elavil, lyrica and cravings

[RobinD]

I have been taking elavil and lyrica for a few months and feel GREAT :woohoo::woohoo: But what can I do about the food cravings? I feel hungry a few hours after eating and crave the sweets. I would love some suggestions on how to deal with it before I gain any more weight. I don't want to have to stop these meds but the cravings are getting the best of me. You guys are so great with ideas-thought there might be some good suggestions that I can use. My doc says-"Just don't eat". But he doesn't know how hard it is to have your stomach growling and cravings stuff!

Thanks and healing prayers to you
Robin

[lisabar36]

Hi, I take Lyrica also, I am only up to 50mg 3 times a day. It has helped me SO much already. I been on Elavil since September. I never had the food cravings, now with the lyrica I have not noticed it yet. But have not been on it that long, about 2 weeks. I tend to loose my appetite from meds because my appetite was better when I was not on any meds. I would have a non fat snack if your worried. A pear, or something sweet you can have thats non fat and won't hurt your bladder. Munch on some pretzels? I just started being able to have pears now that I am on lyrica and I love them! I haven't had fruit for so long. Well good luck and I am glad to hear you feel great. :woohoo: Thats great news!!!!! What dose of Lyrica are you on? :) Lisa

[RobinD]

I hope you don't get the cravings. I didn't for awhile and then denied I was having them, but I have finally admited it and want to try to get control of them.

I take 50mg 3 times a day, but I also take elavil and it causes food cravings too and/or increased appetite. So I have both of those to battle.

I know I just need self-discipline, but I have never craved stuff until now and so am having trouble getting control :mad: Robin

[lisabar36]

I will see how I do and keep you posted. I am working my way up to 150mg's 3 times a day, of course he said as tolerated, I did fine so far. I increase the dose again this week.

[charmedx3]

I tried Lyrica my GP had me up to 150mg 3x a day. I gained 6 lbs in a month!!!!! The Lyrica didn't do enough for my pain so gave it up. I do remember the cravings though. I hope that it is at least helping you with your pain. Good Luck!

[SharonA]

I have taken Elavil for years. I am very familiar with the sweet cravings. I did gain some extra bulk but I am now slowly losing it. What I have started doing is answering those sweet cravings with Star Brites Mints. Not a whole lot of calories and no fat.

Another thing I have noticed is, if I brush my teeth, the craving seems to go away. I think it has to do with residual taste from eating. As long as my mouth feels clean, I don't crave as much.

[sickofmybladder]

First let me say - what a great idea SharonA - I will try it!-

Now back to the original question:
I experience the sugar cravings with the Elavil alone - and let me tell you ice cream etc. has never tasted so good :evilsmile - but I've noticed if I drink water - it does eventually calm down - but I do understand (I went from barely eating - to LOVING food) - I also make sure not to skip meals etc. because it only makes it worse.

[kuntrygurl78]

I hope your cravings go away! I have had chocolate cravings my entire life. I always say that if I could give up chocolate, I could lose so much weight!:bonk:

[RobinD]

Thanks for your input! I just have no will power. :mad: I do try to chew gum and mints, but I am going to start brushing my teeth. I guess I need to take a toothbrush with me so I can brush my teeth throughout the day.

But I am mostly painfree, so I am very pleased with the results. Robin

[amartaingirl]

Check Out Tv Show On Tlc....i Can Make You Thin A/ Paul Mckenna

Hes Hypnotizes You..threw The Tv...to Make You Thin
Lol
I Know..crazy
But Its Working

(i Gained 24 Lbs..on Elavil.....from 115 To 139...and I See My Uro May 20th...so I Need To Loose Most Of It...before Seeing Him...as I Dont Want Him To Take Me Off The Med..i Love It..)

Anyway, The Jist Of The Show..is Kinda..eat What You Want...but Tiny Portions..and Eat Slowly...there Are 4 Rules...check It Out

[born2swim]

Well, I'm not on Elavil (couldn't tolerate it), but I am on Lyrica. I take 150mg 2x/day and so far this med has helped me the most. Am I normal? Nope, but I am able to do some things that I couldn't before (like a 2 hour car trip without discomfort).

I haven't noticed any cravings or increase in appetite with Lyrica. I have been on it for a couple of months now. Elavil caused horrendous side effects and I couldn't take it. I know that weight gain and cravings are very common with Elavil.

When I was able to, I'd drink tea with splenda... no longer can of course. But I can tolerate some cammomile tea with natural sugar (the brown kind... gives it more flavor) and a dash of milk. It isn't calorie free, but the cammomile tea is sweet enough that you dont' need much sugar! Oh, and I cannot tolerate other teas, even peppermint, but weak cammomile tea is fine for me! :)