Fibromyalgia Support Group

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Amitriptyline and Weight

kimberh
kimberh

I know this topic has come up before, but I just wanted to add my anecdotal results. After I started taking amitriptyline about a year ago, I noticed a significant weight gan -- about 20 lbs in a year. I wasn't sure that it was the amitriptyline at first because I am also taking an anti-convulsant. However, after having my dose reduced from 30mg/day to 10mg/day, I have noticed that I am just not as hungry. For the last year, I actually felt like I could not get enough to eat, and often went for seconds. This was despite the fact that I was actually trying to limit myself. Now, after only one month of the dosage being reduced, I can once again tell when I am full. I also now seem to have my willpower back when it comes to unhealthy foods. So from my perspective, amitriptyline was the culprit.


However, I have read that amitriptyline can go either way -- cause weight gain or weight loss (due to decreased appetite). Just wondering what experiences others have had. By the way, it was prescribed to help me sleep, which it does NOT -- even at the higher dose. LOL! But since it is also an anti-depressent, I like to think that it is aiding my Cymbalta in reducing my pain. Can't say for sure though. Anyway, what experiences have you all had with amitriptyline? 


Kimber

Fantod
Fantod
No weight gain with Amitriptyline. My biggest complaint was being groggy all of the time. I stopped using it. Take care.
Northernelf1
Northernelf1
No weight gain for me either. It doesn't exactly help me sleep as much as help me fall back asleep when I wake up. Had a rough night last night, waking up every time I moved, but with the drug I fall back asleep right away. FWIW I ran out in between prescriptions and was amazed how much it did help my pain - pain is a constant but it was worse without it. I also think it helps reduce/stop the tingling & nerve pain in my limbs.
kimberh
kimberh
Thank you fantod and Northernelf. I agree that it does help reduce the pain and help me stay asleep as well. I just wish it helped me get to sleep. It takes me a couple of hours sometimes. Guess it's par for the course with us fibro folks. Oh well....
djbritt
djbritt
It does make me sleepy plus it makes me gain weight. I have gain at least 30 pounds.
MadelinefFromNJ
MadelinefFromNJ
I had no weight gain, but it did help with sleep. Not so much for the pain. Started on 10, and raised it to 30, then 50. At 50, it was too much, so went back to 30. We took me off it after a year because it was doing nothing for the pain.
Abotsd
Abotsd
My weight. gain is very upsetting. I don't know if it's amytriptiline, (Elevil) or Lyrica. Should I try to taper both?
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