What is it...really

[nanaonwheels]

I recently visited a NEW neurologist. She asked 4000 questions and gave me a Rx for Elivil.
She said it would help the burning ,stabbing twitching hot pain in my shoulder.
I took 1 at bedtime for 4 days then 2 for 4 nights and then to 3 at bedtime.
It does almost erase the pain.
???HERE is the big question???
When I researched the med before taking it ( just something I have to do)
I found this is a anti-depressent.
So is this from pain or from imaginary pain??
Is anyone else on an antidepressent  for pain?? and how is it working for you???

[robin1663]

Thanks! Starting to research this. Neurologist prescribed for my 77-year-old mother. Not good, I  think. God bless her, she stopped taking it bec. it was making her dizzy. Prescribed 25 mgs then since she was dizzy doctor cut it to 10mg. Mom stopped taking. We've made an appt with a bigger, better (I think) neurology center.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Nanaonwheels,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. Your fear is heard and understood. I thought the same when a neurologist first prescribed Amitriptyline for me some years ago. Unfortunately for me it was not effective. They were "guessing" and my pain was not neuropathic. But I did think, "Oh goodness. They think it's all in my head."

Elavil, generic name Amitriptyline, is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is often prescribed "off label" for chronic pain. Off label roughly means that it was tested and manufactured for one purpose but found to be effective for another purpose. It certainly does not mean that your pain is "in you head." In all actuality it means that your pain in all probability is neuropathic.

It is not yet fully understood why certain tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil (Amitriptyline) relieve pain, but there are several working theories. It is the most common one to be prescribed to reduce chronic pain and it is currently the one under the most research as to why it works on neuropathic pain. Elavil (Amitriptyline)
seems to work most effectively for burning or searing forms of pain better know as nerve pain, such as diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia or CVA's (strokes).  

The theories are a bit complicated but have to due with monoamine neurotransmitters present in biological pain pathways. The most popular theory by scientists is that  most tricyclic antidepressant may work by inhibiting the re-uptake of the monoamine neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin by nerve cells.

This is not a new pain treatment. Amitriptyline has been prescribed for years to relieve pain that is suspected to have a neuropathic component. I too am glad that it is working for you. Your pain is not imagined.

I wish you continued pain releif. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We all learn form one another.

Take Care,
Tuck

[troubleinohio]

i was once given that same med early in my treatment because i had both chronic pain and depression causing insomnia. They also told me i had fibromyalgia at that time (which i dont believe i have, it was a misdiagnosis). ANyways, it did not do anything for me but make me sleepy, but yes, it does help a lot of people. Its one of the older AD's. And no i dont think your pain is in your head!! It could be that the medicine is making you sleep longer and sounder which may be allowing your body to heal itself more efficiently, relax muscles longer, etc therefore relieving your pain. Im glad you found something that helps.