How long does amitriptyline take to work for nerve pain?

Belonging to a category of medication called "tricyclic antidepressants", Amitriptyline can be used to low moods and depression. However, it is rarely used for this and is mainly used for treating neuropathic pain. This type of pain related to your nervous system, usually experienced as a shooting or burning sensation which is often followed by numbness. Unfortunately, sufferers discover that there is no cure and find the severe condition excruciating. Because of this, any medication to help manage the pain is often welcomed.

Who can take Amitriptyline?

Most adults can take Amitriptyline and so can young people age 16 and 17 for either depression or a low mood. However, there are some situations that would require you to speak to a doctor before taking it. You must check with your doctor before taking Amitriptyline if you:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Amitriptyline in the past.

• If you have a heart condition, as Amitriptyline can make some heart problems worse.

• If you have porphyria (a rare hereditary disease in which the blood pigment haemoglobin is abnormally metabolized).

• If you have liver or kidney problems.

• If you have epilepsy, as Amitriptyline can increase seizures.

• If you have taken other medicines for depression, as they may interfere with Amitriptyline.

• If you are pregnant, wish to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

• If you have Glaucoma, as Amitriptyline can increase the pressure in your eye.

• If you have had thoughts about ending your life.

How long should I take Amitriptyline?

If you have been taking Amitriptyline and have been feeling better for more than six months, your doctor may suggest coming off this medication. While not addictive, Amitriptyline can cause side effects if discontinued rapidly. Some of the reactions you could experience when going "cold turkey" are dizziness, feeling sick, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious or anxious, headaches and shaking. For this reason, your doctor will slowly reduce your prescribed dose over time.

How long does it take for Amitriptyline to treat pain?

Unlike traditional pain relief medication where the pain relief can begin within a half hour to 60 minutes, Amitriptyline can take much longer to be effective, up to weeks. According to the NHS, "You may notice a difference after a week or two but it can take 6 weeks for Amitriptyline to work as a painkiller." If you need emergency pain relief, this is not the medication for you.

Sources

• Manage Your Pain - Amitriptyline Information Leaflet

• NHS - Amitriptyline for Pain

• Netdoctor - Amitriptyline: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More