Amitriptyline and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mah...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2023

Amitriptyline for Depression "I was diagnosed with major depression in the early 1990s, and my MD put me on Elavil (amitriptyline). It worked great, although I put on quite a bit of weight. Over the years, I've been on virtually every other class of depression medication, as well as ECT, and none of them worked as well as Elavil. I take it for depression and anxiety, and it's amazing. It is an old, old drug, with lots of side effects, but it has pulled me back from the precipice every time. I currently take 150 mg at night, which is the max dose for outpatient treatment. I have an Rx for clonazepam for breakthrough anxiety and feel pretty good."

• gin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 4, 2018

For Depression "I took Elavil for a year and a half. It worked wonderfully well for me, I thought I was cured of my depression and weaned myself off. A few months later, I could feel it creeping back, so I'm in the process of getting back on it. I did gain some weight, went from 130 lb to 176 lb, but I don't care, I'm so desperate to feel good again. I'll be fat, but I'll be happy."

• Mar...
• July 31, 2019

For Vulvodynia "I started with a 10 mg dose of amitriptyline and then slowly worked my way up to 35 mg over a period of about 2 months. I found that the 10 mg dose didn't do much for pain but helped with my insomnia and sleep issues. At 20 mg, my pain was reduced, and at 35 mg, the nerve pain is completely gone. Initially, I was scared of the side effects like weight gain, but because this drug helps with insomnia, I'm getting better sleep and am now more active and have lost about 8 lbs over a period of 4 months. I know there are quite a few medication options for nerve pain, but this seems to be the most affordable. Lyrica isn't covered by my insurance anymore and would cost me $350 a month. Amitriptyline is covered, but if I did have to pay out of pocket, it would only be $20 monthly."

• Orc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2015

For Depression "Diagnosed with depression/anxiety 10 years ago. I have practically been on every SSRI, SNRI, Seroquel, and all kinds of benzodiazepines (do NOT recommend - highly addictive!). I felt so frustrated that none of the antidepressants were working for me and avoided tricyclics for fear of weight gain. Last week, I finally realized that I need serious help as I was planning suicide. I'm back on 100 mg Endep and 25 mg Seroquel if needed at night. I sleep fantastically and wake up feeling so refreshed. Sleeping makes a HUGE difference, and the funny thing is now that I'm feeling good, I'm out of bed and exercising. I know it's scary to think about weight gain, but it really is different for everyone and it's worth a shot! Endep's been the only one for me. Good luck!"

• sar...
• March 3, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I was given 100 mg a day to treat migraines. I ended up not having migraines but chronic tension headaches, which it did not help. BUT it helped my anxiety. I was having daily panic attacks, and slowly, they were reduced. I gained 20 pounds in a few months and decided to stop taking it a month ago, feeling fine. This week the anxiety has started coming back-dizziness, shortness of breath, panicky, etc., so I started back on 25 mg. Other than the weight gain, the other side effect was dry mouth, so the trade-off of being able to live a normal life was worth it."

• mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines going on 20 years now. I've been on a beta blocker blood pressure medicine and Topamax. Topamax decreased the headaches somewhat, but at the cost of very debilitating side effects of fatigue, depression, and rapid weight loss that never stopped, therefore, my doctor stopped it. I recently changed doctors, and for the first time in twenty years, someone decided to try something new: amitriptyline. I've also suffered from insomnia. My doctor suggested preventing migraines and treating insomnia with amitriptyline. I've had one flare-up in the past 3 months and sleep soundly through the night! Amitriptyline has caused weight gain, but I am still healthy. I'll take the weight gain over the migraines any day!"

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2017

For Insomnia "I took Trazodone for depression and insomnia. Stopped taking it because my weight would not go down, and I was always depressed and 'out of it.' Started taking amitriptyline, I feel full of energy and not depressed. I also sleep better. I have lost 10 pounds since I started taking it 2 weeks ago. Everyone is different, so please consult your doctor or pharmacist. I take 25 mg at night."

• aff...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2015

Amitriptyline for Depression "I was on 75 mg of Endep and noticed two extreme side effects, which led to me having to stop taking the medication. The first was rapid and excessive weight gain; I gained 6 kgs (13 pounds) within 8 weeks (at 160 cm, this is quite a bit of weight). I had no change in my diet; my exercise stayed the same, so the Endep was the only thing that could have caused the weight gain. The second was extreme night terrors. These occurred every night and were extremely frightening for myself and family, as I would wake up screaming and kicking every night. This occurred almost immediately after starting the Endep. Since stopping the Endep 2 weeks ago, the night terrors have ceased completely, and I have lost 1 kg with no change in diet."

• gal...
• August 30, 2009

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I have used Elavil for about two years, on and off. I was prescribed this medication for a condition called Cluster headaches. Well, this medicine worked like a miracle! The next morning after taking Elavil, I didn't have a migraine, and I had been having them like clockwork for about two weeks!! Although this is an antidepressant (I wasn't depressed), this medicine did boost my mood and made me feel much better throughout the day. It also gave me a very restful night's sleep. This medicine has been claimed to make some people gain weight, but I work out at least three to four times a week and have not gained any weight. Works wonders, and if you eat healthy and work out, you shouldn't see that drastic weight gain that everyone mentions!"

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2018

For Insomnia "Between the ages of 15-38, I struggled with severe insomnia. 23 long years. I had seen sleep specialists for sleep studies, I took a scary cocktail of sleep aids nightly, I tried meditation, hypnosis... I tried pretty much anything doctors could think of. I was desperate. For some reason, no one thought to have me try Elavil. It was actually a lung specialist who suggested it. He started me on 50 mg, and it helped a little. So we increased it to 100 mg, and I am now sleeping somewhat like a normal person! In October of 2018, it will be 2 years that I've actually been sleeping. I don't need sleep aids anymore, and I didn't think that was possible. My life has improved because of this medication. I'm active, and I wake up actually feeling like I got restful sleep. Unfortunately, I did gain weight from taking Elavil, but I just try to be more cautious about what and when I eat. I will deal with a little weight gain if it's in exchange for good, restful sleep!"

• she...
• July 12, 2011

Amitriptyline for Interstitial Cystitis "I had been tested for everything to try and find the cause of constant bladder infections, or so I thought. It wasn't until I saw a urologist that I found the answer to my problem. I never had bladder infections, but chronic cystitis, found after some very intrusive camera shots of my bladder. She first tried stretching my bladder to see if this helped. It didn't. She then suggested Endep, not for depression, but it had been used for cystitis and burning mouth, which I also suffer from. It has helped my burning bladder problem 100% as long as I don't forget to take my tablets. If I forget just one, I have the pain back for about two weeks before I get back on track. My burning mouth is also about 60% better but not gone. Side effect: weight gain."

• Hun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

For Pain "I went to see my doctor about restless legs at night, which is quite painful. She prescribed 25 mg at night before bed. It was working well... no pain. However, I fell over a couple of times, which I thought was odd but didn't set any alarms off. I began to feel stiff and unable to bend over to pick things up. I was afraid I would hurt myself, not realizing this was the drug. I figured this is what happens when you are close to 50. The worst side effect was the weight gain. I was on the drug for 3.5 months and gained 30 lbs. Once again, I figured it was because I was getting older. So, the drug certainly helped my leg pain... but altered my body to look like the pilsner dough girl."

• moo...
• December 12, 2009

Amitriptyline for Pain "After a car accident a year ago and having horrible life-disrupting headaches every day, I finally got prescribed Elavil at 25mg once before bed. It has improved most of my headaches, and I sleep like a champ... all the time! The only downfalls are I sleep more now than ever, and I have gained 15 lbs. I almost think I'd rather have headaches than gain this weight."

• IC ...
• January 12, 2014

For Interstitial Cystitis "I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis about 2 years ago. I tried bladder instillations, read books about natural healing, and pretty much refused any medication. After a year and a half of suffering and trying gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and yeast-free for over 8 weeks, I finally gave up the natural route and agreed to 25 mg of amitriptyline once a day. Bottom line-it works. It really does. I still have the frequency, but the pain is almost completely gone. There have been some days when I feel the pain, but I take an extra dose, and it helps so much. I do have to say though, it makes me tired, I've gained about 30 pounds, and waking up in the morning is harder than ever. Still, it's worth it."

• Pau...
• November 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "1 month in on my 2nd stint on amitriptyline for migraines, anxiety, low mood, 25 mg/day. I feel it's starting to have a good effect, symptoms have gone from a 7-8 to a 2-3. At first, it seemed to be making things worse, the side effects the first week were horrific: headaches, confusion, brain fog, anxiety. But around week 2-3, I started to feel some improvement and have continued slow but steady improvement since then. Last time I took it was a few years ago for about a year and a half, eventually, I weaned off of it and was fine for a while, but then the migraines came back. I have seen some studies where amitriptyline has been shown to increase neurogenesis in the brain, so it helps to rebuild and rewire the brain. Hopefully, I will be able to wean off of it again in time. Happy to have found something that works, I would give it a 10, but some minor side effects that have to be dealt with: constipation, dry skin, mouth, weight gain."

• jbm...
• September 14, 2011

For Pain "I take amitriptyline for chronic pain and insomnia. I have suffered with insomnia for most of my life, and nothing seemed to work. I also had a three-level cervical spinal fusion, chronic pain, and major trochanter bursitis. I recently moved to a new state and found a lifesaver in my new doctor. Along with my normal pain management (morphine, Vicodin, muscle relaxer), he suggested Elavil. I was wary at first, but thought, why not? Because of my high tolerance to medicines, he started me out at 50 mg. After one week, I was amazed. I slept through the night, and my pain seemed to subside to tolerable levels. After a few dosage adjustments, I am now on 100 mg, and with the exception of weight gain, I am so very happy."

• Lis...
• January 10, 2020

For Pain "I've been taking this amitriptyline for over 15 years, 100 mgs. I've been off my prescription for 5 days, and the withdrawals are terrible. I've been waiting on my approval for refill, but after the withdrawals I just went through, I don't think I want to get back on it. It has helped with my chronic pain, and I've gained 60 pounds from taking this med."

• Ant...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed Elavil after 3 years of terror with SSRIs and SNRIs. I have to say that it helped me tremendously with sleeping, energy, and headaches. I suffer from anxiety/depression. It helped with anxiety a lot. I threw away the clonazepam after 2 weeks. However, for my bad luck, it didn’t give me the remission — my old self. I was disconnected for three years and a half. I was like circled, not living the daily routine. If I would feel my old self, I wouldn’t mind the dry mouth and weight gain. Anyway, I tapered it off, and after 4 months, I crashed. I tried Fetzima and Cymbalta without results. Now my doctor wants to put me back on Elavil, and I’m crying all day because I know it will help me with most of the symptoms except for not feeling my old self — just flat all day. I can’t imagine my life feeling disconnected from my children. What should I do?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibro for 10 years (7 years since diagnosis). Amitriptyline has been the only constant help. All other medications have had no effect. Amitriptyline almost eliminates back pain (hasn't helped any other muscle pains). A dose of 75 mg taken before bed gives me a full night's sleep. Side effects of weight gain, dry mouth, and urinary retention just have to be managed until I can find anything better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2018

For Pain "This stuff really works for pain. It worked for me the first time I took it. Such relief. I only take 10 mg each night at bedtime. I have gained some weight, but I would rather weigh a little extra than be in pain all the time. This also helps me sleep."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Pain "I have a love/hate relationship with this drug. I started taking it 2 months ago for neuropathy from MS in both my legs. I’ve had some pain for over 5 years, but it turned on high 2 years ago. I tried all the drugs my neurologist had me try, but nothing would work. So I started researching and found this drug. The good: pain free at 150 mg at night. The bad news: horrible side effects at this dose. Extreme dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, balance issues, and my brain is acting like I have dementia, i.e., asking the same question multiple times. Aphasia and sense of taste made everything taste metallic. So I’m in limbo until I find another drug to try."

• Blu...
• September 3, 2018

For Pain "I have trigeminal neuralgia. I started taking this in February. It works wonders for sleep! I work the overnight shift, so sleeping during the day can be a challenge. This drug takes away the burning in my face. There’s still pain, but the fire is gone. I sleep great, however, I’ve gained about 25 pounds. I’ve never been this big in my life. I crave ice cream and donuts. Severe cravings that I cannot get myself out of. It’s like I just don’t care. Severe dry mouth and decreased sex drive. I still want sex, just not as much. But the main thing is the weight gain. My doc doesn’t think it’s this pill causing it, but I know it is. I’ve always been a big girl, so I can’t afford any more weight gain. If you can handle some weight gain, then this pill is good for you. Unfortunately, it’s screwing up my health. I’m going to miss sleeping."

• Fun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 11, 2016

For Pain "I've been taking this for about 3 1/2 years. It works great for what I take it for. The only problem I have, which is a huge problem, is increased appetite and weight gain. I'm actually gonna start a different medication for nerve pain. Amitriptyline has helped, but I'm also battling obesity. This medication doesn't help at all in that area. I'm still young, mid-30s. So maybe I'll resume taking it when I'm in my 60s or 70s. I won't care so much then about the weight gain."

• Tha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 12, 2020

For Depression "I take 25 mg Elavil to augment my Luvox and aid in sleep. I have very severe depression and sleep issues, and this dosage works really well for me. It’s not strong enough to put me to sleep, but it helps me wind down. As an added bonus, it helps keep away my migraines and nerve pain. I’ve been on this medication for 2 years. My main side effects are weight gain (went from 115-135 lbs in a year), nighttime eating, and an occasional dry mouth. Be warned. This medication makes you very hungry!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 1, 2012

For Pain "I have tried Cymbalta, tramadol, gabapentin, Lyrica, and others, but this medicine took all my pain away. This pill only took my pain away for 8 months, then it wasn't as effective. Also, it made me gain a lot of weight. I still take it because it removes my pain after taking it lasts a few hours. Also, the medication helps me sleep. It will knock you out."