Medications That Could Be Contributing to Your Weight Gain

27. Pain Management with Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

While TCAs like amitriptyline are often mentioned for depression, they are also a frontline treatment for chronic pain conditions like nerve pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia. However, this dual purpose comes with a side effect that can feel especially frustrating: significant weight gain. TCAs can cause increased appetite and cravings for carbs by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They also have anticholinergic effects that can slow down metabolism and digestion. For people already struggling with the fatigue and limited mobility that often accompany chronic pain, the medication's metabolic effects can create a difficult cycle. If you're using a TCA for pain and notice your weight creeping up, discuss a lower dose, a different medication class (like an SNRI), or incorporating a mindful, anti-inflammatory diet with your doctor to manage pain and weight simultaneously.

28. Non-Opioid Pain Relievers: A Hidden Culprit

For those managing chronic pain, non-opioid pain relievers are a safer, more sustainable option. However, even these can affect weight in subtle ways. Consider Cymbalta (duloxetine), an SNRI that's also prescribed for nerve pain and fibromyalgia. While some SNRIs can cause weight loss, others, like duloxetine, can lead to weight gain by increasing appetite and normalizing mood, which for some means a return to more regular eating patterns. Additionally, some non-opioid medications may cause fluid retention or fatigue, which indirectly contribute to weight changes. If your pain relief comes with extra pounds, focus on nutrient-dense foods, stay active in ways that don't aggravate your pain, and talk to your doctor about alternative pain management therapies like physical therapy or acupuncture.