Amitriptyline is a medication classified as a tricyclic antidepressant, known for its efficacy in treating mood disorders. However, Amitriptyline also serves a valuable purpose in managing nerve pain, a condition marked by intense sensations like sharpness, burning, or shooting pains.
The timeline for experiencing pain relief when using Amitriptyline for nerve pain can vary among individuals and depends on several factors.
Short-term Effects in the First Few Days to Weeks:
In some cases, individuals may begin to notice initial improvements in nerve pain within the first few days to weeks of starting Amitriptyline. These early effects can include reduced pain intensity and increased comfort.
Gradual Improvement Over Several Weeks to Months:
For many people, the full benefits of Amitriptyline in managing nerve pain become more pronounced after 6 weeks. It is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed even if immediate relief is not experienced, as its effectiveness may increase with time.
Achieving Optimal Pain Control:
The timeline for achieving optimal pain control can vary based on factors like the dosage, the severity of the nerve pain condition, and individual response.
Your GP may adjust the dosage during this period to strike the right balance between pain relief and managing potential side effects.
Common Side Effects - more than 1 in 100 people
If you have been prescribed amitriptyline to manage your pain, then your dosage will be at a lower level than if it was used for treating depression. With this lower dosage, side effects should also be more mild and last just a few days.
These include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness and Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Difficulty urinating
If you are experiencing one of these side effects, and it does not go away, please consult with your GP or pharmacist for further medical guidance.
For details on the potential serious side effects of amitriptyline, please visit the official NHS website.
Order Your Prescription Online with Healthera
If you’ve been prescribed amitriptyline to help with your nerve pain, you can place your order online from your local pharmacy with Healthera.
It only takes a few minutes to set up your prescription for collection or home delivery.
To get started, simply click the button below:
