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does Amitryptoline help with the pain of fibromyalgia?
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Fibromyalgia is a prevalent condition that affects many people in the United States. Approximately 3.7 million Americans have Fibromyalgia. That is 1 in every 73 people.
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Amitriptyline is often used
Amitriptyline is often used as an adjuvant for treating chronic pain. It may be used in patients with frequent migraines, shingles, conditions which cause nerve pain and other chronic pain conditions. It is generally given in smaller doses to treat pain than when it is used to treat depression.
Because amitriptyline is an antidepressant, you need to take it regularly for several weeks before you will notice a real difference in levels of pain. It can cause drowsiness, so many people take it at night. Of course, if you are having trouble sleeping, you may welcome this side effect (and it may be prescribed to help with sleeping difficulties). It can also cause dry mouth, which can be countered by sucking on hard candies and drinking plenty of fluids. Some people experience a little dizziness during the first few weeks of therapy. It is helpful if you can begin therapy with a few days off, so that you can better gauge how this drug will affect you.
People with heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems, glaucoma and hyperthyroidism may not be good candidates for this drug. Amitriptyline is one of many drugs used to treat fibromyalgia, and may improve sleep patterns as well as improving symptoms of pain. Unlike opioids, amitriptyline is not addictive.
Jennifer Bunn, RN