If you suffer from seizures, nerve problems, or fibromyalgia, you may be prescribed Lyrica. This drug can treat these problems effectively, but it has side effects such as increased appetite, food cravings, and a slower metabolism. To avoid gaining weight when taking this drug, you can maintain a healthy and balanced diet and stay active with frequent exercises. If you don't like the Lyrica, talk to your doctor about your options. Don't leave it without talking to your doctor first to confirm that it's safe for you to do so.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Maintain a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Step 1. Create a meal plan and cook at home as much as possible
To begin, determine what meals you will be preparing at home for the week. Make sure to cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks. Make a shopping list and then go grocery shopping at the beginning of the week so you have ingredients on hand to prepare meals.
- Look up healthy recipes online or in a cookbook so that you can incorporate them into meals.
- Choose to cook at home most days of the week so that you have healthy, nutrient-dense meals.
- When you go out to eat, opt for healthy items on the menu. Try to follow the same diet that you cook at home when you eat out.
Step 2. Recharge it with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains
Make sure your meals have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. Choose healthy sources of protein like chicken, fish, and tofu. Add greens and spices to foods to flavor them without adding calories.
Step 3. Serve small portions at each meal
Control portions so you don't eat more than your body needs. Use smaller plates or bowls for your meals and eat small so you can eat until you feel full or satisfied. Prepare the vegetables or fruits first and then add the protein or grains to the pot to keep the meal balanced.
Don't eat from large containers, bags, or bowls, as this could increase your portion sizes. Take small bites and chew them slowly so you can savor your food
Step 4. Eat healthy snacks between meals
Choose healthy snacks like nuts, granola, or sliced fruits and vegetables. Pack healthy snacks in your bag so you can eat them on the go. Make sure you eat them between meals so you don't get too hungry and eat a lot at meal times.
Step 5. Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and salt
Foods that are packaged or processed are generally low in nutrients and empty calories. Limit your consumption of junk food to once a month so that you maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoid unhealthy snacks like potatoes, cookies, cake, or fried foods. Don't keep them at home or in your purse, so you won't be tempted to eat them.
- Don't eat foods high in trans fat, such as donuts, cakes, frozen pizzas, and junk food.
- Try to eat less than 2.3 g of sodium every day. Consuming too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids and gain weight.
Step 6. Drink water instead of soda and sugary juices
Water does not have all the calories of sodas and juices, and they will keep you hydrated. Drinking water every day with meals will also fill you up so you don't consume as many calories.
Method 2 of 3: Stay Active and Relaxed
Step 1. Get 30 minutes of physical activity a day
Staying physically active, along with a healthy diet, can help keep you from gaining weight when you take Lyrica. Even if you find it difficult to exercise a lot because of your medical condition, make an effort to get a little bit every day. Go for a 30 minute brisk walk once a day or do a low-impact exercise class at your gym to shed the pounds.
- You can get a friend to go for a walk with you or take you to exercise classes so they don't lose their motivation to stay in shape.
- Record how often you exercise in a journal or app so you know you're getting 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Step 2. Start biking or swimming if you want a low-impact exercise routine
Riding a stationary bike or a regular bike is a great routine that is kind to your joints and muscles. Swimming is also great if you don't want to strain your body when you exercise.
Take a cycling class at your local gym or invest in a good bike and go riding long distances outside. Swim in a local pool at the gym or at a community center
Step 3. Try yoga or deep breathing to lower stress levels
These can cause you to eat for emotional reasons and not be active, leading to weight gain. Managing stress in a healthy way with yoga or deep breathing exercises will help you stay healthy while taking Lyrica.
- Start studying yoga at a local yoga studio or gym. You can also try to do it at home if you follow online tutorials or videos with guiding instructors.
- Take deep breaths in the morning before starting your day or during your lunch break. Find a quiet and private place and sit in a comfortable position. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 5 and breathe out through your nose for a count of 5. Do this for 1 to 3 minutes until you feel calm.
Step 4. Get at least 8 hours of sleep at night
Being well rested will help you control your appetite and ensure that you are healthy when taking Lyrica. Try to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep. Make your room cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable. Have a bedtime ritual where you do something relaxing like reading a book or listening to music. Avoid bright lights or screens just before bed so that you can rest better at night.
Try to stick to a sleep schedule where you go to sleep at the same time every day and wake up at the same time every morning. This will help your body slip into a regular sleep pattern and ensure that you get quality sleep every night
Method 3 of 3: Talk to the Doctor
Step 1. Talk to your doctor to lower your dose of Lyrica
If you find that you've gained 10-20 pounds (5-10 kg) in the first few months that you've been taking the medication, you may need to take a lower dose. Taking a low, effective dose means that there will be less medication circulating through your body, leading to fewer side effects. Work with your doctor to find a dose low enough to meet your medical needs so you don't gain too much weight.
Never stop Lyrica completely without your doctor's approval, as it can cause other medical problems and serious side effects
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking that could cause you to gain weight
If you take other medications in addition to Lyrica such as SSRIs and antipsychotics, you may be more likely to gain weight. Talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose of these drugs or stopping any of them as needed, in order to control your weight.
Some medications, such as stimulant medications, can help balance the weight gain that you may experience while taking Lyrica. Your doctor will recommend that you take them to help you lose weight when taking Lyrica
Step 3. Ask your doctor about a change to another medicine
If you feel that the weight gain is causing other health problems that outweigh the benefits of Lyrica, you may want to stop the medication. The doctor will have to decrease the medication a little at a time so that you do not experience withdrawal. He will then suggest that you take other medications to address your medical problems without having to worry about gaining weight.