How do you keep your weight under control while being on Elavil - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

peiti · 12-24-2003, 10:48 AM

Hi,

I don't want to sound vain, but the weight gain from Elavil really depressed me. I have been on 25mg Elavil daily for 2 months and gained about 6 pounds. I know 6 pounds are not a lot of weight, but afraid that it will go up constantly and then it will be harder to lose weight.

I really have no intention to switch to other antidepressant cause 25mg of Elavil helps me so much on my bladder pain and spasm.

I know everyone is different, but if you didn't gain any weight on Elavil, what did you do? I'd really like to know.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

photomom · 12-27-2003, 04:33 PM

I too would like to know!!! I have been on it one month and have gained 10lbs! I am sure that the holidays doesn't help either, but all I do is eat and feel depressed still!

DanaW · 12-30-2003, 01:09 PM

I am gaining weight from the Hydroxizine that I started on a month ago. I am constantly hungry! But, I am sleeping better and am able to go less often. When I was on Elavil years ago, I felt sluggish and very hungry! I think all of those types of drugs do that to most people. Especially to people who have weight troubles like me! I hope you are able to tackle that side affect, good luck!

havingsuccess · 12-30-2003, 05:31 PM

I don't take these meds anymore but when i did I had no problem with the hydroxyzine, but the elavil caused me to gain 40 pounds in 6 months. I was so knocked out all the time I didn't even realize it. I wish I could tell you something positive but I looked elavil up in my drug book and it said the side effects were weight gain and slow metabolism so it's kinda a lose lose situation. I do remember one lady on here saying she had not gained any weight. Maybe she will post. I wish I could give you happier news. Good Luck!!

Success

vm · 12-31-2003, 03:42 AM

I have been on 25mg daily of Elavil for over 2 years. It didn't cause weight gain for me - and when I watched my diet and exercised I even lost some weight.

Now, I started Lexapro a few months ago and I did gain weight on that... BUT, I am also eating like crap so I am hopeful that by watching what I eat and exercising it will fall off.

Iris · 12-31-2003, 08:02 AM

Hi I am also on Elavil 25 mgm and have been now for over a year. I have gained weight but Elavil has helped me so much, I must admit the weight gain does not bother me, I would rather that, than the pain I was in, so I cannot complain. I try to exercise when I can, and seem to have reached a plateau with my weight now. Hope everything works out for you and your meds, take care Iris hi hat

mayray518 · 12-31-2003, 09:23 AM

I have been on elavil for 7 years. It keeps my IC under control At the 50 mg level I experienced extreme fatigue and cravings for sweets but I did not give into it and kept my weight at 105. Now I am down to 5 mg and the side effects are not as bad. I would prefer not to take it but, compared with the pain of IC, it is a blessing!!

lolobits · 01-19-2008, 07:24 PM

You do not sound vain. I too felt the same way I gained about 10 pounds in a matter of a month. You know what I will gladly accept those 10 pounds any day over the pain and sleepless nights. I found that once I got better I took more pleasure in exercise because it didnt hurt anymore. I now do a womens bootcamp 3 days a week and I feel great.

Cricketmk3 · 01-20-2008, 01:17 AM

I've never taken Elavil but did take Paxil. I gained weight on it and must be vainer than you because I refused to take it anymore. However, I began taking Wellbutrin and have lost 5 lbs. A side effect of Wellbutrin is weight lose instead of weight gain. I'm not suggesting you switch since Elavil is helping you and you don't want to rock the boat but if the weight gain becomes a real problem for you, you can keep Wellbutrin in mind.