The effect of amitriptyline on pain intensity and perception of stress in bruxers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this clinical pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, on pain-intensity level and level of stress in bruxers.


METHODS
In a randomized, double-blind, crossover experimental design, 10 subjects received active (amitriptyline 25 mg/night) and inactive (placebo 25 mg/night) medication, over a period of 4 weeks.


RESULTS
The administration of amitriptyline for 4 weeks did not significantly (p >.05) reduce pain intensity. However, it significantly (p <.05) reduced the level of stress perception.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this limited study do not support the administration of small doses of amitriptyline over a period of 4 weeks for the management of pain resulting from sleep bruxism. However, the results support the administration of small doses of amitriptyline for the management of the perception of stress levels associated with sleep bruxism.
Raigrodski
A J
AJ
Department of Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, 1100 Florida Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA. raiel@ix.netcom.com
Mohamed
S E
SE
Gardiner
D M
DM
D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology; D010919:Placebos; D020186:Sleep Bruxism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D010919:Placebos; D000639:Amitriptyline