Pregabalin and weight gain

[Jacaro123]

Hi, I have suffered with Fibro for about the last 5 years, with a definite diagnosis earlier this year. My consultant has suggested I take pregabalin (Lyrica) which does seem to have helped. he also said I need to lose weight (approx 4 stone!!) After the appointment I started to diet and lost about 1/2 stone before the pregabalin kicked in...I have now put all the weight back on and don't seem to be able to shift it again whatever I do. I know that weight gain can be a side effect of pregabalin, but it seems hopeless to tell someone that they must lose weight then put them on medication that stops that happening...anyone got any ideas? I don't want to lose the good effect of the pregabalin, but I also do want to lose the weight...

[meliniwish]

I changed from Pregablin to Gabapentin because of the water retention. I then lost 7lb in a week! Pregablin was the better pain relief, and Gabapentin has a whole host of other side effects....... What can we do??

[pam stewart]

I suggest you go back to you doctor and talk through the options. You may be referred to a nutritionist or your medication be amended to cope with the water retention or both.

[mandylou42]

I was put on amitriptyline for the first time and put a lot of weight on with it about 20lbs, I was at the time already overweight but I found it helped greatly, it was only a low dose about 25mg I think, anyway mix up with useless GP surgery and I stopped them. Now I was massive and fed up of docs and consultants saying that my weight was causing all the pain!! So I joined slimmingworld it was the best thing I ever did, I have lost 4stone 81/2 lb it has been hard work as I have done that by being virtually housebound and in to much pain to do any form of exercise, it has took me longer than most to lose it 19 months. I am still in all that pain if not a hell of a lot more, but look good. So to my dismay the doc wanted me to go back on them about 6 months ago, I was terrified I would undo all my hard work but even on 100mg of oxycodone the pain was to much. Carying on with the slimmingword plan and also useing a aapp for my phone called your fitness pal to count my calorie intake every day has helped me carry on losing weight, I have 11lb to lose and then I am at my target weight, so believe me if I can do it anyone can, it really is hard work with all the meds but it is achievable. My pain and all symptoms of fibro are worse and I have never felt so bad but hay I look good haha