Nortriptyline and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Pat...
• December 23, 2014

For Pain "I have unexplained nerve pain for about two years... After trying so many pills, I was at the end of my hope. All the pills either made me feel like a zombie or I gained weight. I tried 10 mg of Nortriptyline, and it has given me back my life! I have been on them for around 3 months now and hardly any pain."

• ano...
• January 31, 2016

For Pain "I suffered severe depression for more than 10 years. I have been recently diagnosed with Fibromuscular dysplasia. One of the effects of this condition is terrible migraines, lightheadedness, insomnia, and dizziness. I was unable to function on a daily basis, feeling sleepy at work and miserable. I could not thank my neurologist enough. He stopped me from taking any other antidepressants and put me on this drug. After 15 days, I can notice the difference. I am not sleepy during the day, I am able to function, headaches are gone, and I am able to sleep straight for 7-8 hours. My doctor told me, though, that this medication will make me gain weight. I'm preventing this by eating healthier and trying to exercise 3 times a week, and it's working."

• Oll...
• August 19, 2013

For Pain "I take Nortriptyline 30 mg at bedtime for facial nerve pain brought on by shingles, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia. The medication helps to stop itching, gnawing pain, and electrical firing. The one drawback for me is the constant obsession with food, mostly carbohydrates. I've gained weight and have negative sexual side effects, but hey, I'm not in pain. It would be nice if there was another medication that worked as well as this medication for the pain but didn't have the side effects."

• mmm...
• June 13, 2011

For Pain "I've suffered from chronic pain my entire life and often haven't been able to sleep as a result. I found this medication to often be very helpful. Though it took several weeks to really work, it definitely helped me sleep and my pain has decreased. I was started at a very low dose, which gave me a lot of flexibility to move up and down as the situation required. Taking the medication coincided with some slight weight gain, but this could have been due to a variety of other factors. Overall I found it very helpful!"

• Tho...
• February 19, 2017

For Depression "I suffered from depression and anxiety at a young age due to a stuttering problem, but I never knew at that time what caused it. I went to a doctor at the age of 22, and he put me on Pamelor. I was afraid to take it, but I did. The first few days it made me feel weird. I felt like a zombie at first for maybe 3 days, but then it went away. In 6 weeks, my depression was gone, and I felt like a normal person. I was normal. I think my dose at one point was 100, which is moderate. People need to know that this type of medication takes 6-8 weeks to work, and when it does, it's like a fog has lifted, for me at least. You have to be careful with weight gain because it does increase your appetite. It helped me sleep at night. 6-8 weeks to work."

• Eri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2016

For Pain "Took this for nerve pain and it helped! Except I would rather ache & have nerve pain than deal with the side effects I experienced. I kept getting nightmares that were so horrific, I eventually started sleeping with the lights on & thus not sleeping as good. Within 6 months, I gained 20 lbs without changing my eating habits nor physical activity. Looking back, there was a short period of time when my vision was affected as I had trouble focusing. At the time, I just thought my contacts prescription was getting too strong for me. I decided to revisit the list of side effects and sure enough there they all were. I quit taking nortriptyline that day and eventually the nightmares, blurred vision, & weight gain went away."

• bir...
• October 17, 2010

Nortriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I've suffered from migraines for 14 years and have taken numerous medications for prevention including Topamax. Topamax caused MANY bad, undetermined health issues. My Internal Medicine physician took me off Topamax and put me on 25 mg of Nortriptyline for migraine prevention. Almost immediately, I had relief from migraines, had clarity of mind even better than ever before, had a great attitude. I felt 'normal' for the first time in my life. This medication caused noticeable urinary retention, constipation, and increased appetite which caused weight gain. Due to weight gain, I was changed to Pristiq. Migraines have returned. I intend to ask to be put back on Nortriptyline and will have to alter diet and exercise."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2016

For Pain "I've had a lot of pains over the past few years due to a computer-centric lifestyle. My rear shoulder/shoulder blade pain started to become unmanageable with my Lyrica + Tramadol. Most of my pains are nervy/burning. I decided to try Nortriptyline. Started with 10mg and worked up to 100mg after months (started working at 25mg). It saved my life at that time when I was miserable. It wasn't 100%, and had a bunch of mild side effects, but made things manageable. Side effects: weight gain (huge appetite), urinary retention, dry nose/mouth, some drowsiness (bad at first but got better), reduced motor control (jerks), orthostatic hypotension. Trying to stop to see if pain comes back, and so far so good (side effects have reduced, especially appetite)."

• Ros...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 20, 2019

For Pain "I was prescribed Nortriptyline 50 mg at night for back pain and sciatica in 2012. It helped me sleep with no pain. I did have weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, decreased urination, and heartburn. In 2014, I had a right hip replacement. In 2019, most of my chronic pain was gone. My doctor lowered my dosage to 25 mg at night per my request. After two months, I have finally stopped Nortriptyline. I have more energy, have lost 13 lbs, and my memory and concentration have improved. I sleep all night and feel energetic when I wake up. After seven years, I hope to never have to take this drug again."

• Suz...
• April 21, 2016

For Pain "I just started on this drug 2 weeks ago. My doctor prescribed it to me to help deal with my concussion headaches and to help me sleep. The pain-free aspect is quite lovely, however, 2 weeks in, and I'm super groggy. It doesn't help me sleep, but I didn't have a problem with that - it was just the post-concussion headaches. My doctor's main goal seemed to just send me back to work. I'm glad I didn't have to drive into work today because I'm not sure I'd be up for morning rush hour traffic. She only prescribed one month's worth (10 mg pills), and I can't wait to be finished with it. I have noticed a large increase in 'chubbiness' around my midsection. I notice that some weight gain is one of the side effects as well."

• Dcl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2018

For Pain "I had nerve damage caused by an infection in my tooth, and it caused chronic pain in my trigeminal nerve. I had a root canal that just intensified the pain. I saw acupuncturists, ENTs, doctors, dentists, chiropractors, the list goes on and on. Finally, I saw a neurologist that actually listened and prescribed me nortriptyline (50 mg) that I take every night, and my pain finally subsided to the point I have quality of life again. I did put on a few lbs (15), but I would gain another 100 lb for this medication. It saved my life. I was a lost cause and so desperate to find relief. I am so happy again. I have slight breakthrough pain once in a while, but it pales in comparison to what I have been through. I thank my lucky stars for nortriptyline!"

• kay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2025

For Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome "Took many years of extreme episodes and being put on random (even harmful) drugs before finding this on Reddit. Requesting it changed my life. I've been on 50 mg of nortriptyline for years now. Went from 7-day intense episodes admitted in a hospital every other month, gathering many thousands in hospital bills to episode-free and finally able to hold a real career. I have bouts of nausea if I forget to take it for a few days (ADHD), and they have led me into full episodes at times, keeping them in your system is important. They may have made me gain weight in the beginning. I didn't consider them a cause but found out down the road that that can be a side effect. However, this year I lost all of the extra weight I gained over the years, so I think there's a possibility all the weight gain had much more to do with all the episodes of not eating for 7 days and losing 10+ lbs during each episode, and then binge/unhealthy eating when fully better because I'd gone so long without."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 7, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "I have been suffering with my migraines and daily headaches since I was a child, I am now 34. I have tried Tramadol (sometimes REALLY good, but other times it gave me a worse headache), Amitriptyline (no impact), and now Nortriptyline. I started on 10 mg in the morning and 20 mg at night. I had to go up to 20 mg twice a day to see any effect. My headaches are now down to about one a week, which I can take painkillers for, so this medication has been amazing for me. The only downside for me is the extremely dry mouth, but that pales in comparison to the positives. I have also seen that Nortriptyline has led to weight gain for some. I am fortunate in that it actually keeps hunger at bay. I have only been on the medication for 8 weeks."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

For Pain "I was prescribed nortriptyline for chronic back pain after an injury. Unlike most here, I was given 5 mg at night, meant to go up to 10 mg after 5 days. I’m on day 5 and I’m stopping. Immediately I’ve experienced excessive sweating, dry mouth, slight weight gain, nausea, sadness, headaches, and the worst is the insomnia! I am not sleeping at all. I can see this going downhill and am getting married in a few weeks, so don’t need to be all messed up. Do your research, I wouldn’t recommend though."

• Car...
• January 1, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on nortriptyline for 6 years, with two breaks in the middle. I have had severe migraines since I was 13 and have tried several treatment options. The two times I stopped were because it was no longer effective in preventing migraines. During those times, my doctor increased beta blockers for 6 months, then went back to the regular dosage with nortriptyline. I take up to 100 mg a day but average 50 mg. Sometimes I take for granted how well this medication has worked for me. The downsides are weight gain, restlessness, and vivid dreams. If you suffer from migraines to the extent I have, it is well worth the side effects."

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I've smoked for 40 years. Tried to quit before and never was successful. Somehow, taking this medication, it seemed easier. I have been smoke-free now for 2 months. I took the medication for 1 month prior to quitting and then went cold turkey. I take 75 mg daily when I go to bed. I have been instructed to take this medication for a full 6 months after quitting. Cons: dry mouth, flatulence, lower sex drive, some weight gain, groggy in the morning, increased appetite, harder to urinate (dribbling). Pros: no anxiety around quitting smoking, seemed easier this time, medication is covered on the drug plan, I feel committed and have been (no bargaining with myself to have 'just one'). It works! Pros outweigh the cons because I have quit. Cons are temporary!"

• Sab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I was having terrible panic attacks the first year after having a baby. Unable to sleep, as well as migraines. I have tried almost every other anxiety and depression med out there. This helped with my panic attacks and migraines after about three weeks. I can actually sleep now, too. Downsides are I’m hungry a lot more and have gained some weight. But I actually needed to gain some back. Also, my acid reflux has increased like crazy. I was hoping it would go away after a while, but I’ve been on 25 mg now for five months. I’m on omeprazole already, but about half an hour after taking the nortriptyline, my chest burns like crazy. Love this medicine so far, but not sure I can deal with this acid."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2012

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking nortriptyline for almost two years. It has proven extremely effective in reducing my migraines. I now get a migraine perhaps five or six times a year compared with once a week previously. It did cause dry mouth at first, though that has abated. And my mood is much improved, possibly because I have fewer headaches and possibly because of the drug's antidepressive effects. The main problem is weight gain. I feel hungry almost all the time. That said, I'm not ready to return to pre-nortriptyline days and, instead, will work on diet and exercise."

• Suz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2018

Nortriptyline for Depression "25 years ago. I took Pamelor for postpartum depression. It worked for the depression but had to stop taking because my stools became hard as rocks and were difficult to pass. I have had irritable bowel syndrome since as a result. I also gained about 40 pounds, and no matter how much I diet or exercise, I cannot lose the weight."

• SoR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "Nortriptyline did not work for me. The first month I took it, I gained 15 lbs, the second month I gained 10 lbs, the third month I gained 5 lbs, a total of 30 lbs in 3 months and cholesterol way above heart attack level. I stopped taking it because I still had migraines and because of the rapid weight gain. I have never gained more than 5 lbs. I was 120-125 most of my life. I gained 5 lbs after having 4 kids. I gained 20 lbs each time I was pregnant and lost it quickly. I still have these 30 lbs that I can't lose from this damn nortriptyline. I've been walking 3-4 miles every day for a month now and eat organic when I can. I lost 7 lbs. It's taking forever. I don't recommend nortriptyline to anyone. Try something else!!"

• Tar...
• May 20, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I've been using nortriptyline for over 10 years now, and my migraine hasn't caused me severe pains anymore. I noticed that if I ever stop taking the medication, I start getting headaches again. I wanted to stop this medicine because of water retention and weight gain, but this is the only medicine so far that can help me with my migraine headache and also with my back pain after spinal surgery. The pros outweigh the cons of taking this medication, so I continue to use it up to now."

• Sil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2016

Nortriptyline for Depression "Nortriptyline isn't a very good medication for chronic headaches. My neurologist put me on 25 mg, 2 tabs at bedtime. It's supposed to make you sleepy, however, it's quite the opposite. It keeps you awake and makes you very irritable, and you still have a headache and causes weight gain. Medication, especially."

• Hea...
• November 30, 2013

For Neuralgia "This medicine worked amazingly for my trigeminal neuralgia, depression, and migraine prevention, however, I had to go off of it because I had weight gain and severe constipation. I'm starting on 400 mg of magnesium oxide and 400 mg of vitamin B2 as recommended by my neurologist for migraine prevention now and going to also try the lowest dose of Topamax."

• It...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 4, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "For 25 years, I suffered with migraines with aura, numbness in my hands, face, and nausea, etc. I tried everything the doctors suggested and avoided triggers. I haven't eaten chocolate in 32 years, never eat bananas, and I've never had red wine. In 1997, a neurologist prescribed 100 mg of Pamelor and 500 mg of Naproxen 2x a day. It completely changed my life. I now stay away from the obvious triggers and take 50 mg a night (75 during my periods) and 250 mg Naproxen. I get migraines about 5x a year now and use Imitrex then. I've taken it for 18 years and would like to wean off of it. I don't like the heart concerns associated with it, constipation, nor the weight gain. I exercise daily, maintain a 1200-cal diet, and still gain weight, 50 lbs in 18 years."

• Son...
• June 2, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I am 27 years old and suffered from horrible migraine headaches since I was 15. I had the kind of headaches that caused uncontrollable vomiting and kept me in a dark room for days. I felt like I couldn't have a normal life because I would always think twice about going out, fearing a migraine would ruin the day. I am currently on 75 mg/day, and it has made a significant difference. I no longer have the 9/10 severity migraines for 4-5 days at a time several times per month. I still get headaches, but they will go away with something as simple as resting for 20 minutes with my eyes closed. I'm not afraid to go out anymore. The side effects that I have struggled a bit with are weight gain and dry mouth, but I will take those any day over the migraines."