Can’t tolerate benzos for anxiety but gabapentinoids really make me fat

I get paradoxical agitation of benzos meaning I get really angry and aggressive on them.

Gabapentin/pregabalin do work really, really well but man they pile on the pounds

Look I am the first to admit I don’t do enough to lose weight but man these meds make it hard.

Would you stay on the gabapentin in these circumstances? Without these meds my anxiety is just awful.

NB: am also on fluoxetine for anxiety

When gabapentin made me gain enough weight that I was gasping going up a flight of stairs, I switched over to CBD oil. It works about the same in my body, but without the side effects. I was hoping to lose the gabapentin weight, but so far I have not.

2 Likes

Yep this is where I am now.

I think I am gonna try walking everyday and see is it possible to build up my aerobic stamina. Will reassess after that

1 Like

What does gabapentin achieve for you? Walking every day is a great idea

1 Like

It treats my anxiety

Have you tried Buspar? In higher doses it can help with anxiety. It’s not addictive and doesn’t cause weight gain

3 Likes

Just edited the title to include anxiety

1 Like

Yeah tried that. Unfortunately it didn’t help. I mean the gabapentinoids help so much that I would kinda hate to lose them. Plus they don’t get me high, just make me feel normal

Then your best bet is exercising and restricting calories

2 Likes

Well actually though is important to note for some people they are very habit forming

1 Like

I agree. I think that is very good advice

2 Likes

Good luck!!! :slight_smile: You can do it.

1 Like

Thanks buddy! 151515

1 Like

Be aware that the FDA recently released a black box warning for gabapentinoids that they can caused depressed breathing.

2 Likes

Yeah I heard that too. Man at one stage they thought these meds were miracles without dangers.

Tbh they thought that of benzos to begin with

1 Like

Man I just went on a long walk and loved it! Is not much but it is a start!

1 Like

Good job!I bet that feels great

1 Like

Yeah does feel good. I took my sisters dog so had company.

1 Like

I would second Buspar. It really helps me. I take it along with benzos. :tiger2::tiger2::tiger2:

2 Likes

I have been prescribed gabapentin for about 5 years or so and they are habit forming yet do treat my sciatica good also anxiety to