Irritable Bowel means that the bowels aren't functioning properly. Many individuals who suffer with fibromyalgia also suffer with irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible and you are correct about your medications causing the irritable bowel syndrome. In order to find out, you either need to talk to your doctor, or pharmacist, or just read the fine print that comes with each one of your medications. Those sheets will tell you all of the adverse side effects that the prescription can potentially give you.

Because it is a difficult subject, for most people to get through, Leaving Fibromyalgia Behind(TM) talks about this extensively. Friends, Family and other loved ones need very clear communication when it comes to fibromyalgia, but they don't really understand so it may take a while to get it right!

Congratulations on quitting smoking!!! What a wonderful accomplishment. Don't worry as much about the 20 pounds as you should praise yourself for your great accomplishment.

Not all meds make you gain weight. The best way to find out is to read the sheet with the fine print on it when you get your prescription. It'll tell you what adverse side effects are possible.

Approximately 25% of individuals taking anti-depressants gain weight. Also, Lyrica is known to cause weight gain.

The best way to overcome this is to handle your fibromyalia from a position of lifestyle changes (like quitting smoking :)) and work on your diet and exercise, both of which are covered step by step in Leaving Fibromyalgia Behind (TM). Good luck to you.

Medication can be a culprit in feeling cold all the time, but you really might want to consider getting your thyroid and its associated glands checked to make sure they are functioning properly. Talk to your doctor about checking your thyroid levels and possibly adjusting your meds accordingly.