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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have severe depression and anxiety. The side effects from the Lyrics are not nice: swelling and weight gain. I had gastric bypass 7 years ago and I watch what I eat very carefully. I weigh myself constantly, which I know isn't good, but it's what I do. I really would rather be very anxious than feel swollen all the time and gain weight. I've gained 5 lbs in the past 3 months and I feel gross! Any feedback on Lyrica would be appreciated. 🤗

April 25
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A MyDepressionTeam Member

Self-care is important.
I never knew that!

April 25
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Susan, That's one (of the few) I haven't been on. Sorry!
Seroquel made me gain a lot of weight--like 50 lbs that came off when I switched to Caplita. I was also on lithium for 20 years, before I suffered from lithium toxicity.
Stay active here on MDT ... that's how you get the most of things here.
I'm the nauseatingly perky bipolar girl with all the positive memes.

April 25
MyDepressionTeam

It sounds really frustrating, especially given how carefully you manage your health. Feeling swollen and watching the scale creep up when you work so hard is genuinely tough — and those feelings are completely valid.

Weight gain is one of the most talked-about medication side effects among people managing depression. The Show Full Answer

It sounds really frustrating, especially given how carefully you manage your health. Feeling swollen and watching the scale creep up when you work so hard is genuinely tough — and those feelings are completely valid.

Weight gain is one of the most talked-about medication side effects among people managing depression. The experience varies a lot from person to person — the same medication can cause significant weight gain in one person and none at all in another. What's really important here is this: if a side effect is making you not want to continue treatment, that's a serious conversation to have with your doctor. You shouldn't have to choose between managing anxiety and feeling good in your body.

A few things worth discussing with your healthcare provider:

- Alternative medications that may not carry the same weight gain or swelling side effects
- Your gastric bypass history, which is highly relevant when prescribing any medication
- Whether the benefits of Lyrica outweigh the side effects for your specific situation

Please don't stop or adjust Lyrica on your own — stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. But do advocate for yourself at your next appointment. You deserve a treatment plan that works *for* you, not against you. 💙

April 25
A MyDepressionTeam Member

I went into a psychotic state that lasted six years while they were figuring out. I've been through a lot. Six years of my life GONE!

April 25
A MyDepressionTeam Member

How did Your lithium toxicity present itself?

April 25

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