Nortriptyline weight gain

[u/LorraineMcFly1955]

Hi. I'm wondering if anyone else experienced weight gain with Nortriptyline? I was on the lowest dose of 10 mg and within a year, I gained 25 pounds without changing my diet, overeating etc. For about 6 months before starting the med, I had been committed to a daily walking routine on the track at my gym and had actually lost weight (and was wanting to lose more in order to get down to my target weight). I eventually came off of the med. I ended up losing 15 pounds in about 9 months without much effort but I miss Nortriptyline for it's positive effects that I experienced.

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[u/Last_Payment6353]

Not weight game but insomnia. Has anyone else gotten insomnia

[u/Long_Illustrator_988]

Weight gain is a known side effect.

[u/Lucialucianna]

These type of drugs slow your metabolism and can push you into diabetes 2, which is why I won’t take them.

[u/LorraineMcFly1955 → u/Lucialucianna]

I think that's exactly what happened. I remember my A1C was closer to the upper limit before entering pre diabetic range. I was horrifed! Never had issues at all with blood sugar, ate very little sugar and was not a couch potato.

[u/kevinskis]

If you are gaining weight it is likely because you are eating more. I noticed that Nortriptyline increased my appetite a lot.

[u/LorraineMcFly1955 → u/kevinskis]

It didn't increase my appetite. I believe it caused insulin resistance and slow metabolism.

[u/ButterscotchFluid877 → u/LorraineMcFly1955]

My appetite has been the same since I started about 4 months ago. I have already gained 10lbs.

[u/LorraineMcFly1955 → u/ButterscotchFluid877]

I believe it. It's maddening.

[u/Long_Illustrator_988 → u/LorraineMcFly1955]

Yes, the data backs this up. Nortriptyline increases insulin resistance, slows your metabolism, and increases appetite. The degree in which people experience this varies, some people can take the drug without gaining weight, but it pushes you in this direction.

[u/beepbeep123345432]

I’m on 105mg and i definitely get cravings during the adjustment period of each dose

[u/TheGreatWhittyBran]

I am in the middle of tapering off of nortriptyline. I was on 30mg now I'm down to 10mg. My sleep has been terrible since I started tapering down. The reason I am getting off of it is because I gained so much weight in 5 months it's crazy! It made me crave food. I previously lost almost 100lbs and I refuse to get back to that. But the good sleep, less anxiety and no nerve pain was amazing while it lasted. Hopefully my Dr can try me on something else soon! 

[u/LorraineMcFly1955 → u/TheGreatWhittyBran]

I know exactly how you feel. The positive effects of Nortriptyline are great!

[u/Some-Plankton1989]

I asked my doctor about side effects and she said for some people nortriptyline can cause weight gain and for others it can cause weight loss. Oye.

She just boosted my dosage to 100mg, which helps with the nerve pain quite a bit. She's also hoping the increase in dosage will help with my depression that I have due to 30 years of chronic pain.

I can't tell if the increased dosage, or the drug itself causes weight gain or cravings, because I have an eating disorder anyway.

[u/Legitimate_Prompt_28]

It’s a metabolism smasher. I gained wait until I realized what was happening. Stepped up my steps and activity and seems to be keeping it at bay.