Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Effective Is Amitriptyline for Pain?

Valerie Goldberg
Valerie Goldberg

Amitriptyline is a prescription antidepressant medication, though it also is common for doctors to prescribe amitriptyline for pain. This medication works well for treating nerve pain, because tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline have nerve-pain-blocking qualities that can stop a person from experiencing stabbing or burning pain in different parts of the body. Using amitriptyline is ideal for some chronic pain patients, because the medication is not addictive the way narcotic pain killers are.

A doctor may prescribe amitriptyline for pain in patients with conditions such as interstitial cystitis, chronic back or neck pain, fibromyalgia and vulvodynia. Taking this medication in any range from 10 mg to 100 mg a day may help many patients with these conditions find some type of relief. Many medical professionals will start patients out on a very low dosage of amitriptyline and gradually increase the dosage every week or two until an effective dosage is determined. The recommended dosage of amitriptyline for pain is much lower than the dosage used to treat depression.

Amitriptyline is most commonly used to treat depression, but might be effective as a pain reliever for some people.
Amitriptyline is most commonly used to treat depression, but might be effective as a pain reliever for some people.

Taking amitriptyline is not a quick fix. Patients may need to stay on the medication for weeks or months to feel its full effects. If a patient decides he is unhappy taking amitriptyline, he should contact a doctor and ask to be weaned off. Stopping amitriptyline abruptly is not recommended.

The drug amitriptyline can work well for treating nerve pain in many patients, but the medication also can bring about some side effects that may make some patients frustrated with the treatment. One very common side effect is drowsiness. The best way for patients to deal with this side effect is to take amitriptyline at bed time and be sure to get a full night of sleep. Another unfortunate side effect of this medication is weight gain. Some patients even report having increased cravings for sugar and sweets as a result of taking this drug.

Amitriptyline might be prescribed for someone experiencing chronic back pain.
Amitriptyline might be prescribed for someone experiencing chronic back pain.

Constipation also may be common when taking amitriptyline for pain. Patients experiencing this issue should speak to their doctors about laxatives, stool softeners and dietary changes that may improve the situation. Many patients also deal with dry mouth when on amitriptyline. It is important for people taking this drug to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

While amitriptyline can be effective as a pain reliever, it also carries possible side effects, including drowsiness.
While amitriptyline can be effective as a pain reliever, it also carries possible side effects, including drowsiness.

Patients can use amitriptyline for pain as a solo treatment or in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy and other medications. If a person is struggling with his pain level, then he should talk to his doctor about altering the treatment plan. Amitriptyline is an older medication and is usually much more affordable than some newer antidepressant drugs. This can be beneficial for patients who do not have health insurance or are on a fixed income.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

@fBoyle-- I agree with you that amitriptyline has side effects that can be difficult to deal with. It gives me chronic dry mouth, drowsiness for half of the day and a raging appetite.

With every medication, it's a matter of advantages and disadvantages. All medications have side effects. A doctor will advise his patient a medication if he feels that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The same applies to amitriptyline.

I have severe chronic pain that prevents me from doing everything. So I prefer having my life back with the help of amitriptyline at the price of a few side effects. It's a personal choice and everyone needs to decide for themselves.

fBoyle

I don't know people take this drug. It is helpful for pain, but it's definitely not the best. Plus, it has too many side effects. I couldn't tolerate amitriptyline after a week.

serenesurface

Amitriptyline is great for pain. I started taking it several months ago. My doctor felt that this was the best option for my chronic neck pain. I take a very low dose, just 25mg and it has done wonders for my pain. It's almost entirely gone. I suspect I will be free of pain after another few months.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Amitriptyline is most commonly used to treat depression, but might be effective as a pain reliever for some people.
      By: ivolodina
      Amitriptyline is most commonly used to treat depression, but might be effective as a pain reliever for some people.
    • Amitriptyline might be prescribed for someone experiencing chronic back pain.
      By: Maridav
      Amitriptyline might be prescribed for someone experiencing chronic back pain.
    • While amitriptyline can be effective as a pain reliever, it also carries possible side effects, including drowsiness.
      By: Alliance
      While amitriptyline can be effective as a pain reliever, it also carries possible side effects, including drowsiness.
    • Amitriptyline may be used to treat chronic neck pain.
      By: nebari
      Amitriptyline may be used to treat chronic neck pain.
    • An antidepressant, amitriptyline is also marketed and sold under the brand name Elavil.
      By: themalni
      An antidepressant, amitriptyline is also marketed and sold under the brand name Elavil.