Has anyone gained weight on low doses of Elavil/Amitriptyline? - Pain Management Message Board

northernangel · 11-22-2008, 12:07 PM

I was prescribed 10-20mg of amitriptyline a week ago for nerve pain (I have an early case of RSD that we're trying to nip in the bud) and within 2 days the horrible pain in my foot was pretty much gone. Amazing. I do have drowsiness and dry mouth also but I can definitely put up with those side-effects to be free of pain.

My main concern is weight gain on this drug. I have a history of anorexia and bulimia and gaining too much weight could possibly threaten my 10 years of recovery.

I've definitely noticed an increase in my appetite after a week but I'm a fairly healthy eater and haven't noticed any weight gain yet.

For those of you who take lower doses (10-25mg daily), how has it affected your weight?

conductor · 11-22-2008, 03:49 PM

Dear northernangel,

I take a medium-low dose of Elavil once at night for pain control due to my Lupus condition, and I am sure that it is a very helpful component in my Pain Management.

However, I have always noticed a craving for sweet drinks--orange juice and apple juice, specifically. Yes, over the years, I haven't been careful and have put on weight. Over a year ago, I fell and cracked my skull. During that event and recovery, I lost almost 40 pounds. By being more careful about my caloric intake, I have kept most of it off! Again, I've always felt that it was the Elavil that contributed to this!

Your history of weight issues makes me sure that you are careful about what will go into your body, so you know how to pay attention to your calories and other contributing factors. Probably, you might want to discuss this with your doctor.

Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)

soldierswife44 · 11-23-2008, 06:30 AM

i take 50 mg a day for about 2 months now, i havent noticed my hunger being out of control it sure helps my nerve pain too plus it makes my mood some what better so i think its a good drug. for me it has been a godsend, i think you will be fine with it what other meds are you taking? take care renee'

sixftblnd · 11-23-2008, 05:48 PM

Yes, I've had rsd for almost three years in my right knee and leg. They put me on Elivil first and I gained 10 lbs . I switched to Pamelor (noratriptalyne) and it subsided. I did not loose those 10 lbs though. This year they put on an antidepressant and I gained another 10 lbs. I felt so much better mentally, but cannot take the weight on my knee, so I stopped it.
Sherry