned off and another put me on Lyrica which not only gained but would. It allow me to lose it. She wanted me. Ack on an antidepressant but I looked at her crazy and said I'm depressed because I've just gained 25 lbs in 3 months and couldn't lose it.
In the middle of all this I developed breast cancer and had to go through treatment including the 5 year Arimidex which gave me bone on bone arthritis to both my knees. The extra weight killed them and I couldn't run or exercise like I used to do.
I weaned off of it because it didn't work.
My ANA and send rates were the only thing elevated.
Your BP is probably elevated for 2 reasons:
Pain & Weight gain so you need the Dyazide.
Your on a muscle relaxant.
Methadone can be used as long term or short term. It's probably long term because you are on Norco too which is SA.
Lidocaine patch is good.
Xanax for anxiety / sleep.
A big red flag missing is an antidepressant !
It's been show that they have pain relieving effects as well as the depression that people in chronic pain experience.
If you live around a pain center you may try pain rehab. NOT to get you off of pain pills but to give you better coping skills.
I looked into Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and it's all day x 3 weeks. They teach all types of techniques but it's not for diagnosing or getting pain meds. I forgot their success rate but it's over 50%.
I'd highly recommend you find a psychiatrist who specializes in pain. You are so very young and the responsibility of children is incredible!
You need someone who understands you and can watch your back that you are being treated correctly.
It was good thinking to get the disability going.
I would go online and check out pain and alternative treatment.
I got into CBT, Medidation, Deep Breathing, Crystals,Aromatherapy,Deep tissue massage and I became a Reiki Master.
It gives you a more positive outlook and out of the victim role.
Don't dwell on the person you used to be. Look forward to the strong person you are going to be in the future and empathetic for the experience you are going through now.
Don't go into that dark place. Rely on your friends to visit you. Just a word of warning... people don't enjoy hearing complaints. Not that they don't care but they feel helpless. This is why a psychiatrist or support group is good.
One last thing... make sure you have full confidence in your doctor.
I would also call the kids school to watch them carefully for any abnormal behavior because illness of a parent may bring it out.
Best wishes to you and I'll be praying for you.
Please post again if you are going through an extra bad time.
First of all, my heart goes out to everyone who suffers from back pain. I have had times where I was literally crawling on the floor in agony. I have been on Lyrica for a few months now. I noticed swelling when my dosage increased to 300mg daily. My appetite also increased. I knew this was going to happen since I researched this medication. I've been limiting my snacking and watching my diet. I eat a lot of salmon, cheese, bananas, tuna, beans and lentils, which are foods loaded with vitamin B6. I also started taking 275mg of vitamin B6 and 150 mg of magnesium citrate. My swelling decreased almost immediately. So far, my side affects are few. However, I have crohn's disease, have an ileostomy, and wear a pouch. I lose a lot of water and sodium as I have a liquid output. This could make a difference in the way I react to Lyrica.
I can relate to what you are saying. I have fibromyalgia. And I got disability after fighting for it for 2 years. Make sure your doctor fills out the forms properly the first time you apply. If you do get disability... they back pay you from the date you sent in the forms. Also they consider every other medical condition you have so State them all. Even the accident. I was also in a car accident and I have fibromyalgia ... I took Lyrica just within 2 months I gained 10 pounds a month. There is no stopping gaining weight on Lyrica it makes you hungry all the time. I got OFF of it due to gaining too much weight because then it does put more stress on my body and also when I had the car accident and hurt my back it also hurts my back twice as much with the weight gain so I went off the Lyrica totally. That's the only thing I think you can do. I hope this helps you dear.
Try medical marijuana, helps with pain but also makes you hungry and that puts weight on. The devil you know or the one you don't know. Talk to your doctor , it will help with pain and depression! Good luck
I used Lyrica a few years ago and gained weight. I cannot say it is totally because of the drug. My scoliosis took a turn for the worse and back pain caused me to severely decrease my activity. I have since had a nerve stimulator implanted which helped with the scoliosis but not with the overall fibromyalgia. At the same time as the stimulator implant I switched insurance and my new insurance would not cover the Lyrica. I suffered through with gabapentin(sp?) for several years but it wasn't getting the job done. I did however, lose 20 pounds. Again, I cannot say whether this was because of the increased activity that my stimulator allowed me to do or because I switched medications. I am now on Medicare with a supplemental insurance and although it is still very expensive I decided to bite the big one and go back on the Lyrica. My weight is where I want it to be so I have been watching it carefully to see what happens.
I noticed it was starting to creep up a little even though I was eating the same and at the same activity level. I saw a post somewhere that said that one of the issues with this Lyrica weight gain was fluid retention. I have always been a person to drink at least a gallon of liquid a day but I decided to up the stakes to see if that would help with the fluid retention. Many might not be aware that drinking MORE actually helps to relieve fluid retention. It worked almost instantly! My weight has come back down to where it was prior to restarting the Lyrica and has been easy to keep it there. I can't say for sure that this will work for everyone but I hope it will help some... try to INCREASE YOUR DAILY FLUID INTAKE for several weeks to see if it helps. Even if you already drink the recommended amount of fluid in a day add more. It doesn't have to be water but obviously you don't want drinks with a lot of calories or that will put weight on.
It was such a relief to read the comments about Lyrica causing weight gain. I have been on Pregabalin for 3 years now, for nightly anxiety headaches, which wake me at 6.00am every morning. I have gradually reduced the dose over this period, from 400mg to 225mg, but I don't feel I can reduce any anymore. I have put on so much weight around my middle and now I know why! I'll try the tip (thank you) about putting lemon or lime into water and am wondering whether it's safe to take diuretics from the chemist on a regular basis? Thanks!
I am sending you strength and relief energies. I absolutely can relate to your position! I have been there myself. I've had severe pain for several years in my neck and back. I was on a lot of the same meds that you are on. I was literally in bed for 3 years due to pain and the enormous amount of medication I was taking. I didn't care to even shower much less exercise. What I found after getting in touch with an excellent pain management DR That was amazing. He helped me realize that all these medications were working more against me than helping me. Now this was the hard part. Those meds were that I thought kept from being in worse pain had become my security. They became the most important thing to me. I had to wean myself off all the meds for pain and anxiety. Especially, the Xanax and OxyContin.
The meds were something I know I'd always have to take, but I was on so many different drugs I couldn't tell which one really helped and which ones didn't. So, what I needed to do was get it out of my system for as long as possible and start over at a much lower dose. This was not something that happened overnight, it took a long time. But looking back now I'm glad I did it. I do still take pain meds but much much lower doses and walked away from Xanax completely. I was suicidal before because I had no quality of life from the pain, depression, meds. I still have pain and some days I can't hardly move but I'm able to function. I have a job for the 1st time in 10 years. I just want you to not give up hope!! It's so hard but worth the fight! Try to find a good pain dr. I couldn't have done this without him.
I wish you strength!
Related topics
lyrica, weight loss (obesity/overweight), pain, fibromyalgia, weight, chronic
Further information
- Lyrica uses and safety info
- Lyrica prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lyrica (detailed)
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