Wondering if this drug is addictive? Any info would be appreciated[?]
Amitriptyline - is it addictive?
Question posted by goldenhands33 on 27 April 2005
Last updated on 5 July 2018
4 Answers
caringsonbj
25 Jan 2011
I don't or am not sure this is what one could say is one of those addictive type drugs, not like pain meds etc, these are used for certain types of headaches, (it's an old fashion used in the past drug that does not mean it isn't effective I am just telling you this for your information, also used for naseau, depression I think it does have a place in medicine some effects are easier on certain people than on others I think what I am saying is what works for one person won't always for another person best wishes
baylabug
10 July 2013
I have been taken amatryp. for a few wks now b4 bedtime. I have gained about 30 pounds within 2 wks. I just had my 3rd baby in march 2013 & immediatly went back 2 size 3. Now I all of a sudden look like I am 7 months pregnant. I can't stop eating poptarts. Can't fit in any of my clothes & my wedding ring doesn't fit cuz I am so swollen. Was taking 2 everynite but 2nite I will take just 1 & 2mrw no more...
baylabug
10 July 2013
I have been taken amatryp. for a few wks now b4 bedtime. I have gained about 30 pounds within 2 wks. I just had my 3rd baby in march 2013 & immediatly went back 2 size 3. Now I all of a sudden look like I am 7 months pregnant. I can't stop eating poptarts. Can't fit in any of my clothes & my wedding ring doesn't fit cuz I am so swollen. Was taking 2 everynite but 2nite I will take just 1 & 2mrw no more...
skirty1
15 Aug 2013
Hi Baylabug,
I was recently diagnosed with atypical migraines (no nausea) and put on Inderal and Elavil at night. After over 10 years on Ambien for sleep (which I discontinued slowly and finished 8 weeks ago) I thought I had found the magic sleeping potion. I was out light a light in minutes. I also suffer from CFS and lupus. I was a figure skater up until 2 years ago, and when I stopped skating (at age 46) I packed on 30 pounds. I was already uncomfortable at that weight.
Since starting the I and the Elavil I started to feel very sluggish, and packed on an addition 15 lbs in less than a month. I read your comment about the poptarts and totally identified. I have never experienced cravings for processed carbs like I have in the last few weeks. I never had such drastic cravings even while pregnant. I was starting to feel completely out of control, where I would get up, go to kitchen and go back to bed because I was so sluggish.
I was starting to understand how someone could become extremely overweight.
I tapered fairly quickly off of both drugs. Not recommended by dr! However, my appetite disappeared, I can feel I am dropping weight, and my energy returned. I have a theory about the carb cravings.
Since I believe Elavil lowers blood pressure, and eating simple (crap) carbs makes you retain water, your body craves the carbs in an effort to raise blood pressure. For me, Elavil combined with Inderal was a double whammy.
My insomnia returned with a vengeance last night, but even on 3 hours sleep I feel better than I have in weeks. One of the biggest mistakes my doc made was putting me on both at the same time. I read somewhere once that food is a drug. Anything that you put in your body that can alter your metabolism is. Eating all those empty calories was having terrible side effects for me, and foods like cakes, cookies and pop tarts were irresistible.
Delila
22 Oct 2010
Hi, sorry to disagree, i don't want to upset anyone, but i was told it can be addictive. I don't always rely on doctors opinions now since he told me tramadol aren't physically addictive, when i know full well that they are. I would agree that amitriptyline are generally safe, certainly less risky than a lot of other anti-depressants/anti-anxiety treatments
Delila
25 Oct 2010
Hi sorry i've contradicted myself with another answer i've just posted, just wanted to clarify... I didn't have any addictive effects, and i have a very addictive personality but it is possible to have withdrawal symptoms from this med
staticdreamgirl
28 May 2012
My doctor prescribed it to me for insomnia and told me it was not at all addictive. For many years I've been on and off of medications for my mental well being (I've been on Wellbutrin, Paxil, Effexor and others) and noticed after taking this drug, it was the best drug yet and helped me the most with my mental state of being. When I am off it, the only thing I notice is that I start becoming a little more negative than I was while on the drug but as far as it being -addictive-? From my use of it, I have not had withdrawl effects when I stop using it and due to changing jobs and being unemployed (i.e. Insurance, no insurance, etc.) I have never craved the drug. I simply sleep better and feel better overall when I am on it.
staticdreamgirl
28 May 2012
Also, if your Doctor told you Tramadol was not addictive, they lied to you. Tramadol IS a highly addictive substance.
Delila
29 May 2012
Hi, wow, that was an old question! Believe me, i know only too well how addictive Tramadol are, have been through many battles with them over the years! This is why i don't always take doctors opinions to heart, and i check up on things i am told about. Weirdly enough, i am weaning off the Amitriptyline atm and am finding it hard. I'm glad you had a more successful withdrawal : )
Delila
29 May 2012
I forgot to welcome you to the site! : )
melt855
11 Aug 2010
My doctor said it was not addictive at all.
brotherrolf
2 April 2011
It is not addictive as a narcotic, but I have been taking it for migraine for 30 years and if I try to wean myself off them, I get a ferocious headache.
happyfrog83
6 July 2018
I get severely depressed when I try to wean myself off of it.
mpvt
28 April 2005
Anitriptyline is a old anti-depressant that's been used for years for many different problems.The drug can be used as a sleeping aide and alot of times it's used for nerve pain.I don't think it has a high abuse rate.It's a fairly safe drug... Dave
Always consult a MD first
Related topics
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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