Amitriptyline
Amitryptyline is a drug of the tricyclic antidepressant group, with a wide range of applications beyond mental health, especially in pain management. Like other drugs of the group, it inhibits the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase, which metabolizes norepinephrine and serotonin postsynaptic neurons, thus raising their concentration and effect in the synapse.
While its effects vary with individuals, it tends to be relatively more sedating and have more anticholinergic side effects than other tricyclics. Its sedating property may be exploited in the treatment of insomnia.
==Depression
When prescribed for depression, it may take three weeks or more to be effective, and the dose may have to be raised slowly to manage side effects. For depression, the typical daily dose is 75-300 mg.
Pain management
In the treatment of chronic pain smaller doses can be used then when treating depression. Amitriptyline usually acts more quickly.
Chronic pain
Headache prevention
A systematic review concluded that it is not clear whether any medications taken daily can prevent tension headaches.[1] However, several randomized controlled trials of antidepressant agents included in the systematic review were positive.
Side effects and toxicity
References
- ↑ Verhagen AP, Damen L, Berger MY, Passchier J, Koes BW (2010). "Lack of benefit for prophylactic drugs of tension-type headache in adults: a systematic review.". Fam Pract 27 (2): 151-65. DOI:10.1093/fampra/cmp089. PMID 20028727. Research Blogging.