Amitriptyline

Generic Name: 
Tricyclic
Alternate Name: 
Elavil, Endep
Definition: 

The main classes of antidepressants used for treating fibromyalgia are tricyclics, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

One popular tricyclic for Fibromyalgia is amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), which produces modest benefits with pain, but can lose effectiveness over time.

Users affected by Fibromyalgia report amitriptyline is most useful for insomnia, but only provides modest benefits with regards to pain.

Typically, only small amounts of tricyclic antidepressants are required to relieve fibromyalgia. Although tricyclics have several side effects, these side effects may be less frequent in fibromyalgia patients than in those taking tricyclics for depression. Side effects most often reported include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Heart rhythm disturbances
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight gain
Term Type: 
Medical