... gained weight
Amitriptyline - Has anyone found a weight gain with this drug I'm taking 25mg a night for ibs but?
Question posted by Tjsutton on 16 Aug 2016
Last updated on 15 January 2017
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Answers
beaniesmom01
24 Dec 2016
I took Amitriptyline 25 mg. nightly for at least 2 years. I took it for migraines and IBS. I gained 17 pounds in a matter of 5 months. I even worked out doing cardio and weights 5 days a week and watched what I ate. Reading medical studies about the drug they say it relaxes and slows the digestive track which results in your body absorbing more calories. It also can change the way the thyroid and hormones in your body regulate. What I noticed the most was water retention, very bloated in stomach and face. I quit taking amitriptyline a few months ago, and I have now started to lose weight. It didn't take me long to build up a tolerance to this medication and it just wasn't working anymore.
dfwgirl45
15 Jan 2017
I started taking Amitriptyline (25mg) 3 mos ago for nerve pain and migraine prevention. It was truly a miracle cure for those problems. However... I noticed weight gain immediately. I began to cut down my calories but saw no improvement. I then put myself on a strict 1,200 calorie/day diet, eating only healthy low fat foods. (eating less than 1/2 of what I used to) and exercising 4 x's/week. It took a tremendous amount of discipline to stick to the diet, but I did. After 3 long weeks, I weighed myself only to discover I did not lose one single pound. I was beside myself. I immed. called my doctor and was told again that low doses of ami do not cause weight gain. I'm 46 yrs old and have never been overweight (except when pregnant). I really don't know where to go from here. Ami works so well on my nerve pain, but being overweight has made me depressed and secluded. My neurologist suggested the weight gain was due to "hormones" whatever that means.
He asked if I wanted a referral to a weight loss physician.
I don't know where to go from here. Perhaps I should try another medication for my nerve pain and migraines (??)
beaniesmom01
16 Jan 2017
To dfwgirl45, I completely understand your frustration. I have not found any medication that works as well as Amitriptyline for migraines. I have been given the option to have botox by my neurologist to prevent them, but am hesitant since the injections exceed 100. I do take a low dose beta blocker metoprolol which I have found to lower the frequency and intensity of them. When I was taking Amitriptyline it did in fact change my hormone levels and I did have blood tests done before going on it and every 6 months after and they were really fluctuating. It has leveled out now that I have quit taking it. I had been persistent with several doctors about ways to possibly counteract these side effects (weight gain, hormone fluctuations, fluid retention, etc), but they didn't have an answer. I wish you the best luck and hopefully you will find a doctor that can help you get some relief.
Dwlawson3
23 Sep 2016
Amitriptyline did nothing for me although I was not given it for IBS-D.
What does work best for me is Colestipol 1GM per day. I take it every morning. I still have an accident every once in a while, but I figured out my triggers. Mine is more stress related than food related. If I think I am going to be under stress... I stay away... and that includes family's.
Related topics
irritable bowel syndrome, weight loss (obesity/overweight), amitriptyline, weight, drug
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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