{"id":634420,"date":"2025-12-11T09:23:46","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T14:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634420"},"modified":"2025-12-11T09:23:45","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T14:23:45","slug":"how-to-avoid-weight-gain-on-pregabalin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-to-avoid-weight-gain-on-pregabalin\/","title":{"rendered":"How to avoid weight gain on pregabalin"},"content":{"rendered":"

An estimated 1.7 million people in the United States <\/span>take pregabalin<\/span><\/a>, which is FDA approved for the treatment of nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, spinal cord injuries, and <\/span>fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a>. Pregabalin may also be prescribed as an adjunct therapy for epilepsy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some people report gaining weight on <\/span>pregabalin<\/span><\/a>, also sold under the brand name Lyrica. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to avoid that side effect.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does pregabalin cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pregabalin (<\/span>Lyrica<\/span><\/a>) is a gabapentinoid, which is a class of drugs that reduce nerve pain by binding to alpha-2-delta subunits of what are called voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) to decrease the release of several neurotransmitters to reduce pain signaling in the pain pathway.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few main reasons why <\/span>pregabalin<\/span><\/a> could lead to weight gain. Peripheral edema, characterized by swelling in the extremities, is a known <\/span>side effect of pregabalin<\/span><\/a>. This occurs because when the drug binds to those VGCCs, it can lead to dilation of your small arteries, but there is no dilation in your small veins. This results in fluid leakage into your body tissues, causing the swelling.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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A study found that <\/span>peripheral edema<\/span><\/a> is one of the most common side effects of pregabalin, with an incidence rate of 10% or higher. That fluid retention could cause the number on your scale to rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another reason pregabalin could lead to weight gain is that it <\/span>inhibits dopaminergic function<\/span><\/a> in your brain when you eat food. This makes eating more enjoyable and actually encourages you to continue eating. Many people report an increased appetite while on pregabalin. The more calories you consume without burning, the more likely it is that you may gain weight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, some people experience fatigue and drowsiness while taking pregabalin. Research suggests that older adults who also <\/span>take strong opioids<\/span><\/a> are at risk of experiencing this effect. (It should be noted that people with fibromyalgia have actually experienced a <\/span>reduction in fatigue-related symptoms<\/span><\/a> while on pregabalin. ) Any kind of fatigue or sleepiness could make it more challenging to exercise and burn calories, which can lead to weight gain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is weight gain inevitable on pregabalin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some weight gain is a common side effect of pregabalin, but <\/span>significant<\/span><\/i> weight gain is not inevitable. In fact, an analysis of studies involving more than 43,000 people taking the drug found that more than 80% remained <\/span>within 7% of their starting weight<\/span><\/a> for close to a year. Only 1 in 6 people had an average weight gain of more than 7% two months or longer after starting to take the drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several factors may increase the likelihood of weight gain with pregabalin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201c<\/span>Studies indicate that the longer usage and\/or higher dosages tend to increase the likelihood of weight gain,\u201d explains <\/span>Erika Gray, Pharm.D<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>, founder and chief medical officer at ToolBox Genomics.com.<\/span><\/p>\n

While dosage varies from patient to patient, most people <\/span>starting pregabalin<\/span><\/a> take an initial total daily dose of 150 milligrams. The length of time you may be on it depends on your condition and your healthcare provider\u2019s advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

One study found that people who were on the drug for more than 12 months for neuropathic pain <\/span>gained an average of 3.6 pounds<\/span><\/a>. This study also found that more weight was gained at higher doses, specifically those exceeding 300 milligrams a day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Renal function<\/span><\/h3>\n

People with kidney disease or infections may have elevated serum creatinine levels. Your kidneys filter serum creatinine. If they are damaged or if you\u2019re dehydrated, your kidneys aren\u2019t able to perform this function. A study found that people with higher serum creatinine levels were <\/span>more likely to gain weight<\/span><\/a> while on pregabalin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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