[Sticky] Amitriptyline and weight gain

Hi,

Although I don't personally have any experience with this medication, known side effects do include an impact on blood glucose levels, hunger, and possible weight gain. Although I cannot give you specific advice, I would suggest that if you are experiencing unwanted side effects through taking this medication that you talk to your healthcare team. They should be able to discuss different options with you, including the possibility of changing to a different medication. There will hopefully be other options which can help reduce any pain you have been experiencing whilst avoiding weight gain or other side effects.

Best wishes,

Sean (Science and Research Lead at X-PERT Health)

Hi, thanks for your question regarding Amitriptyline and weight gain. As you mention, one of the side effects of Amytriptyline is weight gain. Unfortunately there is minimal research documenting exactly how much weight people gain while taking the drug though most studies conclude that tricyclic antidepressants (including Amitriptyline which can also be used for pain relief) have can result in a weight gain of 1 lbs. and 3 lbs. per month while taking the medication for 6 months though this is dependent on the dose taken.
One of the reasons for this is the effect of the drug on the hormones, particularly the appetite regulatory hormone Leptin and so you feel hungry more often. There is also a theory that the effect of the drug on serotonin, ( a neurotransmitter directly tied to carbohydrates) production may indirectly cause cravings for sweets and other carbohydrates; over consumption of carbohydrates are recognised as causing weight gain if eaten above your personal threshold. Of course the sedative effect of the drug may lead to becoming less active.
If you are concerned about your weight gain then I would have a discussion with your healthcare team who may be able to prescribe an alternative to control your pain.