Yes, weight gain is one of the most common side effects with Pregabalin in both adults and children. In studies that were 14 weeks long in adults, 9% of Pregabalin-treated patients and 2% of placebo (inactive treatment) patients gained 7% or more over their weight at the beginning of the study. Pregabalin is also linked with an increase in appetite and fluid retention.
Weight gain while you are taking Pregabalin can be associated with higher doses and longer lengths of treatment. In studies, few patients (0.3%) stopped treatment due to weight gain.
Pregabalin treatment may also cause peripheral edema (swelling of your hands, legs and feet), which can be associated with weight gain.
In studies in adults, the incidence of peripheral edema was 6% in the Pregabalin group compared with 2% in the placebo (inactive treatment) group.
In controlled clinical trials, 0.5% of Pregabalin patients and 0.2% placebo patients withdrew due to peripheral edema.
Weight gain was not associated with clinically important changes in blood pressure in short-term controlled studies, but the long-term effects of weight gain on heart safety due to Pregabalin are unknown.
How does Pregabalin affect weight in patients with diabetes?
Patients with diabetes treated with Pregabalin gained an average of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) compared to 0.3 kg (0.66 lb) in the placebo-treated patients.
There was a wide range of weight changes among these patients with diabetes.
Weight changes ranged from a weight gain of 16 kg (35 lb) to a weight loss of 16 kg (35 lb) in patients taking Pregabalin. In the placebo group, weight changes ranged from a weight gain of 9 kg (19.8 lb) to a weight loss of 10 kg (22 lb).
In one group of 333 diabetic patients who took Pregabalin for at least 2 years, the average weight gain was 5.2 kg (11.4 lb).
In controlled and open-label longer term studies, Pregabalin does not appear to be linked with loss of blood sugar control (HbA1c) in patients with diabetes.
Weight gain and fluid retention are known side effects of the thiazolidinedione antidiabetic drug class. Higher frequencies of weight gain and peripheral edema were seen in diabetes patients taking both Pregabalin and a thiazolidinedione medicine (examples: rosiglitazone or pioglitazone) when compared to patients taking either drug alone.
Use caution if you are taking Pregabalin with a thiazolidinedione medicine, as the combination may worsen or lead to heart failure. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms:
cough or shortness of breath that is new or worse
swelling of the ankles or legs
abnormal heartbeat
weight gain of more than five pounds in 24 hours
dizziness
fainting
