Low dose amitriptyline in the treatment of chronic pain.
The analgesic efficacy of amitriptyline 25 mg was compared with placebo in 41 patients with chronic (more than 3 months) nonmalignant pain, using a double-blind randomised multiple-dose 3-week treatment period crossover design. Amitriptyline 25 mg provided significantly greater efficacy than placebo, with significant differences evident within the first week. There was no significant difference on mood scores between amitriptyline and placebo. The results suggest that surprisingly low doses of amitriptyline may be effective without substantial adverse effects, that the effect is evident early, and that the effect is distinguishable from any effect of the amitriptyline on mood.
McQuay
H J
HJ
Oxford Regional Pain Relief Unit, Churchill Hospital.
Carroll
D
D
Glynn
C J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000639:Amitriptyline