Amitriptyline and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Swe...
• November 4, 2014

For Interstitial Cystitis "I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in March of this year. The first few weeks were some of the worst of my life. I changed my diet, was put on Elmiron, Zyrtec, and Vesicare with zero relief in any symptoms. Was at the end of my rope when my PCP suggested Elavil. In 3 days, my symptoms were nearly gone. Pain was gone. Urgency/frequency cut in half. But I immediately started gaining weight. A lot of weight, and fast. And I am diabetic, and any weight gain is very bad for me. So I've had to choose to not take it and live with the pain and constant peeing because I cannot afford to gain any weight due to the diabetes. I'm basically distraught. Diabetes will kill me, but the interstitial cystitis pain is causing major depression. I am at a loss, as nothing else has worked."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2011

Amitriptyline for Interstitial Cystitis "This was a miracle for my interstitial cystitis symptoms. However, I gained over 30 pounds and jumped over 6 pants sizes in about 3 months. I had to come off the medicine due to weight gain (which did not fall off easily) and immediately went back to my severe interstitial cystitis symptoms. It unfortunately is not the solution for me, other than managing my pain through diet. I have not found another medicine I can take without causing weight gain or other symptoms that cannot be overcome."

• Jul...
• July 18, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've suffered from migraines/daily headaches that painkillers don't touch; symptoms include visual and auditory disturbances and sometimes even partial loss of vision. Sumatriptan's the only thing that works, but I need to take it daily, often twice daily. My GP was alarmed at sumatriptan use, so prescribed me 10 mg amitriptyline a night, and after a couple of weeks, the migraines and headaches were gone. Worked so well I went months without using sumatriptan and eventually forgot about the headaches and stopped the amitriptyline because of the sides (huge appetite, weight gain, next-day drowsiness), and I've had a migraine from hell for a week, and I'm back to taking sumatriptan daily. Restarted amitriptyline, and I won't be stopping again!"

• Pho...
• February 10, 2018

For Pain "I have been on Amitriptyline for 27 years. My dose has varied. I have been on as much as 50 mg and as little as 10 mg. I had a ruptured disk and a bulging disk, and both were operated on. Still had a damaged sciatic nerve. Started with 20 mg, and for a variety of reasons went as high as 50. One doctor wanted me to reduce it to 10 mg, as he felt that is why I gained so much weight. Occasionally, I take some 25 mg I have when pain is super bad. Usually just for a couple of days till it takes effect, then reduce it again. I have learned to take it earlier in the evening so I don't sleep so late. I cannot give it up, as it is the only thing that lets me sleep without pain."

• k-L...
• May 9, 2009

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "My neurologist started me out on 10 mg of Elavil, and within a couple of weeks, I began taking 25 mg. It took about a month for it to take effect, but until then, I had a headache almost every single day. After that, nothing. So, yes, it was very effective for me. The only side effects that I noticed were increased appetite (very much so) and weight gain. I gained about 12-14 pounds within the 4.5 months that I was on Elavil. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem. To be honest, the added pounds were worth being pain-free, but my wedding was in a few months, and nothing besides going off the medication would stop the weight gain. Now I'm taking Topamax, which is doing the job, but the side effects are way more drastic than Elavil."

• Ano...
• September 12, 2013

For Interstitial Cystitis "I've had interstitial cystitis for a little over 6 years. In the beginning, I tried all sorts of things - hydraulic distention of the bladder, Elmiron, all different kinds of prescriptions - nothing helped. Eventually, I read about Elavil online and asked my doctor about it. He put me on it 4 years ago, and I've been on it ever since. It is the ONLY medicine that has helped. I take 20 mg a night. I also take Desert Harvest Aloe pills - 2 every morning - more when I flare up. I have occasional flares (like right now I am in one), but for the most part, my interstitial cystitis has been under control for the past 2.5 years. Side effects - in the beginning, it made me very tired. Also caused me to gain about 30-35 lbs, but I'll take it over IC pain."

• Mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 10, 2018

For Insomnia "I was put on this after having postpartum depression and not sleeping because of it after I had my son. My doctor knew I needed to sleep badly! He started me off on 100 mg a day in the morning and at night. It has dry mouth side effects and a bit dizzy, but not bad, and after 2 weeks, I was feeling way better. I could cope with having a new baby and sleep at night!! The side effects go away after about 3 months, and you just feel normal. He had me lower the dose to 50 mg just at night, and it helps very, very much for sleep. I have been on this for 25 years, and I lowered my dose clear down to 10 mg a night. There are times I go up to 25 mg or 50 mg, but I always come down when the crisis of something is over. If you're looking for a good pill, it's this one. It's been around forever and it works for pain as well, like with migraines. And yes, you do gain weight, but I'd rather sleep at night and try to control my appetite! It's a good pill, I think. Out of all of them, this one works good."

• Mig...
• April 21, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "Works great to control my migraines, it cut the frequency in half. Before starting this medication, I would suffer migraines 3-4 times a week. And the days that I didn't have a migraine, I still felt 'foggy.' However, after only 6 weeks on it, I gained 30 lbs and had urinary retention."

• Lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 4, 2017

For Insomnia "This has been a godsend for me. Years of insomnia, which resulted in depression and a general lack of quality of life due to exhaustion. I had tried a sleep clinic, hypnotherapy, meditation, and other drugs-but nothing was effective. Now on 25 mg, initially on 125 mg. The only negative is the weight gain. Initially put on 11 kg, lost 3 kg but struggle to lose any more. The sleep is worth the weight!"

• Kna...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2016

For Pain "Herniated and degenerated disc, with sciatic leg pains, very disabling, unable to get about, get dressed, or look after my child and dog on bad days. Tried the usual fib off from doctors and many prescribed medications. Amitriptyline works as pain relief, but I have been on it several months now and have always had very thick, healthy hair, it falls out excessively now and is thinning. Weight gain at a fast pace, I was always a size 8, not now. Can't stop eating. Still with pain, but can look after my family just. Side effects are depressing for me, but they manage the pain to a point after trying a lot. Now looking into alternative healthy medication. I'm told by a sufferer of back and disc pain that I should stop taking this toxin and try hemp oil along with vitamins."

• Pug...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2021

For Insomnia "It has really helped me with sleep. If you suffer from severe insomnia, this medication works great. The only drawback is that you do gain weight. I’ve gained 10 lbs already and want to stop taking it because I don’t want to gain any more. But otherwise, it really helps you with sleep."

• TS0...
• July 22, 2015

For Vulvodynia "This was the first medication I was prescribed once I was finally diagnosed with vulvodynia. I have experienced a tremendous improvement after two weeks of taking this medication. I was originally started on 10 mg with no relief after 2 months of use. My doctor increased it to 50 mg last month, which has really worked. My personal regimen includes 50 mg amitriptyline at bedtime, Estrace topical, B complex vitamin, and alpha-lipoic acid. My pain went from a 7 to 2 in a matter of two weeks. It makes me constipated, so I use fiber supplements daily. I was very drowsy initially, but you will adjust in a few days. Exercise and a healthy diet have greatly decreased the side effects (sleepiness, weight gain, constipation) associated with this drug."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "Started taking 20 mg before bed. I have fibromyalgia. I also take 150 mg of Lyrica a day to make it through an 8-hour shift. Without Lyrica, I wouldn't be able to work at all. I would wake up with my hair being a total mess, like I was sleeping restless. My doctor said to start this at 20 mg before bed, and if that dose doesn't help, increase by 10 mg until I get to a level that works. The first couple of nights have been wonderful. But I have been waking up at 6 am both days and can't go back to sleep. I feel rested and a lot less morning pain. The doctor is hoping I can go off Lyrica. Lyrica is causing me to feel high. I get 8-9 hours of relief with Lyrica, and then my pain comes back. I have gained about 10 lbs while on Lyrica, but at least I can work."

• Ala...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2018

For Pain "I took amitriptyline for tension headaches that plagued me daily. Every day the headaches would come on, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The headaches would come on in the late afternoon; usually, the worst pain was between 5-8 pm. Started with 10 mg, worked my way up to 50 mg, and then after 2 years, withdrew by 10 mg until off after five to six weeks. Withdrawal made me anxious, but the worst was over after only 2 weeks - make sure you plan a good exercise, hydrate, and healthy eating plan during this 2-week period. Overall, the drug helped and got rid of the headaches, but the daily grogginess made me want to quit. Slight weight gain of 5-10 lbs, but nothing too crazy. This medication worked, withdrawal sucked for 20 days, and now I am successfully tension headache-free and successfully off because of amitriptyline."

• Aim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For Insomnia "I have been taking amitriptyline for 3 weeks now, and it really helps with sleep. However, I am gaining weight, plus sometimes I am very groggy the next day and don't want to do anything. I also have had restless leg syndrome, and I read that someone else got that, too. I will keep taking it but will try to reduce the amount from 40 mg downwards and hope that it still helps with sleep."

• Sno...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I had been suffering with debilitating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to the point where I was missing 1-2 days of work a week. Having gone through a colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, MRI, and CAT scan, my doctor determined I had IBS. After I changed my diet and still had horrible issues every day, I was prescribed 25 mg amitriptyline. This medicine has been a godsend to me. I can now have a life! I don’t miss work anymore due to IBS, I can eat salad again, every day if I want to, and I don’t need to worry every day about an IBS attack coming on at inopportune times. I still have nights where I need to take my Librax for acute attacks, but that’s not often. It also helps with my anxiety issues to a certain degree. Side effects for me include dry mouth/dry eyes, a bit of weight gain, and I did find there was an interaction with my thyroid medication (levothyroxine) which had to be increased."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I like the positive effects of the medication, but hate the weight gain that seems to come with it. Using a 1,200 calorie diet to lose the extra 15 lbs gained (for no obvious reason). Other than that, it's a good medicine for me."

• lif...
• January 19, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "After enduring chronic, excruciating abdominal pain for months (and taking virtually every test known to man - including, but not limited to, a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and MRI scans), my GI diagnosed IBS-D (nervous mind = nervous stomach) and prescribed amitriptyline. Within 4-5 days, the constant, unrelenting pain, bloating, discomfort, and diarrhea significantly subsided. The relief brought me to tears. (The only negative reactions included dry mouth, some weight gain, mild constipation, dizziness, and middle of the night panic attacks - however, I'm not sure if those midnight attacks were related to the medication in any way)."

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2018

For Interstitial Cystitis "This medication is great. I spent a year thinking I was getting chronic UTIs, until finally seeing a urologist and being diagnosed with IC. He put me on 25 mg of amitriptyline. It’s been 14 months, and I have not had any IC symptoms since beginning the medication. Only side effects are slight weight gain and dry mouth, both of which are tolerable compared to the misery of IC. This med is a lifesaver."

• Slo...
• October 14, 2017

For Insomnia "I started taking amitriptyline for insomnia about one year ago. This is not the type of drug that makes you fall asleep like Lunesta or Ambien does. What it does do is help keep you asleep. I had not only insomnia, but what they call 'fragmented sleep.' Even if I managed to fall asleep, I was waking several times a night, about once every hour. Amitriptyline is the only drug I've ever taken that keeps me asleep. Instead of waking five or six times a night, I now wake up only once or twice. I still have to take Lunesta to fall asleep. So for insomnia, I give Ami a big thumbs up. But a very bad side effect of the medication for me is rapid weight gain. I've gained about 40 pounds in a year. It makes my body cling to every calorie I eat."

• Rae...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered with migraines for 15 years, sometimes for days straight, sometimes 2-3 per week. I have been on amitriptyline for 10 months now at 10 mg, and my migraines have improved by about 95%. I still get the odd one, only now they are silent migraines, which is tolerable. I have gained 10 lbs that I needed, so I am very happy with this medication."

• Anonymous
• June 17, 2009

For Migraine Prevention "I started on a very low dose, like 2.5 or 5 mg, then 10 mg, then 25, and now I'm on 50. I started seeing a definite decrease in my migraines at 25 mg, so my doctor doubled my dose, but nothing new after 3 weeks at 50 mg. It's nice that this is an antidepressant too, I feel happier since I've been on it. I haven't noticed any weight gain, and I hope I don't ever. Anyway, it seems to just block my usual triggers, they just don't bother me as much as they used to. I still get migraines once or twice a week, worse with heavy stress, but I have been amazed at how I can go out into the sunlight or exercise without immediately getting a migraine. Amazing."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2012

For Interstitial Cystitis "Amitriptyline immediately worked wonders on my urinary tract pain. I am almost afraid to say how well it has worked because I do not want to jinx it, but it has done wonders for me. Not sure about the weight gain. Not sure if it is the amitriptyline or the excessive calories and lack of exercise that has put on the pounds. My guess is it is probably more likely due to my eating and exercise habits. I sleep better at night with a deeper sleep REM. I, too, have vivid dreams and do sleep longer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2012

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I had daily migraines for several years. I have been prescribed many different preventatives but was taking 50 mg of Imitrex and 4 Tylenol #3 a day for pain relief. Since my neurologist started me on Elavil at 25 mg and finally building up to 50 mg a night (2 months ago), I have only used 2 Imitrex and no more Tylenol with Codeine. This is truly miraculous! The only downside is a 10 lb weight gain. I eat a pretty restricted diet to begin with (no butter or fats, lean meats/fish, and no sweets or snack foods). I am trying to further reduce my caloric intake to stop the weight gain. Anyway, I would rather be a little chubby and almost pain-free."

• Mea...
• February 17, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Oh my gosh, miracle drug right here!! I have been taking amitriptyline for years now, and it has made all the difference. When I first started, it took about a little over a month to kick in, but it has been great! No longer having to worry about the pain, diarrhea, and discomfort. I take 10 mg before bed each night. I did gain about 30 lbs within 3 months of starting it #yikes, but it has stayed the same since. And though the weight gain wasn't too fun, the positive side effects outweigh the negative 100%. Dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness are manageable, but pooping every 10 min isn't. So a big shout out to whoever created this drug because it is a miracle!"