Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline

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Amitriptyline medication can be used to treat chronic pain conditions, especially that arising from damaged or sensitive nerves. It also helps to improve the sleep.

It is an anti-depressant, though in smaller doses it helps nerve type of pain. You are not prescribed this tablet for depression. It belongs to tricyclic group of medications.

Usually, we start at a dose of 10 mg at night time. The dose can be slowly and gradually increased if there are no side-effects. If you have side effects, you should reduce the dose that suits you. With time, usually, the side effects will settle.

You need to take the medicine every night regularly. It can take few days to weeks to note any difference. The evidence suggests that it does not work if taken irregularly!

Side-effects: Sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, weight gain, constipation, rarely difficult passing urine.

Not to be used: if you have heart condition with abnormal rhythm or uncontrolled heart failure.

Evidence based Faculty of Pain Medicine leaflet available at Amitripytline

More details at Amitriptyline (read Disclaimer first please)

Dr Thanthullu Vasu MBBS MD DNB FRCA Dip Pain Mgt FFPMRCA FIPP