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Migraine Headache
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Posted 12/19/2005 12:48 PM (GMT -6)
Hello All,

I went to a new doctor last week.

She wants to put me on amnitryptaline.

I have heard that it causes weight gain.

Is this a myth or is it true?

Has anyone had great success with it?

Thanks

Lauren

Posted 12/19/2005 6:54 PM (GMT -6)

I think it can vary from person to person, but most of the people have experienced some weight gain.

You may want to try nortriptyline (a sister drug) that is relatively similar with lower occurance of side effects

Sara

Posted 12/19/2005 8:40 PM (GMT -6)
I gained alot of weight on it but it did work great on the migrain. I was only on it for about 2-3 months & I gained about 10-15lbs with in that time.

Posted 12/20/2005 10:44 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Lauren,

I haven't tried that medication. I did a bit of research and found an article on MAGNUM (Migraine Awareness Group). The web address is http://www.migraines.org/treatment/protricy.htm. It does list weight gain as a possible side effect for Amitriptyline. It is a tricyclic anti-depressant and as Sara noted, there are others that are recommended for treatment of Migraines.

When my neurologist put me on my beta blocker he gave me a choice of a few and listed the side effects, I chose one that didn't have weight gain as a side effect. Is your doctor open to discussing your medications and providing you with choices, such as ones that don't cause weight gain? Will s/he explain why Amitriptyline is the medication s/he thinks is best? 

Good luck!

Posted 12/21/2005 11:32 AM (GMT -6)
You know, that was just very sweet of you to help me find that website Nikki!

I have been looking at it this morning and find it very interesting.

The only reasons I am hesitant about starting amnitriptaline is because of the weight gain and the problems it causes if you become pregnant or breast feed.

I am not looking to have children for at least another couple years but it is a little scary to think of starting something that you will not be able to take when you become pregnant.

But I could possibly try it till I do want to become pregnant.

And the weight gaine thing, I just don't know what to think about that one.

It might be worth it if it helped my headaches significantly.

Now, I have another question.  So if amnitryptaline is a mild anti depressant then why are a lot of people taking anti-depressants with it? 

I believe I have read that several people in this forum have had to take an additional antidepressant with it.

Maybe I am mistaken.

Lauren

 

Posted 12/21/2005 1:00 PM (GMT -6)

Lauren-

It is an old anti-depressant and it works well for chronic pain and to help you sleep  less for depression...and then the newer anti-depressants are less likely to cause weight gain and drowsiness but work better for depression, so together they seem to tackle all the problems.

I think that medications together are like fitting a combination lock,....you have to do a little trial and error and see if you get the combination right!

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