Antidepressants and side effects.

I'm taking Stangyl (Trimipramin), which is an antidepressant, for migraine prevention. I only get 25 mg a day, which is much less than what you would get for depression and I feel like it's helping a lot with my headaches, as in they got a lot less. I've been suffering from really bad migraine and tension headaches for years, so I went to hospital a few weeks ago and they're now trying the antidepressants therapy. However, since then I have gained 3 kg, which is very unusual for me and even though I'm thin,I hate gaining weight and it makes me very uncomfortable with my body. My doctor said I shouldn't be gaining any more weight now, that it would just happen during the first week, but then a few weeks ago he said I shouldn't be gaining weight at all if I kept eating normally, which I did.
I know I'm only taking a very small dose, but I'm convinced the wight gain is related to the antidepressants. Any of you have any experience with that? I really wanna get off it and start taking something else now, because I can't stand the thought of gaining any more...

Reply 1

AverageGuyOnTheStreet

9

Well, I know that when you take antidepressants for depression the side effects are more in the first few weeks. Maybe weight gain is a side effect but if that is the case it shouldn't happen too much more.

Reply 2

jazznaz

1

Trimipramin is a tricyclic antidepressant, and has a similar effect on the body as Doxepin.

One of the common side effects of taking Doxepin or related antidepressants is an increased appetite and massive weight gain.

I've been perscribed both Diazepam and Efexor XL (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride).

Diazepam was perscribed to me as a muscle relaxant, and it was wonderful for the time I was taking it. It's supposed to relieve tension and anxiety, with the only adverse side effects becoming more apparent at higher dosages (I was on 25mg per day).

Venlafaxine is perscribed by some doctors to allieviate migraines, but there can be more serious side effects, again depending on dosage.

You should definitely consult your doctor about the medication you're on. There will be alternatives to Trimipramin. If your doctor isn't happy to recommend anything else, then (if possible) see another doctor and get a second opinion on the matter.

Reply 3

Freckles

OP

12

Erm, the thing is, I'm gaining weight by the day. Seriously. Only a few hundred gram each day, but that makes a few kg a month and I'm supposed to take them for up to 9 months. I've been on them for 4 weeks now and already 3kg. I admit I'm paranoid about my weight and I've been through eating disorders, so that makes it especially bad, but I really can't stand the thought of gaining anymore. And my doctor said you shouldn't gain weight at all if you don't eat differently, which is absolutely untrue because I haven't changed my eating habits a bit. It's so frustrating. You take medication for one thing and then you get another problem instead..

Reply 4

Freckles

OP

12

jazznaz

Trimipramin is a tricyclic antidepressant, and has a similar effect on the body as Doxepin.

One of the common side effects of taking Doxepin or related antidepressants is an increased appetite and massive weight gain.

I've been perscribed both Diazepam and Efexor XL (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride).

Diazepam was perscribed to me as a muscle relaxant, and it was wonderful for the time I was taking it. It's supposed to relieve tension and anxiety, with the only adverse side effects becoming more apparent at higher dosages (I was on 25mg per day).

Venlafaxine is perscribed by some doctors to allieviate migraines, but there can be more serious side effects, again depending on dosage.

I know, but the thing is that I do not have an increased appetite and I haven't been eating more than before. I eat very little altogether, so I don't understand how I can gain weight. Seriously, this morning I weighed 300 grams more than yesterday and I barely ate 300 g worth of food in between.. :frown:

Reply 5

jazznaz

1

My understanding is that the drug will affect the way your body metabolises food and that is what will cause you to gain weight.

EDIT: I don't want to sound like I think I know more than your doctor does... :redface: