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I got so fat from Lyrica...ughhh!!!

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Posted 1/14/2016 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
I was a size 6 before I started taking Lyrica. I didn't think I was so vain but now I'm a size 14 and it's hard to accept. I don't recognize myself and feel super self conscious. I'm only 5'5" so the weight is noticeable.

My husband is really great about it. I don't know why I can't be. I was always a petite person so I just don't feel like myself. The problem is that Lyrica has helped a lot with my pain control. I need it but I'm having a hard time accepting things.

Not only the weight gain (about 55 lbs) but also my lack of mobility. I can't walk far anymore. Can't exercise, ride horseback or do much of anything physical. I can't work full time any more. It's really getting to me. I'm having bad dreams often.

Even sex is no longer an option. Not that it matters much to me since the meds have zapped my libido. But I feel for my hubby... who is good about it and not complaining. I'm scared. I can't financially support myself any more. I'm a fat girl with no sex drive. What the hell has happened to me??

How can I deal with this? How do you deal with what's happening to you and is it similar?? Feel like screaming.
Posted 1/14/2016 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
Quite a few members have stopped taking Lyrica because of weight gain. I know I would if I were taking it and that happened to me. The weight is putting stress on other organs and also your muscles plus it's important to keep moving. To me it's a quality of life issue and it doesn't sound like your quality of life has improved on this medication.

There are other meds out there that have helped people. Many have success with Savella. There are other things you could try also that don't cause the weight gain that Lyrica does. I find it amazing they put Diabetic's on this for neuropathy because weight gain makes diabetes worse!

So, my humble opinion is I would personally stop the Lyrica and try something else. I am not a doctor but this makes sense to me. Of course talk to your doctor and let them know how unhappy you are about this bad side effect. Don't just stop it on your own. Besides the weight gain you sound depressed too. Get the joy back in your life. There are many options out there that might work even better!

Sherrine
Posted 1/14/2016 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ,

Sherrine gave great advice as usual...you may want to try something different..

With this disease, we have to try different ways to get the help we need..

I have heard other members say that over time the lyrica stopped helping as much also..

Have you tried other things? I really struggle with my weight, because i cannot be as active as i like.so can sure relate to the issue...

Having a winter flare ..and trying to work back out of it!
Posted 1/14/2016 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi
Thanks for the advice. I will talk to my doc. I haven't tried anything else. I take a combination of things at the moment for various problems on top of fibro - just a collection of autoimmune diseases but nothing as bad as fibro.

I agree that I'm feeling depressed about it. It may certainly be time to change up the meds. I will ask about Savella. My doc is hesitant to change things because the Lyrica has helped decrease my pain. However it is now creating too much of a problem with the weight.

I was in a photo taken yesterday and when I saw it I immediately thought, "I look like I ate my previous self!" Trying to have a sense of humour about it.

I appreciate you guys writing back to me. I'm feeling really down at the moment and it helps to write here and get advice from people who know what I'm talking about.
Thanks!
Posted 1/14/2016 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Years ago whenI was first dx'd my doctor gave me Elavil sp? to help with sleep issues. It worked great with that but I gained a lot of weight for me. I stopped taking it and tried other things. I lost the extra weight immediately.

I personally would look for other options.

Just my opinion.
Posted 1/14/2016 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
I do not not have much to add since our members have given you great advice as usual! Just want to lend my support to you. I love your comment about eating your former self; I have felt that way many times.

I hope you have good results from talking to your doctor! Gentle hugs.
Posted 1/15/2016 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
One of our local group gained over 80 pounds in 7 months - switched to neurontin and still gained

I had not seen her in months as we winter in Arizona - she gave me a hug and wondered who the heck the strange woman was hugging me
Posted 1/16/2016 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Yes it made me gain weight to. All medicine that says it will make you gain weight it does for me. Thing is when it says it can help you lose weight, ha not me. I've been on Victoza and Prozac, been on jardiance since May or June haven't lost weight either. Here's something strange, I weighed 191 in September. I now weigh 178 on the scales of my diabetic class. So I don't know why I've lost weight. Have symptoms of lupus. Could be one of my illnesses. Hope its not a new illness.
Posted 1/17/2016 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Weight is an issue for me as well. I have not tried Lyrica because of that side effect. It can be so discouraging fighting fibro. Everything is so mysterious and entangled.
Just sending you all who fight both battles (fibro and fat) some love. I am right there with you!
HEART
Posted 1/21/2016 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi first time here or anywhere to be honest
Have been taking lyrica for 5 yrs and gained so much weight put it down to not being active and have just accepted it as theres no active option for me
I've never heard of it causing weight gain so I am in shock that I could have avoided it mad
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