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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pacific, WA

Ive been taking Lyrica for about 7 months at 50mg 3X a day. Ive gained over 40 pounds and just keep retaining water. I did start to take natural pills called water management with dandelion and green tea. Has anyone had same experience? And what do others take for this? Also my hands and feet swollen. None of my rings fit😑

June 5, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly shared experiences of significant water retention and weight gain on Lyrica, with many reporting 20 to 40 pounds... Read more

Members overwhelmingly shared experiences of significant water retention and weight gain on Lyrica, with many reporting 20 to 40 pounds gained, swollen hands and feet, and rings no longer fitting, though responses varied widely with some finding the medication essential while others discontinued it due to intolerable side effects. Several members offered practical strategies including tapering off slowly if discontinuing, reducing salt intake, trying green tea with honey or dandelion-based supplements for water retention, adjusting dosage timing or amounts with their doctors, and weighing whether pain relief benefits outweigh the challenging side effects. A recurring theme was that Lyrica calms nerve pain effectively for some but comes with difficult tradeoffs like weight gain, swelling, brain fog, and balance issues, leading many to explore alternatives like gabapentin, natural remedies, or careful dose adjustments to find what works best for their individual bodies.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I take 50 mg of Lyrica in the morning & 75 mg at night. I was taking 75 mg in the day but my family said it made me loopy. I couldnt concentrate at all & just felt out of it. So I take the lesser dose in the day & it works better for me. I have no swelling. I am not sure if my small amount of weight gain is from the meds or if I am just not eating right, which I havent been, as I am uaually very good about eating healthy & exercising. I hardly have any pain since taking Lyrica so for me it has been working these last 5 years. It is not for eveyone. Everyone has to find what works best for them.

June 5, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I retain water when the temperature is cold. And it reverses when it is warm to not because I swear like crazy and have a very hard time staying properly hydrated! One of the thing unlearned form Lyrica is that if I used salt it caused me to gain a lot more water weight! Green tea with honey is a great way to help you loose the water weight!

June 5, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have been on it for four years now. In general I do better. However I do get mild swelling in my thumbs on a daily basis. I watch my sodium intake but I crave cookies ever since I started taking it. Needless to say i've gained 20lbs on it. If I do light workouts or swim the weight comes off. I really feel like everyone responds to it differently and it's up to you to decide if the side effects you experience are worth the benefits. I have lowered my dose to 50mgs a day (two at night to help me sleep and get through the night, my worst time) sometimes when I flare up I increase it until the flare is over. Lyrics is not for everyone

June 5, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Lyrica works great. Was hard to get off so taper if you do. I was just about 200 lbs when normally I was 135. My metabolism has never been the same. I struggle with my weight. My hands got so swollen. They hurt! Be careful! You arent alone. Most people I talk to say the same thing. I have started asking my docs for meds that have been around awhile. These new drugs have so many side effects.

June 5, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

My experience with Lyrica was very disappointing. I gained 30+ lbs in a matter of months without any diet changes. It also made many of my fibro symptoms a lot worse. I haven’t had any serious falls since stopping Lyrica. I also feel that my brain fog isn’t as bad and I can think clearer.

June 9, 2018

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