Protriptyline??
Hi there,
I am thinking of asking my neurologist about trying protriptyline. This is because ?I have been using amitriptyline successfully to treat chronic migraine for the past 6 months or so.It helped me sleep better and improved my moods. My only issue with it-- which my mow FORMER neurologist never warned me about, was the TREMENDOUS CRAVING FOR SWEETS AND MASSIVE WEIGHT GAIN. At first I didn't even notice. But when I started substituting healthy meals for cake and pasties, I decided to google amitriptyline and sugar cravings-- only to discover that it is a well known side effect of this medication. I've gained almost 40 pounds and they just keep on coming. My metabolism has changed-- I wake up starving in the middle of the night if I don't OVER eat. It's horrible!! So I'm hoping that since protriptyline tends to help people LOSE weight, helps with mood and chronic migraine, that it will be a good substitution for me. I've tried Topamax ( made me STOOOOOPID!!!) and I am currently taking 240mg of Propanolol daily. I have to take propanolol plus one more preventative for things to be under control, but they are. I just don't want to risk diabetes, heart disease due to weight gain. I've already noticed an unhealthy increase in my BP.
Please share your experiences! Thank you!
Hi mermadelove,
I'm sorry you are going through this. I understand completely because amitriptyline was the first medication I tried for migraine prevention and had similar issues. Our treatment becomes tricky when medications work, but create unwanted side effects. Try not to lose hope, there are over 100 medications that can be used for migraine prevention. Take a look at this article when you get a chance about migraine prevention; https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-management-essential-4-preventive-treatment/.
A few years ago, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society released guidelines for treating migraine. This article has information on how effective these medications are considered; https://migraine.com/blog/new-migraine-prevention-recommendations-from-the-american-academy-of-neurology/.
I hope this is helpful,
Nancy
