How effective is amitriptyline for neuropathy?
amitriptylin is an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy, especially diabetic and poststerpetic neuropathy. The most common treatment is to prescribe tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), such as amitriptyline for neuropathy, since it has been shown to be effective in pain relief in at least 75% of treated patients in several studies. Although amitriptylin is considered TCA, it is prescribed for many other conditions except depression, including relief of chronic pain due to its analgesic effects. Many diseases and conditions can cause neuropathy, including diabetes, shingles and medicinal cancer therapy. Other causes of neuropathy include autoimmune diseases, deficiencies of vitamin and syndrome obtained by immune deficiency (AIDS). Since some types of neuropathic pain do not indicate real tissue damage, only non -functional nerves, the main concern of the physician is the treatment of and the patient's pain. This can be achieved using antidepressants, opiates or anticonvulsive drugs. Simply put, amitriptylin causes a certain "to feelwell ”neurotransmitters in the brain will cease to be reabsorbed by cells. This causes neurotransmitter blood levels to remain higher than they could otherwise, resulting in an increase in mood and stop pain.
Some patients have problems with side effects in the use of amitriptylin for neuropathy. Several of the most common side effects include extreme drowsiness, dry mouth and weight gain. Although some side effects, such as drowsiness, have disappeared over time, increased weight and continued problems with concentration or memory sometimes cause patients to stop taking amitriptyline for neuropathy. In cases where side effects are too severe, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) may be replaced by the doctor. SSRIS and other medicines can help relieve pain but may not be as effective as amitriptyline for neuropathy, iwhen their side effects can be better tolerated.
other TCA and amitriptylin work for neuropathy, but have similar side effects because they use similar mechanisms to relieve pain. Some side effects of amitriptyline may be beneficial for the patient, especially if they suffer from insomnia, anxiety or headaches. This drug is an effective treatment of all these conditions.
Some doctors may increase the efficacy of amitriptylin by prescribing additional therapies such as the stimulation of transcutaneous electric nerve (TENS), biofeedback and acupuncture. Although most complementary therapies have not been studied specifically for the relief of neuropathy, dozens have been shown in one study that helps relieve neuropathic pain in up to 80% of patients. When used in conjunction with amitriptyline, the percentage jumps slightly to 85%.