Amitriptyline treatment in chronic drug-induced headache: a double-blind comparative pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of amitriptyline and sudden analgesic withdrawal on headache frequency and quality of life in patients suffering from chronic daily headache related to analgesics abuse.


METHODS
Seventeen nondepressed patients with chronic drug-induced headache were included in a 9-week, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After abrupt analgesic withdrawal, amitriptyline or an active placebo (trihexyphenidyl) was started. The primary efficacy variable was headache frequency recorded on a headache diary in the last 4 weeks of each treatment. The secondary efficacy variable was quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile).


RESULTS
Headache frequency decreased by 45% in the amitriptyline group and by 28% in the trihexyphenidyl group. Amitriptyline enhanced all the dimensions of quality of life and significantly improved emotional reaction and social isolation.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests a beneficial effect of amitriptyline on headache frequency and quality of life for patients with chronic drug-induced headache.
Descombes
S
S
Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Hôpital Purpan, Purpan Cedex, France.
Brefel-Courbon
C
C
Thalamas
C
C
Albucher
J F
JF
Rascol
O
O
Montastruc
J L
JL
Senard
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000700:Analgesics; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000639:Amitriptyline