Amitriptyline and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Guy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Nothing has worked for me for anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Add this to the list. I wish I could find something that works. My doc put me on 50 mg of this in the morning and before bed, along with 1 and 1/2 1.5 mg Klonopin 3 times a day and 2 mg Xanax as needed. I was also given Lexapro for depression. It didn't help at all. Caused sleeplessness, restlessness, worsened insomnia, weight gain and bloating, ED, and gynecomastia. Not sure which meds caused which, but I was also on Nexium, water pills, and lisinopril. Got off all meds as fast as I could and am still suffering from stage 2 hypertension, depression, anxiety, SAD, insomnia, and GERD without meds. Life is rough, but at least I'm not dealing with side effects."

• sle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2022

For Insomnia "I’ve been on 50 mg of amitriptyline for over 2 years, and it is a miracle drug. I had such horrible insomnia. I know some people are hesitant to take it because of the weight gain side effect, but I’m 5 ft 6 and 110 pounds and haven’t gained any weight. It’s worth a try."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2016

For Pain "I have been using these for post-stroke pain for only one week. I think I saw some slight improvement, but I'm taking gabapentin and Lyrica as well. I want to get off them because I've gained so much weight-60 pounds in 3 years."

• JJ8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "Used it for a month, started at 10 mg-20 mg. One of the worst drugs I have used. It left me so sedated that I couldn't wake up in the morning and wanted to sleep all day. It helped with headaches, but I couldn't concentrate, felt overly emotional, crying and angry. I found it hard to drive from lack of focus 18 hours after taking the pill. I had a deep sleep, but not a restful one, the dreams were bizarre. Dry mouth and irritable too. Not worth not having a headache to have all of these problems. I am very sensitive to medication as I don't drink, so it was not for me. Oh, and I gained three pounds in the first two weeks using it."

• Jen...
• March 24, 2023

For Pain "I suffered from a stroke, and I use this for nerve pain. I have to say it's been a lifesaver for me. I've been taking it now for almost 4 years. The only side effects I've experienced are constipation and a little weight gain."

• epi...
• November 26, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've used this drug two times for pain and spasming due to focal dystonia. The first time was ten years ago, and I had no response to it at all: not better, not negative. Then recently for focal dystonia and arthritis pain, and I'm happy with the results. I've been in constant creepy pain for a couple of decades, and for the first time, I have actually walked down the street a couple of times, breathing freely and comfortably in my skin. I use 100 mg with tramadol, but the Elavil is the closer. Weight gain and itching are side effects, but if you start out knowing you'll crave tubs of ice cream, you can discipline yourself, and the food cravings become manageable instead of being a toss-up between 50 lbs overweight or pain."

• Jel...
• April 27, 2020

For Fibromyalgia "I have tried Cymbalta and Lyrica for fibro pain... both caused severe cognitive fog and memory loss. Gabapentin didn't help the pain. Amitriptyline worked for the pain until I started gaining more and more weight. I have scoliosis, and the weight gain was excruciating for me. So I guess I'm back to T3s every 4 hours. The only thing that seems to work for the pain and doesn't cause side effects."

• Lin...
• December 22, 2016

For Interstitial Cystitis "I have had IC since 2013. I have been having negative urine tests, thinking I had ITU. Went to a urologist who told me about IC. He really did nothing for me. I found a very experienced urologist who deals only with IC. Because I have Hunner's ulcers, I have Kenalog injections when an ulcer is present, otherwise, I am on 10 mg of Elavil nightly. Works very well for sleeping and fewer trips to the bathroom at night. Because of the weight gain, I do belong to a weight loss group to help me stay away from gaining weight."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking this medication for my migraines for about a year and a half. I take it at night, and within 30 minutes, I am asleep. This, combined with verapamil 120 mg ER, has decreased my migraines from weekly to about one every 8 weeks or so. I have noticed I am calmer and more focused the next day. I have gained a little weight, but I'm not sure if that's age or the medicine. I'm 46."

• Lad...
• June 7, 2013

For Interstitial Cystitis "I began on amitriptyline about three years ago, I think? Started at 25 mgs with the option of increasing to 50 mgs for bladder interstitial cystitis. Because of weight gain, I stayed mostly at 25 mgs nightly rather than increase the dose. But recently, I have increased my dose back up to 50 mgs. It is helping with the pelvic and bladder pain associated with interstitial cystitis at about 65 percent. It is not, though, helping with the frequency of urination around the clock as for so many years. But the relief with my abdominal and bladder discomfort is improving at present. For me, that is a godsend. My other medical and health challenges I am plugging away at."

• Tig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Amitriptyline 10 mg, did nothing for me apart from making me sleep for longer and also it made me dream some weird stuff. Other side effects were it also made me feel more depressed and tearful, making me feel tired all day, I had a dry mouth, I put on weight within 2 weeks of taking this. I was put on amitriptyline for IBS, but I was still bloated, it also made me more constipated. I had read all the reviews, thought I would try it, it may work for some but did nothing for me, these did not help me in any way. Thought about increasing the dose, decided against. So I am still looking for another alternative."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on amitriptyline for 5 months. I take 20 mg at bedtime as prescribed by my neurologist for migraines I've been having for years. At first, there was a big relief. Now I'm noticing migraines are still there as well, with a fast heart rate at times, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog (lost a contract opportunity), depression, and now I'm retaining fluid. My right ankle and foot have been swollen for a couple of weeks. And I've gained 30 lbs. I'm going to see a doctor tomorrow. I don't recommend this drug."

• Ala...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on 30 mg amitriptyline for 6 months. It works well with treating my depression and helps me sleep, but I’ve put weight on and feel confused often. I’m reducing it and thinking of replacing it with healthy eating and exercise."

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 23, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "I take amitriptyline for the prevention of migraine with aura. The aura was so bad I couldn't function: dizziness/vertigo, facial numbness, vomiting, light sensitivity, and forgetfulness/memory fog. Although I'm not back to 'normal,' I am able to function. I still experience dizziness from time to time, and my memory isn't what it used to be, but overall about 85% improvement. I have experienced some weight gain from craving sweets and other junk. Also, the first month I was very tired, but that stopped. I'm afraid to try something else because I fear the symptoms returning."

• Kad...
• December 31, 2017

For Interstitial Cystitis "I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis when I was 21. My urologist prescribed 200 mg of this drug to treat. I never struggled with my weight, I was 5’ 7” and 120 pounds. After three months of this medication, I had gained 50 pounds. My doctor began to wean me off, I had major withdrawals and it took 2 years. This drug changed the composition of my body, and 10 years later, I am still struggling with my weight."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I find this drug magical! I have literally tried everything for my severe IBS problems, and nothing worked. I'm only 35, but was so poorly I couldn't work anymore and needed help looking after my kids. I finally saw a gastroenterologist privately who suggested amitriptyline 10mg. I now have 20mg in the evening and am feeling better every day. The only downside is I have put on weight, but then I was so poorly before I was barely eating, so it's not surprising. For anyone out there anxious after reading side effects, etc., I would say give them a try!"

• Gor...
• November 11, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "So I was prescribed 25 mg initially. I slept like the dead and saw a reduction in migraines, though I had low energy that wore off after about 3 weeks. So did the reduction in migraines. In 5 months, I gained over 20 lbs while very carefully watching my diet, so definitely not for me. On the upside, it significantly reduced my anxiety and stabilized my mood. I would have definitely stayed on it just for that if it wasn't for the weight gain."

• gum...
• April 3, 2009

For Pain "I have been using amitriptyline for about 6 months. I have spinal arthritis and am in great pain daily. Some days, the pain is really bad. I now take 75 mg at night. Although the pain is still there, at least I know I'm going to have a good sleep. I do suffer from a very dry mouth from this tablet and have also put on weight, which again is a side effect. I feel this medicine has its uses, but it didn't ease the pain for me."

• Gin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2021

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "Fed up with 10 years of insomnia after menopause commenced, my doctor started me on Amitriptyline earlier this year (2021). I have been taking 50 mg in the evening and sleep soundly. No more 2-3 a.m. awakening or tossing and turning. I wish I had found my current doctor years earlier as this medication has been a lifesaver. I've only gained a small amount of weight, but that's my own fault for sometimes snacking during the evening."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have been battling with weight gain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn for years. I have watched what I eat, and I am a very active 50-year-old. Finally, my GI scheduled me for a colonoscopy. That is when he found severely ulcerated ileum. It was so bad that they thought I had colon cancer. I had surgery and removed all infections. About 2 1/2 months later, I started to have cramps and diarrhea again. It was so bad that I had missed work again. My GI did another colonoscopy and endoscopy to make sure I did not have Crohn's. I do not have Crohn's. I have IBD with diverticulitis and regional colitis. My doctor prescribed 100 mg of amitriptyline. At first, I felt woozy (lack of better terms) and dry mouth. It has been only a week, and my pain has subsided. I felt apprehensive about taking an 'antidepressant' until I came to this page. I am so glad I am finally getting relief and that I don't have to find a bathroom every 5 minutes or not eat out because of how my stomach acted."

• Sja...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 6, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "So I have been on amitriptyline for a little over a year, and it did work wonders for migraine prevention, but there are a lot of downsides to this medication that the doctors don't make clear. It causes sugar and carb cravings like crazy, you never feel full, it's addictive, and you can form a tolerance to it, which causes you to have to go up in dose every once in a while. I have slowly grown to hate it because I personally have gained 40 pounds in less than a year taking this medication. I've noticed lately that it hasn't been working as well for my migraines, signaling an increase in dose. I am going to try a different medication because I'm already taking 100 mg of this one, and I can't deal with the cravings and weight gain!"

• hea...
• October 31, 2011

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I love my doctor for the introduction to Elavil. No more pounding headaches, vomiting, no more feelings of put me out of my misery! I had stopped taking my wonder pill after the first week, why? No headaches, but yes, I am gaining weight and feel as if I need a snack right after dinner. I am learning working out is a must as I am trying to get there. I just need the desire to do it."

• Boo...
• March 13, 2015

For Insomnia "I had been on this medication in the past and discontinued usage after I got pregnant. I started back a few months ago, not realizing what the side effects were. I started gaining weight incredibly fast with no change to my diet and exercise and wasn't going to the bathroom unless I used a laxative. I was stumped and depressed about it up until yesterday when I spoke with a GI doctor. Finally, I had an answer only after many visits to my family doctor and many co-payments, which added up quickly (with no solution). Needless to say, I am so relieved to finally know what is going on with me... 20 lbs later, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope this helps."

• meg...
• June 15, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "This worked great the first couple of months. Then the fatigue and weight gain kicked in. I have never in my life been fat, and this caused me to gain weight like crazy. Plus, after a few months, the headaches returned. I am going off it now."

• Xal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2022

For Depression "Spent 4 years on it, it was prescribed first as a sleeping pill at 10 mg, and it should have stayed like that. But instead, my psychiatrist refused to put me back on Paroxetine, and we increased the dose to 150 mg (over multiple months). I gained a lot of weight, was extremely tired, driving was dangerous, and heart rate was really high. Even if it relieved my anxiety, the drug was not efficient enough and had too many side effects. It was not the drug for me."