Does Nortriptyline cause weight gain or weight loss?

In this brief article, we will discuss whether Nortriptyline may cause weight changes, what the studies say about it, and how it happens. We will also explore what to do if you experience weight changes as a result of taking Nortriptyline. Additionally, we will briefly mention the possibility of withdrawal symptoms and side effects associated with this medication.

Nortriptyline is an tricyclic antidepressant that may cause both weight gain and weight loss. 

This occurs because treatment with Nortriptyline can either increase or decrease your appetite, either due to the mechanism of action of the medication or as a consequence of other adverse effects.

It is important to remember that each person is unique and may respond differently to treatments (1,2,3).

Talk to your healthcare provider if Nortriptyline causes weight changes. Your doctor may attempt to adjust the treatment if it is affecting your sleep quality.

It is important to know that Nortriptyline may cause withdrawal symptoms and, in addition to weight changes, can also cause other adverse effects (1,4).

If you experience any unusual or concerning issues while taking this medication, it is advisable to contact your doctor.

Does Nortriptyline cause weight gain or weight loss? 

Nortriptyline belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants, which are widely known in the literature to cause weight gain as an adverse effect (1,2).. 

However, it is important to remember that each person is unique and may respond differently to treatments.

Some individuals may not tolerate the other adverse effects of this medication (such as gastrointestinal -GI effects) and end up losing weight as a result.. 

What to do if Nortriptyline causes changes in your weight? 

If you experience weight changes during Nortriptyline treatment and it affects your quality of life, talk to your doctor.

They will likely investigate the cause of your issue, and if it is indeed associated with the use of the medication, they may consider adjusting the treatment or replacing Nortriptyline with another more suitable medication.

In any case, engaging in proper physical exercise and adopting good eating habits can help you not only with weight loss but also with your overall health.

You should not stop using the medication without consulting your doctor first.

What does research suggest about the effects of Nortriptyline on weight? 

There are a number of research studies which have explained the possibility of weight gain with Tricyclic antidepressants, including Nortriptyline. It is not a new finding, as some research studies were published more than 3 decades ago.

A 1984 study indicated that the maximum dose of 50mg per day of Nortriptyline can affect weight. Although not significant in the majority of the cases, some cases showed a tremendous amount of weight gain (2). 

Another research study indicated that Nortriptyline can cause weight gain of more than 10 lbs in people over 60 years of age. However, the incidence is rare, as other volunteers did not gain weight (3). Some of them lost weight because of loss of appetite and some other GI side effects like acid reflux. 

This indicates that Nortriptyline can cause both weight gain and weight loss. This is why it is important to monitor your symptoms properly and report them to your healthcare provider. 

How does Nortriptyline affect your weight? 

It causes two side effects which can be linked with weight-related changes, which are more common during the early course of the treatment (2,3). These are:

• Loss of appetite 
• Increased appetite 

When it makes you lose your appetite, primarily due to GI adverse effects, you lose weight. That’s because you begin to eat less than what your body requires for its normal physiological functioning. In this case, your body starts to use the stored fat to make more energy and hence you lose a few pounds. 

When Nortriptyline increases your appetite, it makes you eat more. Therefore, if you don’t extend all the energy you consume in the form of food, the body stores that energy, resulting in weight gain.

These side effects, however, are believed to subside within a few weeks of your treatment or when your body adjusts to this antidepressant (1,2,3). 

So, if you experience changes in weight while using this medication, talk to your doctor. You should not stop or switch medications on your own, as you may experience even worse withdrawal symptoms.

What are the possible withdrawal symptoms of Nortriptyline?

Discontinuation of this medication is something that needs to be planned, as Nortriptyline can cause withdrawal symptoms such as (1):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness

The best way to stop an antidepressant is to gradually taper it off. The time taken to discontinue the medication depends on your overall treatment duration (1). 

So, if Nortriptyline needs to be discontinued, your doctor will suggest an appropriate taper schedule for you to ensure a safe withdrawal. 

Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when your dose of Nortriptyline is decreased.

What are the adverse effects associated with Nortriptyline?

Nortriptyline may cause other side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms persistently or if they are bothersome, it is important to inform your doctor (1,4):

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Weakness or tiredness
• Excitement or anxiety
• Nightmares
• Dry mouth
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Changes in sex drive or ability
• Excessive sweating

Certain side effects can have serious implications. If you encounter any of the subsequent symptoms, it is crucial to promptly contact your doctor:

• Jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• Slow or difficult speech
• Shuffling walk
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rash
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Irregular heartbeat

There are potential additional side effects associated with Nortriptyline. If you encounter any uncommon issues while taking this medication, it is advisable to contact your doctor. Do not stop Nortriptyline abruptly, If it’s not the right choice of medication for you, your doctor will safely taper it off.

Conclusion:
In this brief article, we discussed whether Nortriptyline may cause weight changes, what the studies say about it, and how it happens. We also explored what to do if you experience weight changes as a result of taking Nortriptyline. Additionally, we briefly mentioned the possibility of withdrawal symptoms and side effects associated with this medication.

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