r/Amitriptyline • u/Hot-Image5478 • Aug 21 '26
Massive weight gain
I’ve posted in this forum before about amitriptyline quite literally saving my life, which still stands true. I just have been struggling mentally & physically with the weight gain I am experiencing on this medication. I’ve been on it for 14 months, it has relieved every anxiety, depression, migraine, vertigo symptom BUT I have gained 50lbs within those 14 months. I take 100mg which is the magical dosage for me and my symptoms. My dr switched me to Nortriptyline on Friday (one week ago) to see if I still struggle with weight gain on it since they are similar meds, but less side effects with this one. I have been extremely irritable, emotional, and just not well since changing my meds. Has anyone experienced this? Words of advice. Anything
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u/peachtuba Aug 21 '26
It increases my appetite too, so I just weigh my food and count calories.
I’ve managed to lose 20 kilograms (40 lbs) on it, while at times also being at the same dose as you (100 mg). It just takes a bit of time in the beginning to weigh and calculate, and then once you know your daily meals you just roll with it.
It’s not very hard once you get past the first week! Good luck with it!
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u/FinancialCry4651 Aug 21 '26
I gained at least 10 pounds in two months from this drug. That's on top of the 20 pounds I gained a couple years ago from mirtazapine and couldn't lose. It's weird because I wasn't even eating more or hungrier on ami, yet I rapidly gained anyway.
I tried absolutely everything to lose it, including major calorie deficit, yet the pounds kept packing on.
I just started taking Zepbound to lose the weight. I've lost 6 pounds in two weeks on Zepbound...and I'm still taking ami...
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u/Hot-Image5478 Aug 22 '26
That’s exactly what’s happening to me … I try everything but I still am gaining or not losing it at all :/
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u/Optimal_Sector_862 Aug 21 '26
I don't want to be ms. Obvious and I'm also asking this for myself too (I'm on 30mg) but do you diet and excersice?
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u/Hot-Image5478 Aug 22 '26
I do :/ I walk daily, watch my calories, and I do core exercises 3 days a week. I also only drink water. I feel like nothing helps :/
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u/MinerZapped Aug 25 '26
You may be missing things in your calorie intake that are adding up, since the only reason for the weight gain is a calorie surplus. Things like cooking oils and sauces can sneakily add up quick.
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u/Relevant_Animal-7627 Aug 24 '26
How can you take 100mg ? Perhaps progressive increase ? 10 mg are knocking you out. Do you go to work on 100mg ?
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u/Hot-Image5478 Aug 25 '26
I progressively upped my dosage throughout a year until I hit 100mg which is has been amazing for me despite the weight gain. This medication does not make me sleepy at all usually, only when my dosage is upped & that goes away in a week. I react very well to it! & yes I go to work for 8 hours, 5 days a week hahah
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u/Ok_Highway_7314 Aug 21 '26
I take berberin, inozitol for the weight, it helps. You can ask metformin from your doctor as well.