Okay I have just reread this thread and a question comes to mind. Knowing that all these drugs make us CPers gain weight. couldn't they use their big brains to invent a drug that doesn't do that???? I mean geez! Look at the list!
No wonder I am 70 pounds overweight. At one point I was on 1800-2400 mgs of Neurontin a day and it did nothing for me except gain tons of weight that never went away!

I believe at least one of the neurotransmitters involved in pain is also involved in hunger regulation (as well as many other things), so that's why so many cause weight gain.

There are a couple antidepressants that cause weight loss, asking your doctor if it's approperiate for your situation can sometimes balance out the effect.

I am in the same boat as everyone else. Gained 80 pounds from all these drugs. All my life I was a petite size 10 - now I feel awful. The drugs do this even though I eat very little. I did manage to lose 30 pounds - due to neuropathic mouth pain as well as topomax. Now on lyrica and putting it back on again.
I would happily change anti dep. to one that caused weight loss.
Anyone know which anti dep are in this category?
Sydney

www.crazymeds.org

Created for "Mentally Interesting" , site is great source of info. --
several types & categories of Meds for many problems & disorders--besides "MI" -- including Pain.

Antidepressants , AntiConvulsives , & many more

OFF Label & Primary approved uses , pro/cons -- may answer some Questions.
also Lists side f/x (including several not commonly known)

In BASIC INFORMATION: "what you Need to know about Side Effects" will Link to more info. about Weight gain

Topamax--anti-convulsant is cited w/ weight Loss. When I took had no appetite, didn't want to eat; was prescribed for my migraines and did help. It can also help some nerve pain. Many have problems w/ it.
Zonegran is similar. < I used this for "mixed" headache dis.
Keppra , another anti-convulsive, has several uses inc. neuropathic pain, migraines & more; may be better tolerated than Topamax-- supposedly has fewer side f/x

many other meds Listed here that may have multi-benefits your seeking.

Lyrica, Cymbalta & Neurotin are The Main Meds prescribed for nerve pain, neuropathies; for some "miracle" meds but not for everyone. many experience adverse affects.
We're all unique; have to weigh benefits vs tolerable, or endurable side f/x.

Often combo's work best. Challenging process of trial & error.
Hopefully will find something that works or helps.


Good LUCK

Well, I thought I would give Topamax a try for my nerve pain, since I was told it was good for weightloss (and I have plenty to lose!)
But, I haven't lost my appetite yet...I just can't keep much food down, and I have constant diarrhea...that wasn't the way I expected to lose the weight! My stomach just can't handle the Topamax.

~Jaime~

Hi There,
I am in Australia and Have just been put on a drug which is relatively new here called "Lyrica" It is generically a drug called Pregabalin...........It may be of help to you...........It is not a quick-fix............you body has to get used to it like an anti-depressant if you have ever been on those..........It may take a week or 2 on the minimum dose for it to start working and then they will increase your dose............It somehow works on the nerve endings and decreases pain...........one word of warning though.............you may feel like you are drunk till your body gets used to it however..........and most people give up on it because they want a quick-fix..........or get paranoid by the initial side-effects that I spoke about but if you can work through those for me it was a God-Send.............I have been having the best nights sleep without pain since I can't remember and have only been on it now for 4 weeks.........I hope this helps.............E

what is your pain like? I have compressed nerves and I take kadian, Valium and a very low dose of Neurontin. It often takes a cocktail. I have muscle pain and throbbing and numbness. I can barely walk it so painful and the muscles get more and more irritated as I move, because all the signals are wrong.

So I sympathize. The reason I asked what your pain was like is two people could have compressed nerves or similar MRIs and very different symptoms.

I asked a use some topical compounded creams, but those usually are not covered and expensive.

Too bad on the Lyrica, but I did found it made me very drowsy.

Some people mentioned Zanaflex and that's an excellent muscle relaxer although it did not work so well if I took it all the time.