Does Pregabalin Cause Weight Gain?

It is crucial to understand how medicines impact our bodies, including side effects like weight gain. Pregabalin is a popular medication sold under brand names like Lyrica, Nervigesic, etc. This medication is known as an anticonvulsant and is approved by the FDA to treat conditions like seizures, neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and fibromyalgia.

However, as its use among people around the globe has grown, so have concerns about its adverse events. One common concern is weight gain.

So, what’s the link between Pregabalin and weight gain? This detailed guide will help you find out.

Does Lyrica Cause Weight Gain?

One potential side effect of the pain relief medication Pregabalin is weight gain. However, most people will not gain weight or only a tiny amount. The reported incidence of weight gain from Pregabalin ranges from 2% to 14.8% of people.

How Does Pregabalin Cause Weight Gain?

It is not known how Pregabalin causes weight gain. It may increase users’ appetite or make them drowsy, reducing their physical activity. Pregabalin has also been linked with fluid retention, especially in the limbs, which can increase weight [1].

Sometimes, weight gain due to Pregabalin may also result from its abuse, but it has not been studied. However, people who abuse Lyrica often take higher doses of the drug than people who are not taking it for clinical reasons, usually three to 20 times the therapeutic dose [2].

This could lead to a higher risk of weight gain, depending on how frequently they are taking Pregabalin for recreational purposes and what other drugs they are using.

Other factors are associated with gaining extra pounds while taking Pregabalin.

Use of other medications : In a study of patients taking Lyrica for seizures, the mean weight gained was 9 lbs (4 kg) over six months. However, these patients were also taking other medicines from the same class, and weight gain was correlated with high total medicine use [3].

Higher doses and longer periods of use : Weight gain due to Pregabalin may be related to the duration and dose of the medication. A study by Hannah Poppen et al. published in 2021 included patients taking Lyrica for neuropathic pain and found a weight gain of 3.6 lbs during 12–18 months. Patients who took higher doses gained more weight: an average of 6.5 lbs.

A few people taking the medication gain weight. However, its effectiveness in managing various health ailments outweighs its ability to cause weight gain. So, if you have been prescribed Pregabalin for neuropathic pain or seizures, you can check out the popular brand drugs of Pregabalin.

How To Avoid Weight Gain On Pregabalin?

Below are some ways to avoid or reduce weight gain on Pegabalin.

Consult a dietitian—speak to a dietitian who can help you come up with a healthy meal plan to satisfy your hunger and control your weight.

Physical workout—Try to perform at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Staying active can also help reduce the sleepiness Pregabalin can cause.

Eat a balanced diet – If you feel Pregabalin is increasing your appetite, add lean protein (found in poultry, soy, fish, and dried beans) and small amounts of healthy fats to your diet. These foods can keep you fuller because they take longer to digest.

Quality sleep –  Try to follow a proper sleep routine with a maximum of 7-9 hours a day.

Other Pregabalin Side Effects

Other common side effects of Pregabalin include [4] –

• Increased appetite
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Gas and bloating
• Lack of coordination
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Elevated mood
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of balance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness.

You can check out the drug’s website content on Pregabalin’s side effects to understand the common, severe, and long-term adverse effects of this pain medication.

Precautions And Warnings

• Pregabalin can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. In such cases, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical help. Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, swelling in the mouth, face, or throat, and hives, or blisters on the skin.
• If you have heart disease or diabetes, inform your doctor if you have weight gain or swelling in your feet or hands while taking Pregabalin.
• Do not stop taking Pregabalin suddenly, even if you feel better, because stopping the medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Do not give this medication to children without medical advice.
• Before taking Pregabalin, tell your doctor if you ever had kidney disease, diabetes, angioedema (a severe allergic reaction), lung disease, or a mood disorder such as depression.
• Follow all the instructions written on the manufacturer leaflet before consuming Pregabalin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Pregabalin can be a potent treatment option for various conditions, its potential to cause weight gain is a concern for some people. Individuals must communicate any changes in their body weight to their doctors and discuss various strategies for weight management.