Alpha Lipoic Acid Plus Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Vestibulodynia Associated With Painful Bladder Syndrome.
This study assessed the effectiveness of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) plus omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in combination with amitriptyline therapy in patients with vestibulodynia/painful bladder syndrome (VBD/PBS).



Women with VBD/PBS were randomly assigned to receive amitriptyline or amitriptyline plus a commercially available preparation (ALAnerv Age; Alfa Wassermann, Bologna, Italy) containing, in 2 capsules, ALA 600 mg plus docosahexaenoic acid 250 mg and eicosapentaenoic acid 16.67 mg. Symptoms of burning and pain were assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale and the short form of the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire.



Among 84 women who were randomized, the mean ± standard deviation dose of amitriptyline was 21.7 ± 6.6 mg/day, without statistical difference between the two groups. Pain, as assessed using both the pain rating index of the visual analog scale and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, decreased significantly in both trial groups, with a greater effect seen with the addition of ALA and n-3 PUFAs. The addition of ALA/n-3 PUFAs to amitriptyline treatment was also associated with improvements in dyspareunia and pelvic floor muscle tone. The overall incidence of adverse events was low, and none led to treatment discontinuation.



The addition of ALA/n-3 PUFAs to amitriptyline treatment in patients with VBD/PBS appears to improve outcomes and may allow for a lower dosage of amitriptyline, which may lead to fewer adverse effects.
Lower Genital Tract Disease Unit, V. Buzzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: filippomurina577@gmail.com.
Filippo
F
Murina
Center of Gynecology and Medical Sexology, H. San Raffaele Resnati, Milan, Italy.
Alessandra
A
Graziottin
Lower Genital Tract Disease Unit, V. Buzzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Raffaele
R
Felice
Center of Gynecology and Medical Sexology, H. San Raffaele Resnati, Milan, Italy.
Dania
D
Gambini
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D056650:Vulvodynia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000975:Antioxidants; D000639:Amitriptyline; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D008063:Thioctic Acid; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid; amitriptyline; interstitial cystitis; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; painful bladder syndrome; vulvodynia