nerve pain

Question

Hi, I was prescribed gabapentin. Gained 10 pounds. Ive looked into Lyrica, seems like weight gain is also a side effect. Is anyone on a good med with minimal side effects? I dont mean to sound vein. Ive recently lost weight. Now gained back from medication.

aspen2 · Accepted Answer

I gained 30 pounds out of 40 lost taking lyrica :(.  I was taking Cymbalta for a couple of months recently; had to stop taking it for other reasons but it seemed better in the weight gain area for me(although I believe weight gain is still listed as a side effect -- you'll have to check).

It worked well for my nerve pain though :).

9196 · Answer

Thanks guys:) You all gave great advice !!! my finger accidentally hit best answer. If only my fingers did what I wanted them too:( Too often I miss type or drop things. Im going to my MS center on Friday. Will run the names of the meds you guys gave me:) Have a good evening.

kwarendorf · Answer

I take a combination of Lyrica and Elavil (amitriptilyne) for my neuropathic foot pain. It took a while to find the right combo. Initially it was gabapentin, then gabpentin + Elavil then Lyrica + Elavil. Elavil is and antidepressant. 

At some point along the way I added 10-15 LBS. I can't be sure if it was the meds, or the mass quantities of cookies I was shoving into my gob over the CHristmas holidays. (Being a baker can be hazardous to your waist!)

I'm going to see if diet and exercise will help before messing with m meds.

Kyle

essdipity · Answer

I only have to look at Lyrica to gain weight:-(  Gabapentin doesn't cause that, for me, but it also isn't very effective, even at a hefty dose.

Some antidepressants can help with nerve pain, I don't have a clue why. Amitriptyline is one, and also Cymbalta(?). We've had a lot of discussions on this subject here, which you can find via the search icon at the top. I believe that several people combine an AD and Lyrica or Gab, and this works well.
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Mostly, though, the problem seems to be finding something that works, more than the weight gain issue. As far as I know, there are no meds designed specifically for nerve pain, but the ones discussed were found to have this as a side effect. Try consulting with both your neuro and your primary, as they may have some good ideas. And I hope others here have suggestions.

Also remember that far from everyone has this or any other side effect. You might ask for a one-month's supply of Lyrica, gradually titer it up to an effective dose, and watch your weight. Maybe it'll be a win/win. If not, wean off and go to plan B or C. I hope you find something you like.

ess