How does amitriptyline work for nerve pain? Does it ALWAYS cause weight gain?

Twice I’ve been on amitryptiline and both times I have gained weight. Yes it helps with pain but I cannot afford the weight gain as already am overweight. I am today cutting back slowly on the tablets to hopefully get off in a month to see if I can lose this extra weight.

I gained 40 pounds in 3 months. It was also around that time I developed type II diabetes. I don't think one had to do with the other, but that was how it worked out for me. I was taking it for bladder pain and the amount of relief I got wasn't worth the weight gain. I don't remember my dosage because it was several years ago and only for 4 months.

I hope that I am the exception and not the norm because I heard it can be a wonderful medicine for many people.

Best wishes for good health! TC

Hi PattyP11,
I think Lady2882 covered your query quite well. I've only one thing to add, Amitrip and Nortrip both can cause you to crave carbs and sugar, if you're a strong willed woman (like Lady) you can keep any weight gain to a minimum.
Just avoid those carbs and sugar, the wee devils!

By the way, I took Amitriptyline for nerve pain as well, and I found it helpful, but I'd a side effect that was just too unpleasant to continue with the medication. I bet you'll feel much better with this medication, though!
Best wishes and no weight gain for you : )
Lara

I have been taking amitriptyline for 18 years for nerve pain and it does help alot. I take 75mg once per day but have been as high as 175mg.
Initially I did gain some weight but was able to get all but 5 pounds of it off. Now at 51, it is still that 5 pounds that I am over but have no problem staying there. Don't gain any more unless I overindulge but then no problem to get back down again.
Would really like to lose that 5 pounds and be at the proper weight for my size but it is something I can live with.
Hope that helps