Lyrica (Pregabalin) is an FDA approved drug to treat fibromyalgia patients. It is used to relieve nerve pain. Lyrica works by decreasing the number of nerve signals. It also calms down the oversensitive nerves. It is also used to treat partial seizures. Lyrica is a capsule taken in two divided doses daily.
As you all know fibromyalgia patients are the victims of extreme pain. It was seen that Lyrica did great job in relieving their pain. But a lot of people are complaining that Lyrica is causing weight gain. And this weight gain was associated with increasing the dose of Lyrica. Well apart from its side effect like weight gain, it does excellent job in reducing pain. So the weight gain factor can be successfully overcome by some healthy habits.
Lyrica (Pregabalin) is considered above opioids for treating pain and in some countries it is also used to treat anxiety disorders. It is still not fully understood how Lyrica causes weight gain. Many researchers have been done on this.
Some factors which came in limelight include:
Fatigue
It was seen that after taking Lyrica people really feel exhausted and worn out. Their ability to do work out decreases, they feel like staying in the bed all the time. This laziness and lack of movement in return slows their metabolism and it leads to weight gain in these patients.
Hormone levels
It is seen that lyrica is potientally affecting the hormone levels in the body. Some weight controlling hormones are altered by Lyrica like leptin and cortisol. Altering the levels of these hormones can cause weight gain in return.
Appetite increases
Some people were reporting that their appetite was increasing after taking Lyrica. They keep on eating food. Lyrica boosts their appetite. This increase in appetite was the cause of weight gain in these patients.
Water retention
Another factor seen in weight gain due to Lyrica was water retention in these patients. This water retention factor of Lyrica can in return make them feel bloated and heavier. Diuretics can be used to treat this water retention element, but it can be fatal too.
Dosage
Increasing the dose of Lyrica in return increases the possible side effects of Lyrica. The more Lyrica you are consuming the higher will be its unwanted effects including weight gain.
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How to Avoid Weight Gain
This weight gain factor due to Lyrica can be avoided by adapting various lifestyle habits. Making small changes in your daily life can help you lose your unwanted weight. Some tips include
1. Balanced meals
You should eat balanced meals. Avoid fried foods, sugar and white flour. Prefer low fat meat, grains, vegetables and dairy products. Eliminate the habit of unnecessary eating like eating food due cravings and depression. Eat only when you are hungry.
2. Exercise
You should make a daily habit of exercising 15 to 20 minutes. If you are suffering from chronic pain mild exercises like walking and swimming may be helpful. It will comfortable to do aerobic exercises for 30 minutes on alternate days.
3. Water consumption
Decrease in the water intake can in return lead to water retention by the kidneys. That can result into bloating and weight gain. You should drink at least 10 glasses of water daily so that this water can flush out your kidneys.
4. Reduce your caloric intake
Reducing caloric intake doesn’t mean that you should skip your meals. Choose low fat foods and avoid sugary deserts. Small changes in your diet can reduce your caloric intake by 1000 calories per day.
Related Article: How to Lose weight in Fibromyalgia
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References:
- Lyrica(Pregabalin) and Weight Gain? Yes or No? via Question/Answer ,Drugs.com
- How to Lose Weight While Taking Lyrica By Holly Case via Live Strong
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