Elavil and Weight gain

[hglsbabe]

I can't stop thinking about how Elavil has ruined my life. I have never had a weight problem before in my life. I was always 98 pounds. Now I am 119! I am so angry! If I had known that I would want to eat everything in sight and gain weight so easily I would have never taken it. I have been on Disability for over 2 years. I applied and got it with in 3-4 months. It was easy for me. I have kept every single piece of paper from every doctor I have seen. I have huge files. So I went through them and looked at the info I had on Elavil. Not one mentions weight gain. I was thinking that with all of us who have gained weight maybe we have a chance with a class action lawsuit. I am seriously considering it. Let me know what you think.

[TinaDean]

I think that the weight gain that I get from Elavil will be worth it. I just want my life back! I have kids and they need their mom to be able to do things with them again. I want to be able to go somewhere without worrying about a bathroom. Elavil is doing that for me. I was already overweight when I started taking it. What are a few more pounds compared to a lifetime of pain and suffering? I would rather be fat and happy than thin and miserable. :O)

[hglsbabe]

Well it never helped me. I think the weight gain makes it worse. It puts pressure down there. Plus I do not want to be at risk for cancer or other medical problems.

[patricia1]

hglsbabe, hi !! I am like you. I gain a terrible amount of weight on that med :mad: . Some people it has helped alot and its there wonder drug. For me I do not like it one bit. I was 112 when I started taking it and I was 162 when I took my self off of it. It has taken me 3 yrs to lose the weight :headbang: . I am now back down to 125, and I am 5'7 so this is a good weight. 112 was to small. I did not like how the weight made me feel :mad: . I always felt worse with that much weight on me. And the meds never helped. I started it for migraine headaches. It sad when someone dec that the migraine is not worth the weight I was gaining from the meds. Although when I look in the mirror now I still feel "fat". I know I may sound all full of my self but oh well.

[TinaDean]

You took Elavil for migraines? I heard that it can help some people with that too. I guess because of the pain blocker part of it.
And Elavil causes cancer? I hadn't heard that. Or did you mean the weight gain can cause cancer? I have not gained any weight thus far, but I have only been on it a few months. I meant, that FOR ME, the weight gain would be worth it. I am not really hung up on my weight. I try to eat healthy, my weight and body is what it is. I am trying really hard to monitor what I am eating. I am very sorry you had such a hard time with it. My uro says every IC bladder is different and what works for one person may not work for another person. I did ask a lot of people on the boards before I started taking it if they were taking it and what their side effects were. Many of them said weight gain, so I knew to look out for that right away. Some said they didn't gain any, though, so I guess it depends on the person. Good luck. :O)

[sedavis]

I lost 40 pounds when I had my first IC flare and Elavil gave me my life back. I've gained the weight back but would never trade being thin for living a normal life. Fat and pain free, Sue

[DanaW]

I used to take Elavil for FM. I will not take it again. I take Hydroxizine and Prozac instead. I did not like the side effects while on Elavil,,,weight gain, sleepiness, always being hungry!! I already have a ton of weight to lose and adding another 20 lbs would be a disaster. I think there can be other alternatives to taking Elavil. You may want to discuss it with your Uro. Good luck Dana W.

[Prissie]

I have gained 54lbs over the past 6 months. My doc took me off of just to see if any of the weight comes off. I can only hope that it will shed as fast as it spread! I am on Lortab for the pain now. I have been off of Elavil for 3 weeks and lost 7 pounds. A long way to go! :loco:

[darlene]

Gaining weight is far more than a case of vanity. During the last four years, I used elavil, and went from normal blood sugar, to full blown type 2 diabetes. Needless to say, I am off of elavil for good. I also am a frequent user of the artificial sweetener, splenda. It's great!

[LJINSD]

I am another who has also gained weight with Elavil. I put on 10-15 pounds since I have been on it. It makes me feel like I am hungry 24/7, even if I just ate. It has also given me an extreme dry mouth. I wouldn't mind these side effects if Elavil would help me with the pain, but it doesn't. The only reason I keep taking it is because it helps me sleep at night.

[jrowley]

I can't stop thinking about how Elavil has ruined my life. I have never had a weight problem before in my life. I was always 98 pounds. Now I am 119! I am so angry! If I had known that I would want to eat everything in sight and gain weight so easily I would have never taken it. I have been on Disability for over 2 years. I applied and got it with in 3-4 months. It was easy for me. I have kept every single piece of paper from every doctor I have seen. I have huge files. So I went through them and looked at the info I had on Elavil. Not one mentions weight gain. I was thinking that with all of us who have gained weight maybe we have a chance with a class action lawsuit. I am seriously considering it. Let me know what you think.

Sorry but according to drugdigest (http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,30|Elavil,00.html#sideEffects) one of the side effects are weight gain. So I don't think you will succeed in sueing them.

What side effects may I notice from taking amitriptyline?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•abnormal production of milk in females
•blurred vision or eye pain
•breast enlargement in both males and females
•confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
•difficulty breathing
•fainting spells
•fever with increased sweating
•irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat, palpitations
•muscle stiffness, or spasms
•pain or difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder control
•seizures (convulsions)
•sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, difficulty ejaculating)
•stomach pain
•swelling of the testicles
•tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands
•unusual weakness or tiredness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•anxiety
•constipation, or diarrhea
•drowsiness or dizziness
•dry mouth
•increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light
•loss of appetite
•nausea, vomiting
•skin rash or itching
•weight gain or loss

And here is what webmd (http://my.webmd.com/drugs/drug-1807-Elavil+Oral.aspx?drugid=1807&drugname=Elavil+Oral) says:

Elavil Oral
Back to Drug Overview

Does this medication have side effects?

The following side effects are associated with Elavil Oral:

Common side effects:
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Increased Hunger Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe


Infrequent side effects:
Parkinson's Disease Severe
Blurred Vision Severe
Slow Heartbeat Severe
Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe
Inability to have an Erection Severe
Hallucination Severe
Involuntary Quivering Severe
Difficult or Painful Urination Severe
Nervous Severe
Confused Severe
Sexual Problems Severe
Abnormal Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Heartburn Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe


Rare side effects:
Ringing in the Ears Severe
Swelling of the Testicles Severe
Enlarged Breasts in Males Severe
Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Severe
Sun-Sensitive Skin Severe
Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Severe
Itching Severe
Hair Loss Severe
Seizures Severe
Rash Severe
High Amount of Bilirubin in the Blood Severe
Giant Hives Severe
Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Blood Disorder Severe
Anxious Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe

[DanaW]

I also was aware of weight gain as a side effect.....I would never sue bc of that. The fact that it helps a lot of people means it is a useful drug. I don't know of any drug where you potentially won't gain weight. That is why I am overweight now....all the medications. I would love to find one where the side effect is weight loss!!

Dana W.

[jrowley]

http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage13/7.gif dana wouldnt we all like that

[green_the_fish]

Hi guys. I took Elavil for a few months, and I didn't gain any weight. It's probably because I have a high metabolism, I eat what I want and my weight always stays around 100 lbs. However, I've heard many stories of people gaining weight on it. My big side effect was constant tiredness.

Anyway, here's my theory on that weight gain you mentioned:
Elavil makes you sleepy. Your body knows that certain foods, such as carbs and simple calories, offer a quick burst of energy. So, your body instinctively sends signals to your brain, asking it to crave carbs and simple calories. Thus, the appetite is increased, and weight is gained.
That's just my opinion, I have no medical training at all.

[patricia1]

Hi its me again. I also have a fast metabolism (sorry for sp) and I could also eat and never gain a pound. Although when I took the medicine I gained weight. I craved more sweets which is what I think made me gain the weight. I am not a sweet person. But during the medicine time I was still eating the same as I do now. But I gain a ton of weight and it has taken me forever to get it off. And for me it never helped my migraines nor did it do anything for my IC. I just dont like the drug.

[shennan]

your pictures are very cute!!!

:)

:kiss:

shenna

[patricia1]

Thanks alot. The kids are my life. And my dog sheba she is my const. pal. I am a stay at home mom so she is with me 24/7. Last week she was real sick with infected gums, could not eat cuz her bottom gums was so infected. But we gave her penicillian shots last week and now she is better. But I was worried about her. But kids are the best, can be pains at times but whos arent. Thanks again.

[Betsie]

I never gained weight on elavil. I took it first for migraine therapy, then as a crossover GI drug and though I was never Rxd it for IC, knowing that I had it, I was advised to try it for some treatment help.

I gained 15 lbs in a week while on prednisone last year...while I was "waiting" for it to just fall off (dork) I gained 5 more...then my life became quite sedentary while my mother was ill, wether it was driving long distances or sitting for hrs on end in hospitals and the nursoing home, to just plain crashing when finally home...

As far as the elavil goes, yes many due gain...but the elavil itself doesnt add the weight -it does however change our appetite, so when taking any drugs like this in weight gain likeliness, we need to be mindful, as we are apt to shove the food in....

The drug itself is for seizures as it's first protocol and has proven to help in many other disorders. Whe my sleep gets out of whack, I will go back to elavil to get my clock on a schedule....but for me the morning "fog" side effect is what I don't like.

Good luck to all who are on it...it is a great remedy for so many, but being mindful of eating habits and a change in appetite is definitely something to watch for. :)

[jrowley]

The drug itself is for seizures as it's first protocol and has proven to help in many other disorders. Whe my sleep gets out of whack, I will go back to elavil to get my clock on a schedule....but for me the morning "fog" side effect is what I don't like.


Interesting you say this betsie this is the first I have ever seen anything about seizures. According to all the research I have done elavil is used mostly to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has other uses as determined by your doctor.

I have never seen it be used as a drug for seizures. And according to the drug search it is very important for you doctor to know if you have seizures prior to taking the drug.

PRECAUTIONS:
Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies.

Use caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery.

Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug.

Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke.

Though uncommon, depression itself can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes. Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen).

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Then according to drug diegest it will interact with most of the seizure medications:
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,30|Elavil,00.html

[Annie2]

I have been on Elavil (Amitriptyline) for 6 months now. The first 3 months I didn't gain any weight. The second 3 mos. I was traveling a great deal and gave in to cravings for doughnuts so I gained 5 lbs. I knew the potential for increased appetite existed and really watched what I was eating at first. Now that I am back home after traveling, I am being careful again and will shed those 5 lbs before it grows into a bigger problem.

I have to agree with Betsie in believing when taking this med, you need to be mindful of the potential for increased appetite. Our responses to meds are so individual that it is certain this side effect is more of a problem for some than for others. For me, Elavil has made a huge difference in the quality of my life and I will continue taking it. I know I will always have to watch what I eat to avoid the weight gain, but the benefits I receive from it make it worthwhile for me.

Annie

[amber sevy]

I gained about 20 lbs in two months with little help so I went off it and with in 4 days I started to drop a few lbs. I hope that I will keep going

[Shalai]

I used to be skinny as a rail and never gained a pound, and now I've gained about 15 lbs on Elavil, and I fight with that sugar monkey EVERY DAY. :cussing: My weight gain seems to have hit a plateau....I haven't gained any in the last 5 months, so maybe this is a good sign. :)

Sherry