amitriptyline and loosing weight

Hi,

I take 125mgs of Amytriptilene every evening ( and just to mention, it should be taken approx 4-6 hours prior to going to bed even for sleep purposes as it takes a long time to get into the blood stream and take effect ) for back and leg pain and it does not seem to hinder any weight loss. Everyone is different of course but weight gain is not a common side effect with this drug. Hope you don't mind me chipping in but I was a RGN before having to retire due to my back condition. Hope this helps. x

This is interesting, since I just logged on to post a similar question! I started taking 20 mg at bedtime a couple of weeks ago. My doctor warned me that weight gain is a common side effect. So it's entirely possible that it's what is slowing down your weight loss. Interesting that you guys take it a few hours before bed - I might try that tonight, since I have been having all sorts of problems falling asleep. (I used to take Lunesta, but we're switching things up)

Yeah you will have trouble waking up if you are only taking it an hour before bed because it is not nearly enough time to get in your system. Most general practitioners do not realise this and prescribe it to be taken last thing at night. When I was first prescribed Amytriptiline, I had to firstly attend a pain clinic. The consultant explained the importance of taking the drug well before bed as the liver takes a long time to absorb the chemical ingredients of this drug and also quite some time to fully metabolise it. So if you take it only 1 hour prior to bed, you will still be under the influence when you get up in the morning, making you lethargic and sometimes unable to function at your normal level. And, also just to mention, if you are a driver it is entirely possible that you could be prosecuted for driving while under the influence of drugs first thing in the morning if the drug has not been metabolised properly, even though it is a prescription medication. So do be careful guys. Its a pretty safe drug by some standards as its non addictive and has several medical uses but its fairly powerful too. Take care all x

Amitriptyline CAN increase appetite. However, at low doses (like yours) it's unlikely.

Also, I've taken it before and it did absolutely nothing for my sleep troubles, sadly.

It depends on your metabolism but four hours before bed is a good start. I take mine at 7.00pm and usually head off to bed anytime after 11.00pm. By then I am starting to feel pretty tired and ready to nod off, if I can get comfortable. You really just have to experiment until you find the best time for you. x