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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chippenham, UK

Is there anything I can take tablet wise that's over the counter to help with the weight gain caused by the medication I'm on? Or do I just have to live with it?

September 8, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members connected over the frustrating reality of medication-induced weight gain, with many sharing they gained anywhere from 9 to 45 pounds... Read more

Members connected over the frustrating reality of medication-induced weight gain, with many sharing they gained anywhere from 9 to 45 pounds on drugs like Lyrica, gabapentin, and duloxetine despite efforts to exercise and watch their diets. Several members offered practical strategies, including working with a nutritionist or allergist, taking probiotics to support gut health, eliminating inflammatory foods like corn and wheat, increasing water intake, and in some cases switching medications or adding treatments like Victoza to counteract weight gain. A recurring theme was the painful trade-off between managing fibromyalgia symptoms and accepting weight gain, with many members ultimately choosing pain relief over staying thin while encouraging each other to be gentle with themselves and focus on what truly improves their quality of life.

A MyFibroTeam Member

You can get a referral to a nutritionist easily who will assess and assist with weight gain. An allergist can also make sure you aren't consuming food sensitives which will complicate your digestion, slow your medicine uptake, block your bowels, and make you appear and feel fatter.

September 8, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Tasha, I would love to tell you I know of something but I don't. I gained 20 lbs while taking lyrica and am still so upset about it. I'm already overweight so this is not acceptable. I recently stopped taking it and all my symptoms have returned. Lyrica made me feel almost normal. I couldn't continue to gain weight though plus my hair has been falling out. If you find something please let me know.

September 8, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

For the first time in years I'm pretty much pain free, just went through my wadrobe n had to chuck stuff cos iv ballooned n nothing fits anymore looking at the positives I get to go shopping for new clothes and n my pain is not to bad, as long as I don't go over a size 18 I think I can cope gunna try n cut out chocolate and bread as there my biggest downfalls n then keep illuminating foods slowly don't see why I should have this illness and eat like a rabbit lol x

September 11, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Hello Tasha, no l would not buy anything to help with weight gain, the only way to lose some weight is to consume less calories and try to be as active as possible. i have been gaining weight and hopefully it is now maybe starting to get less, l hope, but only because l am conscious of my eating habits, l love cake especially lemon drizzle, even writing it down makes me want to drool, sorry that doesnt help at all. But you are not alone in weight gain caused by tablets and also not able to exercise enough through no fault of your own. try not to get upset about it, l have bought bigger sized clothes which makes finding clothes that l look o.k. in easier and l tell myself that l've kept.some one size smaller just in case l get lucky.. Take care, try to enjoy the sunshine while it is with us. JaneG

September 8, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I hear that. I did it to be healthier and less pain.

September 11, 2016

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